Today, I explored the depths of black and white through charcoal, creating a still-life drawing that reflects simplicity and form. This piece showcases a cylindrical object, accompanied by rectangular forms, playing with light and shadow in a soft, minimalist composition. The decision to use charcoal as my medium allowed me to emphasize contrasts, textures, and tonal variations, bringing the objects to life with just shades of gray.
As an artist, I am always drawn to the play of light and shadow, particularly how everyday objects transform when illuminated from different angles. For this drawing, I wanted to experiment with textures, particularly the smoothness of cylindrical objects against the flat planes of books. My goal was to capture not just the physical form of these items, but also the mood they evoke when seen in a quiet, contemplative setting.
This drawing was created using compressed charcoal on paper, a medium I appreciate for its ability to produce rich blacks and delicate grays. I started by blocking in the basic shapes of the objects, ensuring their proportions and perspective felt natural. From there, I layered different tones to build depth and volume, carefully blending with my fingers and a kneaded eraser to soften edges and create realistic transitions.
Highlights were added last to emphasize the reflective surfaces and to give the composition its dynamic quality. The darkest areas, such as the shadows cast by the cylindrical object, were deepened to anchor the composition and guide the viewer’s eye through the piece.
This artwork is more than just a study of objects; it represents a moment of quiet observation. The juxtaposition of the cylindrical and rectangular forms speaks to balance and harmony—how contrasting shapes can coexist beautifully. The chiaroscuro technique (light and shadow) lends an almost sculptural quality to the objects, inviting my hive viewer to reach out and “feel” their texture.
Working on this piece reminded me of the importance of patience and observation. Charcoal, as a medium, requires careful handling—it’s messy, unpredictable, yet rewarding. Every stroke adds a new layer to the story, and every blend creates a nuance that wasn’t there before. It’s a medium that mirrors life: messy but full of possibilities.
Art has a way of grounding us, helping us see the beauty in simplicity. This charcoal drawing was not only an exercise in technique but also a moment of mindfulness—a chance to focus on the present and appreciate the subtle details that often go unnoticed.
What do you think about this piece? I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback in the comments. For those who’ve worked with charcoal before, what has been your experience with this dynamic medium?