Charcoal watercolor is one of those materials that quietly becomes indispensable once you try it. It combines the raw, expressive quality of traditional charcoal with the fluidity and flexibility of watercolor.
Two standout options you’ll often see at Scraps n Pieces are Schmincke Liquid Charcoal and Nitram Fusain Aquarelle. They may sound similar, but they behave very differently — and that’s exactly why both are worth knowing.
Schmincke Liquid Charcoal – for texture, movement, and expression
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Schmincke Liquid Charcoal is made from natural charcoal derived from fruit pits and seeds, and it comes in three distinct black tones: warm, neutral, and cool. This alone gives it a wide expressive range.
The paint is highly granulating and feels very alive on the paper, especially on cold press watercolor paper. With water, it moves beautifully from deep, matte black to expressive greys full of character. Layering works extremely well, and once dry, it can even be drawn over with dry charcoal.
This makes it a favorite for mixed media artists, expressive sketching, atmospheric work, and pieces where texture and light play an important role.
Nitram Fusain Aquarelle – for control and tonal clarity
Nitram Fusain Aquarelle takes a more minimal, disciplined approach. Made from powdered Nitram charcoal and natural binders, it produces a deep, natural black without added pigments.
Its behavior is smoother and more controlled, ideal for clean washes, subtle tonal transitions, and structured compositions. It shines in drawing, underpainting, illustration, and tonal studies, especially if you enjoy the feel of traditional charcoal but want the versatility of water.
So… which one should you choose?
If you’re drawn to organic textures, granulation, and expressive marks, Schmincke Liquid Charcoal will likely inspire you more. If you prefer precision, simplicity, and controlled tonal work, Nitram Fusain Aquarelle is a reliable and elegant choice.
💡 Scraps n Pieces tip:
Many artists use both — not as alternatives, but as companions. Nitram for structure and tonal foundations, Schmincke for texture, depth, and final expressive touches. Together, they make a powerful charcoal toolkit.
