All levels
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        8 min 20 sec
      
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                    08:20                   
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                          This class will be available to view on November 26, 2025.
              
Discover a brilliant technique for sharpening charcoal pencils that transforms the way you draw. Artist David Tenorio demonstrates how to safely carve and sand your pencil to expose more charcoal, creating a long, tapered point that feels almost like holding a paintbrush. This method allows you to shade with broad, even strokes, make delicate lines, and enjoy a greater range of motion in your figure drawings. Along the way, David shares safety tips, tool recommendations, and the meditative benefits of preparing your materials before class.
                                
            Learn how to:
        Discover a brilliant technique for sharpening charcoal pencils that transforms the way you draw. Artist David Tenorio demonstrates how to safely carve and sand your pencil to expose more charcoal, creating a long, tapered point that feels almost like holding a paintbrush. This method allows you to shade with broad, even strokes, make delicate lines, and enjoy a greater range of motion in your figure drawings. Along the way, David shares safety tips, tool recommendations, and the meditative benefits of preparing your materials before class.
Here’s what you’ll need:
              - Charcoal pencil
 - Craft knife, box cutter, X-Acto knife, or razor blade
 - Sandpaper, lead pointer, or Nitram sanding paddle
 - Piece of paper or paper towel
 - Small container for charcoal dust (optional)
 
                  Downloads:
                
                    
    
                
              
                          use a blade to shave down a charcoal pencil
use sandpaper to sharpen a charcoal pencil
hold a charcoal pencil for best drawing mobility
            
          hold a charcoal pencil for best drawing mobility
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