Last Thursday our art enthusiasts gathered to try out drawing with charcoal, a new drawing medium for all students in attendance.
What is charcoal?
Charcoal, when used for drawing, is made from branches of the willow tree or sections of grape vine. The raw material is burnt until all oxygen is removed, and it turns pitch black. For our drawing class, students used willow charcoal sticks.
How long has charcoal been used as a material for drawing?
Charcoal was used by ancient cultures for cave drawings found all over the world including those found in Australia. It was also a popular drawing material during the Renaissance for preparatory purposes.
It is important to fix charcoal, like other drawing mediums, in place to preserve its integrity. Our Campus and Academic Manager Lisa studied Fashion and Textile Design at university, and she shared her insider-trick for fixing artwork on a budget – hairspray!
Everyone was really impressed with the results, as were the passing classmates and teachers who stopped-in to see the masterpieces.
Learn English in Byron Bay. Lexis English students study General English, IELTS, FCE, CAE, and English plus Surfing in a friendly and professional school right in the heart of Byron Bay and only 15 minutes from the beach.