Charcoal drawing problem?

Question

I am doing a drawing using charcoal, and although I made very faint grid lines, they're still showing up through the drawing in the lightest areas. I tried to erase them and draw over with white, but you can still see them.

Any suggestions to cover them completely?

Answer 1

I agree with the previous answer, apply the same amount of pressure you used while drawing those grid lines to the area that's showing then erase. Be very careful though dab lightly with a kneaded eraser and avoid erasing other areas or you'll be left with a lighter spot in that area that's hard to return to the correct shading. Next time when you're doing grids try using a soft pencil instead, erases a lot better :) Good luck!

Answer 2

If you take a used sheet of your drawing tablet and put it under your hand while you are working on your charcoal it won't smear as long as you don't move the sheet around ,I generally tape it to the sides when I am working on particular part of my drawing to prevent the top sheet from moving around.. It also helps from getting the oils or sweat from you hand on your main drawing . Again just make sure it does not move around or you will defeat your purpose.You should only use fixative if you are finished your drawing because once you use it you can't work your drawing any more.

Answer 3

Start darkening your drawing in the lightest areas until you can no longer see the grid lines. Then go over the rest of the drawing until all the values have been restored.

Answer 4

umm, try using a cloth (rags etc) to erase them, if still showing try make some shading (smearing the charcoal) etc to cover it.