{"id":38555,"date":"2022-06-04T13:55:12","date_gmt":"2022-06-04T13:55:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/?page_id=38555"},"modified":"2026-04-03T00:47:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T00:47:15","slug":"charcoal-drawing-course-basic-forms-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/charcoal-drawing-course-basic-forms-2","title":{"rendered":"Charcoal Drawing Course &#8211; Basic Forms"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"coursetitlecontainer\">\n<div class=\"coursetitle\">\n<h1><span>The Charcoal Drawing Course:<\/span> Basic Forms<\/h1>\n<\/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\/816293314?h=69a77c86c5\" 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<div class=\"sidebarcarddescriptiondark\"><span>JOIN THE VIRTUAL INSTRUCTOR<\/span><br \/>\n    Get ALL of our courses, ebooks, live lessons, critiques, lesson plans and more today.<\/div>\n<div class=\"sidebarbuttonholder\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sidebuttonsmem\">START FREE TRIAL<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<hr style=\"background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:1.5em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/register-charcoal-drawing-course\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sidebuttons\">BUY SINGLE COURSE $67<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/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 course features:<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"far fa-clock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Over 2.5 Hours of Instruction<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"fas fa-film\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>19 Videos<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"fas fa-book\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>5 eBooks<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"fas fa-shield-alt\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/i>30 Day Money Back Guarantee<\/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\">Lessons <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:2px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Course Curriculum<\/h2>\n\n<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"curriculumcontainer\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/charcoal-drawing-course-introduction-and-materials\/\" class=\"curriculum\"><strong>MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION AND MATERIALS<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/charcoal-drawing-course-basic-forms-2\/\" class=\"curriculum\"><strong>MODULE 2: BASIC FORMS<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\" onclick=\"PlayVid1()\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/I>Lesson 1: Value (6:08)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\" onclick=\"PlayVid2()\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 2: Contours and Mapping (8:26)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\" onclick=\"PlayVid3()\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 3: Refining (9:26)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\" onclick=\"PlayVid4()\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 4: Finishing Touches (7:35)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/charcoal-drawing-course-landscape\/\" class=\"curriculum\"><strong>MODULE 3: LANDSCAPE<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/charcoal-drawing-course-animal-portrait\/\" class=\"curriculum\"><strong>MODULE 4: ANIMAL PORTRAIT<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/charcoal-drawing-course-portrait\/\" class=\"curriculum\"><strong>MODULE 5: PORTRAIT<\/strong><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<p>  <input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-2\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-2\" class=\"label\">Description <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:3px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Lesson Description<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe <em>Charcoal Drawing Course: Basic Forms<\/em> lesson series is a core module in The Charcoal Drawing Course that teaches artists how to draw simple three-dimensional shapes from observation using charcoal. This foundational series focuses on understanding value, light, and form while working with vine (willow) charcoal and compressed charcoal pencils on charcoal paper. Through four structured lessons, students develop key charcoal techniques that strengthen their ability to render volume, depth, and tactile surfaces in a realistic drawing.\n<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/charcoal-forms-drawing-ebook.jpg\" alt=\"charcoal drawing of basic forms\"><\/p>\n<h2>Lesson 1: Value<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe series begins with an introductory lesson on value \u2014 the range of light and dark in a drawing \u2014 which is fundamental to creating the illusion of three-dimensional form. Students learn how value defines light, midtones, and shadows, and how these elements interact when a light source strikes basic forms such as spheres, cubes, and cylinders. Emphasis is placed on seeing and comparing values rather than merely drawing shapes, encouraging students to build a solid value structure before refining details.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Lesson 2: Contours and Mapping<\/h2>\n<p>\nIn the second lesson, students begin to establish accurate contours by using mapping techniques. This step helps ensure that the shapes and proportions of the forms are correctly placed within the picture plane. A light application of vine charcoal is used to sketch outlines and block in broad shadow areas. Mapping also supports later refinement by providing a visual framework that keeps the drawing cohesive as values and details develop.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Lesson 3: Refining<\/h2>\n<p>\nOnce the basic layout and initial values are in place, students progress to refining the drawing. This lesson demonstrates how to deepen shadows, smooth transitions between values, and clarify the structure of the forms using both vine and compressed charcoal. Tools such as blending stumps or tortillons help integrate charcoal for smooth gradients, while erasers are used to pull out highlights and correct value relationships. This stage reinforces how layering and blending contribute to a convincing sense of form.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Lesson 4: Finishing Touches<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe final lesson focuses on completing the drawing by enhancing contrast, sharpening edges, and attending to subtle value adjustments that unify the composition. Students learn how to bring balance and polish to their charcoal rendering by strengthening core shadows and highlights. The lesson also shows how thoughtful refinement brings three-dimensional accuracy to still life forms on paper.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Foundational Skills for All Charcoal Drawing<\/h2>\n<p>\nBy the end of the <em>Basic Forms<\/em> series, students have gained confidence in observing and translating light and form into charcoal. The techniques taught \u2014 from mapping contours and layering values to refining form and controlling contrast \u2014 establish a strong foundation for more complex subjects later in the course, including landscapes, portraits, and detailed observational drawings.\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\">Materials <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:2px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Lesson Materials<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Vine\/Willow Charcoal<\/li>\n<li>Compressed Charcoal Pencil<\/li>\n<li>Charcoal Paper<\/li>\n<li>Kneaded Eraser<\/li>\n<li>Vinyl Eraser<\/li>\n<li>Blending Stumps or Tortillions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>  <input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-4\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-4\" class=\"label\">Resources <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:2px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Lesson Resources<\/h2>\n<h4>References<\/h4>\n<p><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Photo Reference<\/p>\n<p><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Finished Drawing<\/p>\n<p><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Download eBook<\/p>\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\/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><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/figure-drawing-with-charcoal\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Charcoal Figure Drawing<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/charcoal-figure-drawing-lesson-series.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/ostrich-with-charcoal\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Ostrich with Charcoal<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/ostrich-with-charcoal-drawing-lesson-series-1.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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Description The Charcoal Drawing Course: Basic Forms lesson series is a core module in The Charcoal Drawing Course that teaches artists how to draw simple three-dimensional shapes from observation using charcoal. This foundational series focuses on understanding value, light, and form while working with [&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-38555","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/38555","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=38555"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/38555\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46132,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/38555\/revisions\/46132"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38555"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38555"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}