Aaron explains why he selected the reference image, what you will learn in this course and what materials you will want to use.
Charcoal Drawing with Aaron Blaise
Master dramatic value, texture, and atmosphere through charcoal drawing.
Join Aaron Blaise for an in-depth course exploring charcoal drawing techniques.
You’ll learn how to use light, shadow, edges, texture, and gesture to create expressive drawings filled with depth, energy, and mood.
Value + Light
Traditional Media
With Aaron Blaise
What You’ll Learn
Explore charcoal techniques including blending, texture, edge control, value grouping, and expressive mark-making.
Light & Shadow
Learn how contrast, atmosphere, and shadow design can create depth, drama, and stronger visual storytelling in your drawings.
Traditional Drawing Techniques
Follow Aaron through demonstrations and studies focused on gesture, structure, rendering, and observational drawing skills.
Meet Aaron Blaise
Learn from the Oscar-nominated director of Brother Bear and veteran Disney animator known for his expressive drawing and wildlife art.
Lessons
02 Charcoal Lesson: Rough Drawing
Start with a guide reference to get proportions correct for your sketch.
03 Charcoal Lesson: Refined Drawing
Clean your rough drawing up and refining the image.
04 Charcoal Lesson: Using the Eraser
Pull out the highlights using the kneaded eraser.
05 Charcoal Lesson: Adding Darks
Add rich darks and shadows in your illustration.
06 Charcoal Lesson: Adding Lights
Give vibrant lights and highlights to finish up your charcoal drawing.