Artist's Willow Charcoal Drawing Sticks
- Description
Possibly the oldest of all art materials, as found in cave paintings 30,000 years ago. More recently, from the Renaissance onwards charcoal is used, for its impermanence, as a medium for preliminary sketches. Some artists such as Albrecht Durer begin to consider charcoal for finished work with very stark and poignant effect as in this portrait of his mother.
Today it is often neglected and relegated to art school supply cabinets for repetitious life drawing speed-sketch and quick composition work. But consider its' expressive, moody, highly graphic monochromatic repertoire and perhaps it can be an another arrow to your bow or an opportunity to challenge? A crumbly texture, smudging, blending the pigment into the paper make it an intrinsically sensual medium which can be hard, brash, messy and bold - or soft, finely sculpted for a highly finished texture. Finally no pencil, however soft, can compete with the depth of blackness achieved from charcoal - another compelling USP.
For your consideration, Choosing Keeping offers a small selection of high-quality artisan Willow charcoal. We offer three different packs each sold seperately, in crescendo thicknesses.
Once finished works using charcoal should be fixed using a spray fixatif in the same manner than pastel work would be so as to not rub off.
Consider buying a kneaded putty eraser too for creating highlights when lifting.
Examples of fine charcoal work can be found across a broad range of artists, styles and epochs a testament to the universal nature of this art material, a few examples here illustrated as follows:
Georges Braque, Still Life (1924) (Tate Collection, UK)
Vija Celmins, Night Sky #19 (1998) (Tate Collection, UK)
Albrecht Durer, Portrait of the Artist's Mother at the Age of 63 (1514)(Kupferstichkabinett, Berlin Germany)
Henri Matisse, Reclining Nude (1924) (Tate Collection, UK)
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Gift wrapping available
Worldwide delivery
FAQ
Do You Offer Gift Wrapping?
Yes, gift wrapping can be chosen before checkout and is a £10 flat fee, which includes a card and envelope for you to leave a message. We use premium materials, our in-house Italian paper and Swiss ribbon and an assortment of branded stickers.
How can I amend my order?
Once placed, orders cannot be modified and the address cannot be changed. This is to avoid errors in processing. If you have made an error, please email to request a cancellation, you can then place a new order with the correct details. Once shipped an order cannot be cancelled, it will need to be returned.
What if something is out of stock?
If an item in your order is unavailable, our team will contact you in writing to let you know and discuss your options. We’ll do our best to suggest alternatives or advise when the item is expected back in stock. During busy seasonal periods, if an item under £10 is out of stock, we’ll issue a refund for that product and send the rest of your order so you receive it without delay.
Can I buy gift vouchers?
Digital Gift Cards can be purchased through our website and are delivered by email, these are redeemable through online purchases only. In-store only gift vouchers can also be purchased by visiting us at our physical store in Covent Garden.
Can I collect my order in store?
Yes, if the items in your basket are available at our shop in Covent Garden, you will be able to select “Pick Up” at that location. Not all items will be available at this location.
Shipping
International shipping
We ship to all Worldwide destinations exclusively using DHL Express. For UK destinations DHL Express is a 24h next working day delivery service.
Dispatch Time
We aim to despatch orders within 48 hours. At busy shopping periods this can take an extra few days. Orders placed after 1pm on Fridays and at the weekend will be sent out Monday at the earliest.
Taxes
Shipping to USA, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will be sent Delivered Duty Paid (DDP). This means all customs duties, taxes, and handling fees are already covered at checkout—so your order arrives without any unexpected extra charges.
About Us
Choosing Keeping is an independent shop located in Covent Garden, London. We specialise in offering a wide range of stationery and miscellaneous items to cater to all your needs.
We take pride in offering products that inspire creativity and elevate the art of writing. Whether you're looking for a special gift or simply want to treat yourself, we invite you to explore our collection and discover the joy of stationery.
We offer gift wrapping with premium materials, our in-house Italian paper and Swiss ribbon and an assortment of swallow branded stickers. We ship to all destinations worldwide by DHL.
