Graphite & Charcoal- Viarco ArtGraf

Graphite and charcoal are both traditional drawing materials - they can be used for quick sketches or detailed studies. Both graphite and charcoal are available in differing softnesses - the softer the material the darker the marks.

Graphite and charcoal are both traditional drawing materials - they can be used for quick sketches or detailed studies. Both graphite and charcoal are available in differing softnesses - the softer the material the darker the marks.

A Guide to Graphite and Charcoal

18 Items
Viarco : Vintage Pencil Packs
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From $9.45

Viarco : ArtGraf Drawing Putty No.1 : 450g : With Ceramic Jar
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(8 reviews)

$25.40

$22.86

Viarco : ArtGraf Drawing Putty No.1 : 150g
On Promotion
(2 reviews)

$11.10

$9.99

Viarco : Vintage Pencil : Green Box : Pack of 12 HB
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Viarco : ArtGraf : Soft Carbon Pencil : Pack of 6
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(7 reviews)

$8.40

$7.56

Viarco : ArtGraf : Tailor Shape : Watersoluble : Graphite
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(6 reviews)

$7.10

$6.39

Viarco : ArtGraf : Soft Stick : Watersoluble Graphite
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(2 reviews)

$2.60

$2.34

Viarco : ArtGraf : Watersoluble Graphite : Large : 60g
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(1 review)

$20.70

$18.63

Viarco : ArtGraf : Watersoluble Pencil : 5mm : Dark Grey : 6B
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Viarco : ArtGraf : Watersoluble Pencil : 5mm : Dark Grey : 2B
On Promotion
(3 reviews)

$1.50

$1.35

Viarco : ArtGraf : Watersoluble Graphite : Small : 20g
On Promotion
(8 reviews)

$11.30

$10.17



Pencil & Drawing: Graphite vs. Charcoal

Pencil & Drawing: Graphite vs. Charcoal

What is the difference between graphite and charcoal? Graphite and charcoal are both carbon-based drawing materials that offer unique qualities for sketching and drawing.

Charcoal is matte and crumbly, perfect for rich, deep dark tones and expressive marks. Graphite is smooth and shiny, ideal for precise lines and metallic details. Tinted charcoal and graphite offer a hint of color, while water-soluble graphite allows for another way to achieve a greater range of tones.

Understanding their formats and hardness can enhance your work. Wet graphite powder provides a neutral ground, while a carbon or charcoal pencil adds depth to graphite drawings. Hard graphite creates metallic details, while vine charcoal is excellent for outlining. Experimenting with these materials can solve creative challenges and diversify your practice.

Read 'The Difference Between Graphite and Charcoal’ on Jackson’s Art Blog.