Charcoal is often used for gestural drawing and lends itself well to expressive mark making. However its rich, velvety black tones can also be used for atmospheric effects and subtle value drawing. This charcoal drawing exercise encourages the use of a broad tonal range by beginning with a shaded background, and dispenses with outlining. Avoid using fingers for blending, as this forces the particles into the paper, dulling the surface, and the oils in your skin tend to 'fix' the charcoal, making it harder to erase. The pH of your skin doesn't do the paper any favors either. If you're having trouble getting enough layers on your work, try a light coat of workable fixative.