28/05/2026
“Charcoal allows the artist to think in light and shadow before colour ever enters the painting.”
Jeremy Scott’s latest charcoal portrait study explores the power of tonal observation, structure, and atmosphere through the classical tradition of academic drawing. Using carefully controlled values and subtle transitions, the portrait is gradually built through layers of charcoal, capturing both likeness and form with remarkable sensitivity.
Charcoal drawing has a long history dating back to the Renaissance, where masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and later artists of the French Academic tradition used charcoal and chalk as essential tools for studying anatomy, light, and composition. Before the development of modern painting methods, charcoal was one of the primary mediums used to train artists in observation and draftsmanship.
Its deep blacks, soft transitions, and ability to create both precise detail and expressive atmosphere made charcoal a fundamental part of atelier training for centuries. Even today, many classical art academies continue to use charcoal drawing as one of the most important foundations for learning realism and portraiture.
At Sunny Art Centre, our students study traditional drawing methods through observation, tonal analysis, anatomy, and classical techniques inspired by the Old Masters.
Artwork by Jeremy Scott
Charcoal on paper
Created at Sunny Art Centre, Covent Garden, London
charcoalportrait atelier realistdrawing academicart artschool londonartschool sunnyartcentre coventgarden classicalart portraitart drawingclass oldmasters figurativeart finearteducation artisttraining
