Because I have some experience working with charcoal, I wanted to use this opportunity to focus a bit more on experimenting with Conte and Graphite.I wanted to see the values that conte could achieve on black and white paper as well as mark-make with the graphite to better understand its qualities and range of uses.
Conte Crayons
I think what sets Conte apart from graphite or charcoal is that you are able to get a more easily available variety of hues, such as the sanguine (red orange to warm brown) and bistre (cool brown) that I used in this study. The Conte crayons feel similar to compressed charcoal and chalk pastels but produce less dust and feel harder. Because of the square shape having corners and edges, you have more control of this material when making precise marks verse some of the thicker, rounder or softer mediums. I did feel like it was harder to erase this than some of the other dry drawing mediums especially if not using quality paper such as the construction paper I used in my study.
After working with Conte I think it can serve as an alternative medium to charcoal because it can create expressive and gestural strokes while being less dusty, harder for more control and providing a limited color range. For students who don’t like the excessive dust and softness of charcoal and prefer more control this medium could be a way for them to still work on the same goals within the lesson that charcoal would be used for but with more consideration to their sensory needs and artistic preferences. You can also combine them with charcoal to add contrast, highlights, or color to an art piece.
Some resources on the Conte Crayon:
https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/explore/glossary-of-art-terms/conte-crayon
Graphite
Graphite is one of the most affordable, accessible, and portable art mediums. Most students have some level of familiarity with graphite because they learned to write with pencils, so this can be a less daunting medium to introduce. Because of its limited color palette, it’s good for doing value studies. While not as expressive a medium for mark making as charcoal in my opinion, I think graphite is excellent for capturing fine details
Differentiation
Similarly to that of charcoal there are blending tools and handles that can be used to avoid directly holding the medium for different sensory needs. Using gloves is another differentiation which can be used for all mediums as well.
Use in a lesson plan
More about Charcoal: Material and techniques
https://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/materials-and-techniques-drawing-charcoal
Safety Information
Because mediums like conte crayon and charcoal create a lot of dust, it is important to have a good ventilation system. Whenever possible, hold work over a trash can to pour the dust rather than blowing on the work, which can create more dust in the air and irritate sensitive airways. Having dust masks available could be helpful for students when working with mediums such as this.
Make sure to verify that the Charcoal and Graphite used in the classroom are certified by ACMI and have an AP seal.
“The AP Seal identifies art materials that are certified in a toxicological evaluation by a board-certified toxicologist (medical expert) to contain no materials in sufficient quantities to be toxic or injurious to humans, including children, or to cause acute or chronic health problems. These products are certified by ACMI to be labeled in accordance with the chronic hazard labeling standard, ASTM D 4236, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) including the U.S. Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA)”.
“The CL Seal with cautionary labeling identifies products that are certified to be properly labeled in a program of toxicological evaluation by a board-certified toxicologist (medical expert) for any known health risks and with information on the proper use of these materials. These products are also certified by ACMI to be labeled in accordance with the chronic hazard labeling standard, ASTM D 4236, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) including the U.S. Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA). These products should never be given to children in grade 6 or lower, or anyone who for any reason is unable to read, understand or implement safety labeling and instructions”.
https://www.acmiart.org/classroom-art-materials-safety
Ensure that you have the SDS for all art materials/brands with in the classroom. A sample of a Winsor Newton and General Pencil Charcoal SDS are available for reference:
Using Fixative Spray
When using mediums such as charcoal and pastel, a fixative is required to seal and preserve the artwork. Be aware that this spray requires specific Care instructions and should not be used in an unventilated area, as the material is hazardous and flammable.
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