Buying charcoal

[DarlingDove]

Hi there I wanted to ask 2 beginner questions that aren't related.

I want to get into charcoal because I noticed every artists I admire used charcoal when they were a beginner too. I think it's suppose to help you with drawing with values.

I want to ask if there's any recommended videos I could watch that deals with using charcoal.
I already know what products to buy, but I'm having trouble looking for videos that cover basic usage of charcoal and how to do a life drawing from it.

[Adam Lina]

I suggest using wolffcarbon 6b or conte 1710bs

http://www.dickblick.com/products/wolffs-carbon-pencil/
http://www.hyatts.com/art/conte-pencil-1...ack-Q12009

They allow you to sharpen to a long tapper and not break as easy. Plus they give you all the range of value you'll need. Also this paper is most optimal. http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/36...-Paper-18/
Its smooth so you're not fighting the grit of the paper. That and its very cheap compared to what you'll get from an art store.

This video explains how to sharpen the pencil which is a skill unto itself.

This video has good technique for charcoal as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMC0Cx3Uk84

[dodeqaa]

Not a video but steps are clear and concise, try to achieve similar results?

http://www.artinstructionblog.com/drawin...ep-by-step

http://www.artinstructionblog.com/charco...han-fowkes

[BrushNoir]

Conte 1710B all the way ^^ Using that for doing portrait drawings.

[DarlingDove]

thank you for the responses, I will do my best

[Adam Lina]

also these videos are good demos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC140YBTPl0

this guys using graphite but same principles apply
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC140YBTPl0

Jeff Watts demoing quick sketch, its more higher level stuff. Learn proportions perspective and anatomy of a figure before this will be that useful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKfsZaNrmzM