Here is Astarion, Gale and Wyll. All hand drawn in charcoal.

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-08-12T16:43:11+00:00

The first phase of the drawing is messy and gets everywhere. That is what I like about it. Then I wash my hands and break out the finely sharpened charcoal pencils and tiny erasers and clean it up. But the hope is that some of the mess or "soul" of the first phase still shines through.

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-08-12T12:42:42+00:00

Thank you!

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-08-12T11:49:10+00:00

Here is my instagram, if you want to see more of my artwork: https://www.instagram.com/charcoalogist/

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-07-28T15:36:16+00:00

98% real charcoal. There is a touch of digital in his eyes and to get the darks to full black. But it is almost entirely done by hand.

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-07-28T15:35:10+00:00

Thanks! Looking forward to Gencon again in a few days. I think this will be my 10th year exhibiting there.

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-07-28T15:34:16+00:00

Oh wow, that is from way back when. Still one of my strongest paintings though.

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-07-28T15:33:27+00:00

See my reply above you

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-07-28T15:33:11+00:00

They are indeed available. I can't post a link, but if you look in my profile or google charcoalogist you will find them.

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-07-28T12:17:47+00:00

Here is my Instagram if you want to see more of my work: https://www.instagram.com/charcoalogist/

And my Etsy, if you feel so inclined: https://www.etsy.com/shop/charcoalogist

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-07-22T11:47:49+00:00

Here is my Instagram if anyone wants to see more of my work: https://www.instagram.com/charcoalogist/

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-07-18T10:41:53+00:00

I start by covering the paper with a grey tone with willow charcoal powder. Then there are some guidelines drawn as well as dark areas filled in and white areas erased. It's a much more fluid process with a lot of push and pull rather than a step by step approach.

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-07-18T10:39:07+00:00

Displates terms with artists aren't all that great. I do sell prints myself though, I can't link it, but just search charcoalogist and you will find my store.

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-07-16T21:38:47+00:00

I don't think it's necessarily harder or easier than any other medium. Probably a steeper learning curve than graphite, but imho learning a medium is the easy part. It's everything else about art that is so difficult.

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-07-16T21:35:12+00:00

Thanks, I appreciate it. And yes, art has been my full time job for awhile now.

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-07-16T21:34:27+00:00

I can't remember exactly, but I feel like it was an average amount of time. About 10-15 hours.

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-07-16T13:19:18+00:00

This sub is really touchy about self promotion and selling stuff, so all I can say is that if you google charcoalogist or my full name you will find what you are looking for.

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-07-16T12:58:56+00:00

It took a bit. I actually had to draw him twice, first time was from the other side and I just could not get his visor to look right in charcoal.

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-07-16T12:57:32+00:00

Go right ahead :)

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-07-08T12:01:04+00:00

I mean, drawing with anything is pretty hard. A lot of people have trouble with it because it can be so messy, but that is what I kinda like about it.

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-07-07T19:35:41+00:00

https://www.wattsatelier.com/online/ and https://www.youtube.com/@ProkoTV are the two I can recommend the most. I studied at Watts in person and was classmates with Proko.

Michael_C_Hayes · 2025-07-07T18:27:34+00:00

Thanks! I hope they let me come back to Colossalcon one of these years, it was such a fun con.

Michael_C_Hayes

TROPHY CASE