1 across from NASA Nassau Bay, Texas Space Ctr. Nov. 20 to Jan. 3, 98. I know this is going to sound pretty strange, but when drawing with charcoals, I prefer to do them on small pieces of posterboard. Even if you're skeptical, try it sometime. Use Prestik instead of a rubber to correct mistakes or to make soft highlights.
Rubbers can sometimes make irremoveable marks.
It is easier to control and gives darker shading. Rub over shaded areas with your finger to get a smoother effect. I find normal hair spray to be the best fixative. Best reults if you apply 2-3 fixes , allowing the paper to dry before applying the next fix. Try seeing your stick of charcoal as a paintbrush rather than a pencil.