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How to Make Drawing Charcoal

Making drawing charcoal

Drawing charcoal is made from a tree branch (usually willow or European spindle) carbonized in a sealed container.

The use of drawing charcoal dates back to prehistoric times, when it was used to outline shapes.
Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Delacroix, Degas, Goya, and Seurat (among the most famous) used it for their studies. However, it was Auguste Allongé, a 19th-century master of drawing charcoal, who elevated this art form by publishing a treatise on the subject in 1873, which was translated into several languages.

Ideal branches for drawing charcoal

Making drawing charcoal is extremely simple. The most challenging part is choosing the right branch. Almost any wood can be used, but some, like spindle, willow, ash, or poplar, yield the highest-quality drawing charcoal.

The Recipe

15 minutes to 1 hour

Depending on the diameter of the charcoal stick and the heat intensity.

Easy

Low cost

Ingredients

Softwood branches that are still green and of the same diameter (I recommend at least 0.5 cm in diameter, otherwise the charcoal sticks may be too fragile)

Utensils

IMPORTANT

Be aware that European spindle branches are toxic. So, if you choose to make charcoal with this wood, don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly after making it.
Do not let children do this activity on their own.
Avoid making drawing charcoal on a windy day, as the tin must maintain a consistent heat throughout the process.
Do not use tin cans with a plastic coating inside.

Preparation

Step 1

Cut several branches into pieces slightly shorter than the height of the tin can.

Step 2

Peel the branches to remove the bark and reveal the lighter inner wood.

Step 3

Place the branches inside the metal can.

Step 4

Cover the top of the metal can completely with a sheet of aluminum foil, making sure the sides are tightly sealed.
Wrap the foil with wire and secure it firmly against the metal can.

Step 5

Make a small hole (~0.5 cm) in the center of the aluminum foil using the tip of a knife or a small piece of wood.

Step 6

Turn on the gas stove to high heat and place the tin can on it.

Ensure the aluminum foil does not touch the flame.

Step 7

Let it heat.

To check if the drawing charcoal is ready, hold a lighter above the hole. If the flame continues to burn, gases are still escaping: it’s too early. If the flame dies immediately, carbonization is complete: your drawing charcoal is ready.

You can also wait for white smoke to appear from the hole, which can indicate readiness. However, this is less reliable because white smoke can appear at the start when moisture or resin (depending on the wood) is released.