Charcoal art lessons are offered in community colleges, private art schools and in undergraduate and graduate visual art programs in universities. Novice and recreational artists likely undertake training in the learning annex division of community colleges or private art schools. Artists in your area might also offer private art lessons in their studio or home. Ask at local galleries for a recommendation of a charcoal specializing artist that can give you appropriate guidance. Professional artists who are interested in advancing their charcoal skills can pursue private courses or receive training through their college or university in undergraduate or graduate art programs.
Working with charcoal is less expensive than working with oil on canvas. You need high quality paper, available in art supply shops, as well as the charcoal itself. There are varying brands and types of charcoal. There are also various kinds of charcoal including willow (also known as vine charcoal), wooden and compressed charcoal. These come in a variety of densities and sizes. Working with charcoal pieces, you do not need brushes. If you do not already have an easel, this is an investment that will benefit all of your artistic endeavors. Some charcoal artists prefer working at a flat, dry table to an easel, but this is a matter of personal preference.
After developing a knowledge base in charcoal work, artists who have knowledge in another medium and can add this element to their personal shows and art sales. Other opportunities for personal and professional advancement include art study tours. Art study tours are an intense learning experiences where art students and teachers travel through a particular area with lessons integrated through sightseeing and cultural activities.
Pursing charcoal studies gives you access to another medium that is a very flexible form of art. There are still-life charcoal courses, where participants sketch the human body. Landscape charcoal is another kind of course offered where students sketch inspiring scenes in the outdoors. There is also abstract art where students will sketch an image of their own. This item may or may not be found in nature. Abstract work is a very open form of expression.