Charcoal is an option for a commissioned portrait based on a photo if you like the stark contrast of black and white or light and shadow. Having the artwork framed in a matte and glaze combination is an additional touch that gives it a sophisticated look.

Artists have used charcoal since the Renaissance. Before more complex methods of copying drawings, this process produced simple concepts, rudimentary outlines, shadow regions, and square grids. Artists employed charcoal throughout the 19th century. Textural effects include scraping, combining liquids with charcoal powder, stumping, and other erasing and reducing processes. People admire the medium's chiaroscuro effect. Around the end of the 18th century, charcoal gave painters a larger spectrum of dark grays and blacks. Artists applied pastel, gouache, or toned fixative to improve the medium.

Artists may utilize charcoal realistically or impressionistically.