This week, I've been working on a cute and creepy Halloween illustration.
Here's my initial sketch:
Here's my ever-increasing selection of charcoal pencils, which I used on this piece:
Charcoal is a super versatile medium, which is responsive to the slightest change in the amount of pressure you apply.
Fine sticks of willow charcoal can produce a delicate effect and crisp lines, while thick compressed sticks of charcoal can help you to build up denser coverage and richer tone.
The only real downside to using charcoal is that, if you make a mistake, it can be really difficult to completely erase your mark. When you do try to erase it, you're often left with feint "ghost lines". But, personally, I think these become an interesting feature of the drawing.
Anyway, here's the finished illustration:
If you like this drawing, you can head on over to my shop, where it's available on a range of Halloween apparel and merch.
As always, thanks for checking out my little blog and illustrations.
Victoria x
Victoria Hall is an English-born writer and illustrator with a passion for anything gothic, eccentric or quirky. She is the creator of three picture books for children, Penny Prickles at Coogee Beach, Eggy Peggy Has Lost Her Leggy and The Fairy Beasts. For more info on Victoria, check out her bio here.
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