{"id":43312,"date":"2025-06-02T12:28:14","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T12:28:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/?page_id=43312"},"modified":"2026-04-03T14:22:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T14:22:38","slug":"portrait-with-charcoal-old-man","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/portrait-with-charcoal-old-man","title":{"rendered":"Portrait with Charcoal &#8211; Old Man"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"coursetitlecontainer\">\n<div class=\"coursetitle\">\n<h1>Portrait Drawing 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\/1101889289?h=d62ee60868\" 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:1.5em;\">or<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/register-ll-portrait-with-charcoal\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sidebuttons\">BUY CLASS $47<\/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 lesson series features:<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"far fa-clock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Over 5 Hours of Instruction<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"fas fa-film\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>5 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: (1:04:42)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 2: (1:16:02)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 3: (1:10:22)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 4: (1:14:49)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 5: (1:20:49)<\/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>In <strong>Portrait with Charcoal \u2013 Old Man<\/strong>, you\u2019ll undertake a deeply expressive charcoal drawing of an elderly gentleman smoking a pipe, guided through each stage in over 5 hours of instruction across five detailed video lessons.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Portrait-with-Charcoal-fin.jpg\" alt=\"Portrait drawing with charcoal\"><\/p>\n<h2>Working with Charcoal<\/h2>\n<p>The class begins in Lesson 1, where your instructor introduces all the materials and tools \u2014 from vine charcoal to white drawing paper \u2014 and leads you through a loose, gestural sketch that locates the major forms and proportions of the face.<\/p>\n<p>In Lesson 2, you refine those rough beginnings, defining the facial features more clearly and beginning to draw in the hand and pipe.<\/p>\n<h2>Pulling Out Details<\/h2>\n<p>By Lesson 3, you\u2019ll build further detail in the face and hair, transitioning to using compressed charcoal to begin introducing stronger values and deeper contrast.<\/p>\n<p>In Lesson 4, the focus shifts to the beard and deeper shadow areas, heightening dramatic lighting and texture.<\/p>\n<h2>Refining the Drawing<\/h2>\n<p>Finally, in Lesson 5, you bring the drawing to life by rendering the smoke from the pipe and completing all the finishing touches, balancing highlights, midtones, and deep darks.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout this series, you\u2019ll learn not just how to replicate features, but how to think through charcoal drawing in a structured, thoughtful sequence. You\u2019ll see how to merge loose gesture with carefully rendered detail, how to build contrast gradually, and how to maintain vitality in your strokes as you refine.<\/p>\n<p>This series is ideal for both intermediate and advanced artists who want to deepen their skills in portraiture and charcoal technique. If you already have experience with basic drawing, this class offers a powerful chance to focus on expressive form, atmospheric lighting, and intricate textures\u2014all using charcoal as your expressive medium.<\/p>\n<p>By the end of the course, you\u2019ll walk away with not only a strong charcoal portrait of an old man, but also a deeper understanding of working in charcoal: how to loosen up, how to push contrast, and how to bring life and character into your drawings.<\/p>\n<h2>Specific Lessons<\/h2>\n<h3>Lesson 1 (1:04:42) <\/h3>\n<p>In lesson one, we discuss the materials and begin loose sketching to find the features of the face.<\/p>\n<h3>Lesson 2 (1:16:02) <\/h3>\n<p>In lesson two, we refine the features of the face and develop the hand and pipe.<\/p>\n<h3>Lesson 3 (1:10:22) <\/h3>\n<p>In lesson three, we continue to refine the face and hair and begin adding compressed charcoal.<\/p>\n<h3>Lesson 4 (1:14:49) <\/h3>\n<p>In lesson four, we work on the beard and increase contrast in the shadows.<\/p>\n<h3>Lesson 5 (1:20:49) <\/h3>\n<p>In lesson five, we draw the smoke coming from the pipe and complete the drawing.<\/p>\n<\/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<p><i class=\"fas fa-exclamation-triangle\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Distributing any content downloaded from this site is strictly prohibited and against the terms and conditions of use.<\/p>\n<br \/>\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><\/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><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/43B3n6n\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">White Drawing Paper<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4jrxjYH\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Vine Charcoal<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4dC1iM9\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Compressed Charcoal<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/43vvF1Z\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kneaded Eraser<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4mBDAn9\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Vinyl Eraser<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Blending Stumps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>(Disclosure: Links to art materials are affiliate links which means we make a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost to you.)<\/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\/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\/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>\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 = document.getElementById(\"tab-1\");\nradiobtn.checked = true;\n  } else {\n   radiobtn = document.getElementById(\"tab-2\");\nradiobtn.checked = true;\n  }\n}<\/p>\n<p>var x = window.matchMedia(\"(max-width: 981px)\")\nmyFunction(x) \/\/ Call listener function at run time\nx.addListener(myFunction) \/\/ Attach listener function on state changes\n<\/script><br \/>\n<script>\n$(\".curriculumcontainermem a\").click(function(){\n    $('.curriculumcontainermem a.selected').not(this).removeClass('selected');\n    $(this).toggleClass('selected');\n })\n<\/script><br \/>\n<script>\n$(\".curriculumcontainer a\").click(function(){\n    $('.curriculumcontainer a.curriculumselected').not(this).removeClass('curriculumselected');\n    $(this).toggleClass('curriculumselected');\n })\n<\/script><br \/>\n<script>\n    var iframe = document.querySelector('iframe');\n    var player = new Vimeo.Player(iframe);<\/p>\n<p>    player.on('play', function() {\n        console.log('Played the video');\n    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loaded\n}).catch(function(error) {\n    switch (error.name) {\n        case 'TypeError':\n            \/\/ the id was not a number\n            break;<\/p>\n<p>        case 'PasswordError':\n            \/\/ the video is password-protected and the viewer needs to enter the\n            \/\/ password first\n            break;<\/p>\n<p>        case 'PrivacyError':\n            \/\/ the video is password-protected or private\n            break;<\/p>\n<p>        default:\n            \/\/ some other error occurred\n            break;\n    }\n});\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Portrait Drawing with Charcoal CLASSBeginner Lessons Lessons About About This Lesson Series&#8230; In Portrait with Charcoal \u2013 Old Man, you\u2019ll undertake a deeply expressive charcoal drawing of an elderly gentleman smoking a pipe, guided through each stage in over 5 hours of instruction across five detailed video lessons. Working with Charcoal The class begins in [&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-43312","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/43312","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=43312"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/43312\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46163,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/43312\/revisions\/46163"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43312"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43312"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}