Charcoal paintings are created using charcoal sticks or pencils, which are made from burnt wood. These works are known for their bold, dramatic lines and deep black tones. Charcoal paintings can be representational or abstract, and may depict anything from portraits and figures to landscapes and still lifes. Artists use a variety of techniques to create texture and depth, including smudging, erasing, and cross-hatching. Charcoal can also be combined with other mediums, such as watercolor or gouache, to create a unique mixed media artwork. Charcoal paintings are valued for their raw, expressive quality, and can be found in galleries and private collections around the world.