#114 MASTER CLASS — DRAWING WITH CHARCOAL, GRAPHITE, AND INK
In this powerful Master Class, Coach Kate Rhodes reveals how charcoal, graphite, and ink can shift the way you see, move, and draw. Through bold mark-making, layering, cross-hatching, ink washes, and mixed-media exploration, you’ll rediscover depth, movement, and confidence in your drawings. With simple materials and spacious guidance, this class is ideal for beginners and seasoned painters alike, an invitation to loosen your grip, trust your hand, and draw with renewed energy and freedom.
WATCH THE MASTER CLASS RECORDING
Jump to a section:
Click the chapter icon (the bulleted list inside the video player) to see and select any part of the video.
Chapters and timestamps are also listed below for quick reference.
- Opening: Drawing, Value, and Materials: 00:00
- Charcoal: Value, Range, and Form: 01:45
- Graphite: Control and Sensitivity: 16:30
- Ink: Fluidity and Expression: 30:45
- The Masters: Drawing Traditions and Influence: 45:30
- Closing: Confidence, Practice, and Joy: 49:45
*Please note that guest presenters are not necessarily Academy members available for commenting.
Thankyou Kate! This is a wonderful class. I actually have so many of these tools available in my studio and seem to by pass them for my paints. I will be bringing them back out with a new interest. I believe I will be rewatching this episode many times to totally glean all the little bits you have shared.
Thank you!!
WOW! This class is MasterFULL. Thank you Kate for helping me remember the beauty of these materials. I’m inspired to go back into my art cupboards to find my charcoal, graphite and inks! I think I have forgotten the power of regular drawing exercises and incorporating these skills and way of “seeing” into my abstract colourscapes. Thank you!
Thank you so much Kate! I started my artistic life as a figurative artist and always thought I had to learn to paint to be a ‘real’ artist, but after watching this I will most definitely pick up my charcoals again. I look forward to reclaiming my first love of drawing. Thank you for sharing your gift!
Hi Kate,
Thank you so much. I absolutely loved this class. You have inspired me to re-explore all the wonderful mark making available in ink, graphite and pencil…… I haven’t done it in ages, but now I make sure to have at the very least a couple pencils and a small drawing pad and an ink marker in my purse!. I just want to add that I also enjoyed your input at the recent workshop in Italy.
Warm Regards,
Chaya
Thank you Kate for this rich study of line and feeling. I have been thinking, musing about how to begin again with new energy . I have been recovering from cancer treatment and feel that passion for life again, being grateful for this life with an intention to express. Yours is the reminder I needed that everything I love is around me to share through line and contrasts of dark and light.
Pam Johnson
Thank you Kate! I have really enjoyed this masterclass a few times .. inspired to make my own discoveries … I love your suggestion to make a ‘reservoir’ and lay out your vision … I tried it, abstractly, allowing the feeling I wanted to flow through to my hand/fingers. I loved the physicality … having to stand and give myself space. Very grateful!
So thought provoking and inspirational! I love drawing and often return to it as I figure out how to solve problems in my paintings. It’s my “first” art language. I really enjoyed this class for so many wonderful reasons. Thank you, Kate!
A true masterclass – Kate has made working with charcoal etc appear very accessible – and inspired me to ensure I have a sketchbook and tools with me whenever I travel. Many many thanks Kate
Love, love this and it came at a perfect time for me as I’ve been drawing through this 26 day Challenge. Now I’ll add more variety! This will be a true A2L classic. Thank you for doing it. So very helpful.