Create your own stunning, photorealistic animal portraits in charcoal, with renowned teacher and artist Becky Gouverneur.Discover the complete masterclass guide to capturing expression, creating texture and building a narrative composition. Aimed at those with some drawing experience but perhaps new to charcoal or wanting to explore new styles, Becky breaks down her astonishingly detailed, photorealistic techniques so that you can create the same effects for yourself. Opening with general information and techniques, as well as a guide to using charcoal, the book explores:

• a series of 5 studies, which take you step by step through commonly requested subject matter including fluffy fur, silky feathers and glossy eyes, before culminating in a larger study of the cover star, Loki the cat.
• 4 full-length tutorials of popular animals - including stags, a collie dog and an owl.
• how to take things further, from practical subjects like framing and displaying your artwork to important artistic considerations like narrative and composition.

The art of using charcoal can be mindful and meditative, and Becky's popular approach will encourage you to be disciplined and calm, and help you lose yourself as you create something wonderful.