No Mess Charcoal Drawing With iCharcoal

There are different paper textures and the option to import your own paper background. You have a blending stick and several charcoal sticks to choose from in many sizes and shades. An eraser is also included; it can help create a drawing once you have laid charcoal on your background, using the subtractive method.

As I was drawing, I used both my finger and a stylus. When I used my finger, it was hard to see what I was actually drawing. I personally found the stylus easier to use. There is something about holding the stylus that gives it a more realistic feel.

Once you have created your charcoal masterpiece, it does not have to just sit in your iPad, you can share it on Facebook, send it via email, or even print it. You can also store it in the included gallery.

To start over, all you have to do is shake your iPad, and the image will disappear. I had to shake my iPad pretty hard in order to get the drawing to erase, but that may be a good thing, just in case you have a great drawing and don't want it to inadvertently get deleted.

There are a couple of issues with the app that I hope will be fixed in a future update. It appears the edges of a charcoal line look a little pixilated, especially when you use one of the finer charcoal sticks. Also, I was consistently getting a skip on some of my lines, and it left a little dot next to the line. You can view that in my drawing if you look at the end of the branches in the image of the tree. I would also love to see an art tutorial added to this app; similar to attending an art class. This would allow users to learn some of the finer techniques of the charcoal medium.

If you always have your iPad in your bag, it is nice to have an app like this to pull out when you feel inspired. I used to carry a little sketchbook and charcoal pencils for those moments, but this looks to be a great alternative. I am not a trained artist, but I enjoy playing around with different mediums and this app is one I will continue to use.

The iCharcoal app is a great alternative for the professional artist or hobbyist. The last time I was in an art store, I picked up some charcoal pencils, blending sticks and paper. My bill was close to $50. In comparison, $2.99 for iCharcoal is a steal, considering this is the cost of just one charcoal stick.

For those who don't own an iPad, there is an iPhone version of iCharcoal available for $1.99.