Söepliiats

Söepliiats, also known as charcoal pencil, is a drawing tool made from compressed charcoal powder mixed with a binder, typically a gum or wax, and encased in wood. It is a descendant of the traditional drawing charcoal stick, offering greater control and less mess. Söepliiats are available in various degrees of hardness, similar to graphite pencils, ranging from soft for dark, smudgy lines to hard for finer detail. The color is a deep, matte black.

The primary advantage of söepliiats is their ability to produce rich, dark tones and create smooth gradations. They are highly blendable, allowing artists to achieve soft transitions and atmospheric effects. Artists often use blending tools like tortillons, stumps, or even their fingers to manipulate the charcoal on the drawing surface. Söepliiats are well-suited for a variety of drawing techniques, including portraiture, figure drawing, still life, and landscape.

Common drawing surfaces for söepliiats include textured papers or boards, which help to hold the charcoal particles. Due to the powdery nature of charcoal, drawings made with söepliiats are susceptible to smudging and require fixative spray to preserve them. Söepliiats are a popular choice for both beginners and experienced artists due to their expressive potential and the unique aesthetic qualities of charcoal.