Nitram charcoal has been an invaluable aid in my artistic journey. I love the range of darkness, and how it is perfect for details as well as mass shapes. Nitram charcoal also helps me to developed my drawings patiently – layer by layer, while still looking fresh every time. This is why I used Nitram charcoal sticks and powder in my recent solo drawing exhibition. It allowed me to give full expression to what I felt and the visual poetry I wanted to convey.
Nitram is far and away better than any other charcoal that I’ve used, so much so that I wouldn’t consider using any other brand. I first started using Nitram while training at the Ateliers in Florence, and now it’s what my own students at The Glasgow Academy of Fine Art use in all their drawing projects. Unlike standard willow or vine charcoals, Nitram comes in three different grades of hardness, all of which can be sharpened to a fine point. These are both essential qualities if you want to work with precision and control, as the beginning stage of a drawing requires a very soft charcoal, which is easier to erase and lay in a heavy value, while the latter stages requires very delicate work to hatch in the more subtle value shifts, which is better served by a harder charcoal.
"I drew this portrait from life with Nitram Charcoal in three sessions. It was completed as part of my training at the Academy of Figurative Arts. Nitram Charcoal enables me to create artworks of excellent finish and quality. Its remarkable versatility and various hardnesses allows me to achieve precise results in capturing the finer details, enhancing mid-tones and maintaining compressed shadows."
Video courtesy of Krasimir S. Marinov and The Angel Academy of Art A BRIDGE BETWEEN MEDIUMS “Self-Portrait in Charcoal", 2024 by Krasimir S. Mar...
Video courtesy of Melisa Calabria INFINITE VERSATILITY “Maiden”, 26 x 36 cm, Nitram Charcoal on 300 g natural white grain satin WITH NITRAM CHAR...
Video courtesy of Kathryn Warden LINES, SHAPES & TEXTURES “Portrait of Hans”, size 25 x 29 cm, Nitram Charcoal on paper WITH NITRAM CHARCOAL...
Not all charcoal is alike and understanding the differences can make a big impact in the outcome of a drawing.
Video courtesy of Reut Dafna. PERCHANCE TO DREAM “Trampoline”, 2018, 150 cm x 170 cm, Charcoal on paper WITH NITRAM CHARCOAL "My son jumped...
Enjoy this charcoal portrait video tutorial. Video courtesy of Xavier Denia. ART ON YOUR TERMS ‘Borraz’ by Xavier Denia, size 50 x 70 cm, Nitr...
IN WONDERLAND ‘The Plague Doctor’ by Alexandrea Nicholas-Jennings, Size 16 x 17 inches, Nitram Charcoal on toned paper WITH NITRAM CHARCOAL Ca...
DRAWING FOR CREATIVE WORLD A preview of Zuzanna Salamon’s drawing to be exhibited at Creativeworld 2024 WITH NITRAM CHARCOAL "I love working w...
Nitram charcoal has been an invaluable aid in my artistic journey. I love the range of darkness, and how it is perfect for details as well as mass shapes. Nitram charcoal also helps me to developed my drawings patiently – layer by layer, while still looking fresh every time. This is why I used Nitram charcoal sticks and powder in my recent solo drawing exhibition. It allowed me to give full expression to what I felt and the visual poetry I wanted to convey.
Nitram is far and away better than any other charcoal that I’ve used, so much so that I wouldn’t consider using any other brand. I first started using Nitram while training at the Ateliers in Florence, and now it’s what my own students at The Glasgow Academy of Fine Art use in all their drawing projects. Unlike standard willow or vine charcoals, Nitram comes in three different grades of hardness, all of which can be sharpened to a fine point. These are both essential qualities if you want to work with precision and control, as the beginning stage of a drawing requires a very soft charcoal, which is easier to erase and lay in a heavy value, while the latter stages requires very delicate work to hatch in the more subtle value shifts, which is better served by a harder charcoal.
"I drew this portrait from life with Nitram Charcoal in three sessions. It was completed as part of my training at the Academy of Figurative Arts. Nitram Charcoal enables me to create artworks of excellent finish and quality. Its remarkable versatility and various hardnesses allows me to achieve precise results in capturing the finer details, enhancing mid-tones and maintaining compressed shadows."
Enjoy this video of Nic De Jesus's charcoal drawing “Strandfontein, West Coast, South Africa - I”. Video courtesy of Nic De Jesus Artist's Instag...
