{"id":33456,"date":"2019-12-19T17:18:45","date_gmt":"2019-12-19T17:18:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/?page_id=33456"},"modified":"2026-04-07T13:28:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T13:28:25","slug":"rhino-with-graphite-and-white-charcoal","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/rhino-with-graphite-and-white-charcoal","title":{"rendered":"Rhino with Graphite and White Charcoal"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"coursetitlecontainer\">\n<div class=\"coursetitle\">\n<h1>Rhino with Graphite and White 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>Intermediate<\/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\/647780533?h=b6abc4d73d\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" 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-rhino\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sidebuttons\">BUY CLASS $67<\/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>10 Hours of Instruction<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"fas fa-film\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>10 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<p> <input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-1\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-1\" class=\"label\">Lessons <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:2px;\"><\/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: (1:05:01)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 2: (1:08:12)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 3: (1:17:13)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 4: (1:11:42)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 5: (1:09:16)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 6: (1:09:33)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 7: (1:14:16)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 8: (1:09:27)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 9: (1:16:35)<\/a>\n<\/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:2px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>About This Lesson Series...<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe <em>Rhino with Graphite and White Charcoal<\/em> lesson series is a richly detailed, step-by-step exploration of drawing a rhinoceros using a combination of graphite pencils and white charcoal on gray paper. This series guides artists through the full process of creating a highly realistic and expressive animal portrait, emphasizing careful observation, accurate value relationships, and thoughtful mark-making. By working on toned paper and using both dark and light drawing media, students learn how to portray form, depth, texture, and volume with confidence.\n<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/rhino-drawing-finished.jpg\" alt=\"realistic drawing of a rhinoceros\"><\/p>\n<h2>Observational Foundation<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe series begins by emphasizing observation as the cornerstone of realistic drawing. You are encouraged to look beyond outlines and focus on how light interacts with the rhino\u2019s surfaces \u2014 how highlights wrap around contours, how shadows define planes, and how subtle transitions connect form to environment. This careful study prepares you to interpret visual information rather than rely on guesswork, giving you a strong foundation for the technical work that follows.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Setting Up the Composition<\/h2>\n<p>\nOnce observation has been cultivated, the process begins with setting up the composition on gray toned paper. Students start with a light graphite sketch that establishes the overall proportions and posture of the rhinoceros. The instructor demonstrates how to accurately place major forms \u2014 the head, shoulders, horn, and body \u2014 while maintaining dynamic balance throughout the composition. This careful planning ensures that the drawing feels grounded and structurally sound before deeper value work begins.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Building Dark Values with Graphite<\/h2>\n<p>\nWith the preliminary sketch in place, the lesson series transitions into value development using graphite pencils. Here, students explore how to build rich dark values while maintaining smooth transitions. Graphite grades are chosen strategically to define deep shadows, midtones, and contour accents. You\u2019ll learn how to vary pressure and layering to suggest mass and texture, giving the rhino a convincing three-dimensional form. This phase teaches you not just to darken areas but to understand how value shapes create the illusion of depth.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Introducing White Charcoal for Highlights<\/h2>\n<p>\nA distinctive feature of this series is the introduction of white charcoal to establish highlights and refine form. Working on gray paper allows white charcoal to stand out with luminosity while reinforcing volume and contrast. The instructor demonstrates how to use white charcoal to emphasize light hitting the rhino\u2019s horn, forehead, ears, and other textured surfaces. These bright values help the drawing feel alive, giving emphasis to key areas while enhancing the overall structure.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Developing Texture and Detail<\/h2>\n<p>\nAs the drawing progresses, attention turns to developing fine texture and realistic detail. Students learn how to suggest the unique hide of the rhinoceros \u2014 rough, folded, and full of subtle variations \u2014 by combining layered graphite with strategic white charcoal highlights. Techniques such as varied line direction, controlled smudging, and careful edge management help convey the tactile quality of the rhino\u2019s skin without overwriting or losing clarity.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Final Refinement and Harmony<\/h2>\n<p>\nIn the final stages, the focus is on harmonizing values, strengthening contrast where needed, and refining edges for maximum impact. The instructor shows how to unify the drawing as a whole, ensuring that highlights, shadows, and midtones work together to create a cohesive and polished piece. By the end of the series, you will have completed a powerful and expressive rhinoceros drawing while mastering techniques that can be applied to other subjects and mediums.\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:2px;\"><\/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>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>Graphite pencils (H, HB, 2B, 4B)<\/li>\n<li>Toned gray drawing paper<\/li>\n<li>White charcoal pencil<\/li>\n<li>Kneaded eraser<\/li>\n<li>Blending stumps<\/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\/pencil-drawing-the-guide-to-graphite\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>The Guide to Graphite<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Pencil-Drawing-The-Guide-To-Graphite-Course.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/realistic-pencil-drawing\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Realistic Pencil Drawing<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Realistic-Pencil-Drawing-Course.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/mastering-metal-with-graphite-and-white-charcoal\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Mastering Metal<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Mastering-Metal-Graphite-White-Charcoal.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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This series guides artists through the full process of creating [&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-33456","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33456","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=33456"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33456\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46496,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33456\/revisions\/46496"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33456"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33456"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}