Step into the expressive world of charcoal with award-winning artist Ann Mackowski in her Intro to Charcoal class—an inspiring and supportive session perfect for beginners or those looking to rekindle their creativity. Known for her detailed and atmospheric work, Ann exhibits with the Royal Society of Painters in Watercolours and has appeared on Sky Landscape Artist of the Year. In this friendly class, she’ll introduce you to the rich, dramatic possibilities of charcoal drawing, teaching you time-honoured techniques used by the old masters to bring your work to life.
During the session, you’ll explore the fundamentals of chiaroscuro (the play of light and shadow) and sfumato (the subtle blending of tones), learning how to use these methods to create depth, emotion, and dramatic contrast in your drawings. Each participant will be given a choice of classical-style reference images to work from—yours to keep after the session—and Ann will provide clear, step-by-step instruction on how to build up tone, form, and texture using charcoal. From initial sketch to final highlights, you’ll be guided through the process of creating a striking, atmospheric piece.
As with all of Ann’s classes, every material is included, and there’s no pressure to perfect things right away: an online recording of the session will be shared afterwards so you can revisit the techniques at your own pace. The environment is relaxed and welcoming, with tea and biscuits on hand and plenty of encouragement throughout. Whether you're new to drawing or simply curious to try something different, this session offers a fun, approachable introduction to classical charcoal techniques with a contemporary twist.Spaces are limited, so grab your spot now and get ready to get your hands dirty (in a good way)!
