{"id":31687,"date":"2019-08-30T17:03:48","date_gmt":"2019-08-30T17:03:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/?page_id=31687"},"modified":"2026-04-07T13:31:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T13:31:35","slug":"ostrich-with-charcoal","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/ostrich-with-charcoal","title":{"rendered":"Ostrich with Charcoal"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"coursetitlecontainer\">\n<div class=\"coursetitle\">\n<h1>Ostrich with Charcoal<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"coursetitledes\"><span>CLASS<\/span><i class=\"far fa-chart-bar\" style=\"margin-left:10px; margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Beginner<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"insertbackground\">\n<div class=\"removep\">\n<div class=\"videoflexwrapper\">\n<div class=\"videotop\">\n  <iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/363292850\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sidebartop\">\n<div class=\"vertalign\">\n<div class=\"logoimage\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/logosmall75.png\"><\/div>\n<p>\n    <div class=\"sidebarcarddescriptiondark\">\n<span>JOIN THE VIRTUAL INSTRUCTOR<\/span><br>\n    Get ALL of our courses, ebooks, live lessons, critiques, lesson plans and more today.\n<\/div>\n    <\/p>\n<div class=\"sidebarbuttonholder\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sidebuttonsmem\">START FREE TRIAL<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"margin-top:1em;\">or<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/register-ll-ostrich\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sidebuttons\">BUY CLASS $47<\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperkscontainer\">\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><span>This lesson series features:<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"far fa-clock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>4 Hours of Instruction<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"fas fa-film\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>4 Videos<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p>\n\n<div class=\"contentfix\">\n<div class=\"favorites\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tabs\">\n <input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-1\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-1\" class=\"label hidedesklive\">Lessons <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:10px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Lessons<\/h2>\n\n<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"curriculumcontainer\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 1: (1:14:23)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 2: (1:03:10)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 3: (18:26)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 4: (15:56)<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<p>  <input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-2\" checked=\"checked\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-2\" class=\"label\">About <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:10px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>About This Lesson Series...<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe <em>Ostrich with Charcoal<\/em> lesson series is a comprehensive and engaging study in realistic charcoal drawing that guides students through the creation of a striking portrait of an ostrich on gray toned paper. Using a combination of traditional charcoal and white charcoal, this series demonstrates how to capture the unique form, texture, and expressive character of this iconic bird. Across multiple lessons, you\u2019ll learn how to observe carefully, build values, and create contrast to achieve a drawing that feels both dynamic and lifelike.\n<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/ostrich-with-charcoal.jpg\" alt=\"Charcoal drawing of an ostrich\"><\/p>\n<h2>Observation and Seeing Light<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe series begins with an emphasis on seeing \u2014 not just copying \u2014 what you observe. Learning to interpret the way light falls across the ostrich\u2019s features and feathers is essential for a successful drawing. Students are encouraged to study values, forms, and the relationships between light, midtone, and shadow. This foundation in careful observation prepares you to build a drawing that feels grounded in reality rather than guessed or assumed.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Setting Up the Composition<\/h2>\n<p>\nOnce observation skills are underway, the next step is establishing the composition on gray toned paper. A light sketch using soft charcoal maps out the general shapes of the ostrich\u2019s head, neck, and body. Particular attention is paid to proportion and placement \u2014 ensuring that the long neck, inquisitive eyes, and unique beak are all positioned accurately before deeper value work begins. Thoughtful composition helps maintain balance and visual interest throughout the drawing process.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Building Dark Values with Charcoal<\/h2>\n<p>\nWith the basic outline in place, students move into building rich dark values using vine and compressed charcoal. This lesson focuses on establishing the darkest areas of the drawing \u2014 deep shadows beneath feathers, around the eye socket, and within the folds of skin and plumage. By layering charcoal in graduated values, you begin to convey the three-dimensional volume of the bird. The instructor also demonstrates how to vary pencil grades and pressure to achieve subtle yet convincing transitions between dark and midtone areas.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Introducing White Charcoal<\/h2>\n<p>\nA defining feature of this series is the use of white charcoal to develop highlights and refine form. Because the drawing surface is gray paper, white charcoal stands out with clarity and luminosity, allowing you to push light values without losing contrast. This technique helps bring forward key elements such as reflections in the eye, feather highlights, and textured areas of the beak. Learning how to balance dark and light values is central to achieving dimensionality in the finished drawing.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Developing Texture and Detail<\/h2>\n<p>\nAs the drawing progresses, attention turns toward capturing the textures that make the ostrich unique. You\u2019ll learn how to suggest soft feathers, rough skin, and subtle planes using varied charcoal techniques \u2014 from delicate strokes to expressive shading. The instructor demonstrates how to refine edges, control blending with stumps or brushes, and adjust value relationships so that the ostrich feels tactile and present on the paper.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Final Refinement and Cohesion<\/h2>\n<p>\nIn the final stages of the series, students focus on unifying values and refining details for maximum impact. Emphasis is given to balancing contrast, deepening shadows where needed, and sharpening highlights to draw the viewer\u2019s eye. By carefully evaluating the drawing as a whole, you\u2019ll make final adjustments that harmonize the composition and bring emotional life to the artwork. By the end of the <em>Ostrich with Charcoal<\/em> series, you\u2019ll have a fully resolved charcoal portrait and a deeper understanding of how to handle both black and white charcoal with confidence and expressive control.\n<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>  <input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-3\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-3\" class=\"label\">Resources <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:10px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Resources for this Lesson...<\/h2>\n\n<\/p>\n<h4>References<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Photo Reference<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Photo Reference with Grid<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Finished Result<\/a><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<p><input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-4\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-4\" class=\"label\">Materials <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:10px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Here's what you'll need...<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Canson Ingres Toned Paper<\/li>\n<li>Charcoal Pencils (White and Black)<\/li>\n<li>Compressed Charcoal (White and Black)<\/li>\n<li>Vine Charcoal<\/li>\n<li>Blending Tools<\/li>\n<li>Kneaded Eraser<\/li>\n<li>Ruler or Meter Stick<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sidebarbottom\">\n<div class=\"relatedcourse\">Your Instructor<\/div>\n<div class=\"instructor\">\n<div class=\"instructorimage\">\n<div class=\"instructorpic\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/images\/mattauthor.jpg\" alt=\"Matt Fussell - Instructor\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"instructorname\">Matt Fussell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"instructordes\">\n<p>Founder of The Virtual Instructor, artist and teacher. Matt makes learning art easy to understand and enjoyable.<\/p>\n<p><div style=\"padding-top:10px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/author\/admin\">Learn more about Matt<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relatedcoursescontainer\">\n<div class=\"relatedcourse\">Related Courses and Classes<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/the-charcoal-drawing-course\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>The Charcoal Drawing Course<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Charcoal-Drawing-Course.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/portrait-with-charcoal-old-man\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Portrait Drawing with Charcoal<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Portrait-Drawing-with-Charcoal-400.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/rhino-with-graphite-and-white-charcoal\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Rhino with Graphite and Charcoal<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/rhino-7-square.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><script>\nfunction myFunction(x) {\n  if (x.matches) { \/\/ If media query matches\n    radiobtn = 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Series&#8230; The Ostrich with Charcoal lesson series is a comprehensive and engaging study in realistic charcoal drawing that guides students through the creation of a striking portrait of an ostrich on gray toned paper. Using a combination of traditional charcoal and white charcoal, this series [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"paget-iframe.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31687","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31687","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31687"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31687\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46500,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31687\/revisions\/46500"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31687"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31687"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}