Sketching with Charcoal: Draw an Onion Using Shadow Shapes (No Outlines)

Описание: Sketching with Charcoal: Draw an Onion Using Shadow Shapes (No Outlines)
In this longer sketch-along, I take you through a slow, observational charcoal sketch of an onion, focusing on shadow shapes rather than outlines.
This is a simple but powerful exercise for improving how you see tone, form, and contrast - without worrying about perfection.

I’m working with:
Willow charcoal
A putty rubber
Kitchen towel for blending
…and that’s it. No complicated setup, no fancy materials.

This approach to sketching is about training your eye and hand, much like playing scales on a musical instrument.
By squinting, simplifying, and looking for tonal shapes, you can build strong foundations for drawing and painting – even in short sketching sessions.

You’ll see how I:
Start by blocking in dark shadow shapes
Blend and “push and pull” the charcoal
Lift highlights with the eraser rather than drawing lines
Build form and contrast gradually
Keep the sketch loose, exploratory, and pressure-free

This kind of practice works beautifully with everyday subjects – onions, mugs, fruit, hands – anything you have nearby.
The subject doesn’t matter. The seeing does.

Sketching as practice, not performance
Sketchbooks aren’t about creating finished drawings.

They’re a space to:
Practise fundamentals like tone and contrast
Experiment with materials
Train observation skills
Build confidence through repetition

That’s why I love charcoal for sketching – it’s forgiving, flexible, and encourages you to think in terms of light and shadow rather than outlines.

Monthly live sketch-alongs on YouTube
From January 2025, I’ll be hosting monthly live sketch-alongs on YouTube, focused on exactly this kind of calm, observational practice.

🗓 First live session: 8th January 2025
📅 Then on the first Thursday of each month

These sessions are:
Simple, unpolished, and beginner-friendly
About sketching together, not getting it “right”
A chance to slow down and practise the fundamentals

Want gentle structure and weekly sketching support?
I also run a Sketch Club, where I share:
Weekly sketching prompts using everyday objects
Monthly PDFs exploring techniques, fundamentals, or art history
Gentle encouragement to keep a regular sketching habit
https://linktr.ee/sumelville

If you enjoy this video and want ongoing support, that’s the natural next step.

If you sketch along with this video, I’d love to see what you make.
You can tag me on social media at @SuMelvilleArt.

Thanks for sketching with me, and I hope this encourages you to slow down, notice more, and enjoy the process.