5 Common Mistakes when Using Kneaded Erasers with Charcoal
Kneaded erasers improve charcoal drawings but avoid these common mistakes.
1. Not preparing the eraser properly: People make the mistake of using their kneaded eraser straight out of the box without any preparation. When the eraser is new, it’s too stiff and less effective at lifting charcoal. Take a minute to warm up your eraser by kneading it with your hands.
The eraser gets softer, making it more pliable and better able to conform to the shapes and details in your drawing.
2. Over-erasing: People apply too much pressure and spend too much time erasing a single thing. This damages the paper's surface, it causes unwanted smudging, and creates harsh, unnatural highlights.
Instead of going back and forth, gently press it onto the area you want to lighten, then lift it away. Kneaded erasers are designed to lift rather than scrub it off, so a light touch will give you a more refined result. Avoid the temptation to overwork the area in your drawing.
3. Using a dirty eraser: As you work on your drawing, your eraser picks up charcoal, and using it without cleaning leads to smudging and unintended dark marks. A dirty eraser not only loses its effectiveness but also ruins the details in your work.
Regularly stretch and fold it to expose a fresh, clean surface. This ensures that your eraser remains effective throughout your drawing process. Clean erasers will help you maintain the precision of your highlights and avoid unwanted marks.
4. Not reshaping the eraser: Some people use the kneaded eraser in the same shape for all tasks, which limits its versatility. A flat or rounded eraser shape won’t work well for detailed areas, just as a pointed tip isn’t ideal for larger sections.
Mold it into a fine point for picking out small details and into a broad, flat edge for larger areas. You’ll achieve much more precise and controlled results.
5. Relying on kneaded erasers: They’re useful, relying on them too much can lead to overworked drawings. Some artists use the eraser to correct every mistake, which hinders the entire process.
Use it as a tool to enhance your work, bringing out highlights, adding texture, and refining details. Focus on improving your charcoal application and drawing skills. The eraser should complement your work, not dominate it.
By understanding and being mindful of these errors, you can optimize your kneaded eraser and stabilize the process in your work. Try various charcoal techniques to see how erasers, when used correctly, can enhance your drawing.
A full analysis is available on Patreon.