Carbonto

Carbonto is a term that refers to a specific style of charcoal drawing. It is characterized by its dark, rich, and velvety black tones, achieved through the use of soft charcoal sticks or pencils. The term emphasizes the intensity and depth of the blackness rather than a particular technique or subject matter. Artists working in carbonto often focus on creating strong contrasts between light and shadow, allowing the pure black of the charcoal to dominate the composition. This can result in dramatic and evocative imagery.

The material used in carbonto is typically vine charcoal or compressed charcoal, which allows for a broad range of tonal values. Vine charcoal is softer and easier to blend, while compressed charcoal provides a darker, more opaque black. Blending tools such as tortillons, stumps, and chamois cloths are often employed to create smooth gradations and subtle transitions in tone. Erasing techniques are also crucial in carbonto, as artists use kneaded erasers to lift charcoal and create highlights, further enhancing the sense of depth and form. While carbonto can be applied to any subject, it is frequently associated with portraiture, still life, and expressive figure studies where the emphasis on tonal values is paramount. The overall effect of carbonto is one of powerful simplicity and striking visual impact, relying heavily on the expressive potential of pure black.