As the mid-day sun casts its golden rays over the South Africa’s load-shedded horizon, Josh Hernandez emerges on our instagram radars, charcoal-stained fingers and a smug on his face. Not because he stole the charcoal needed to save our embattled power utility, but because he uses it daily to kindle our love for creativity. Don’t get us wrong, Josh is not from SA, but he’s definitely using a very powerful mineral that SA dearly needs. With a passion for art that burns like a fire within, Hernandez is a skilled artist who wields the simple yet powerful medium of charcoal to create masterpieces that leave the world in awe.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA — I have known nothing but to create, I was that kid that could not pay attention in class while drawing in text books or thinking of the next coolest thing I can make. Thankfully, I have been blessed to continue doing that for a living. After deciding to pursue graphic design instead of fine art, I attained my BSD from Arizona State University. I have a background in the design industry ranging from logo design to illustration. In the midst of my design career, my desire to create art arose from the ashes and once again I began to draw & paint. I branded myself as Mad Charcoal to reflect the style of my work. I create pieces ranging from charcoal to paint and mixed media, mostly focused on portraiture and figuritive work with an emphasis is achromatic values and expressive nature. – Josh Hernandez Website
Charcoal, with its deep black tones and smudgy texture, is Hernandez’s trusted companion in his artistic exploration. He found that it allowed him to convey a wide range of emotions, from the delicate softness of a petal to the intense darkness of a stormy sky. The versatility of charcoal allowed him to capture the essence of his subjects with remarkable depth and detail, creating breathtakingly realistic yet emotive works of art.
Hernandez’s artistic style is a fusion of realism and impressionism, where he masterfully blends the precision of detailed rendering with the expressive freedom of loose strokes.
His drawings often depict scenes from nature, such as serene forests, majestic mountains, and roaring oceans, all brought to life with the raw power of charcoal. His ability to capture the interplay of light and shadow, the delicate nuances of texture, and the subtle variations in tone using charcoal is nothing short of mesmerizing.
As Hernandez continues to push the boundaries of his artistic expression, he remains committed to honing his craft and exploring the infinite possibilities of charcoal. He is constantly experimenting with new techniques, challenging himself to create bolder, more emotive works of art. With each stroke of charcoal, he leaves a mark on the canvas and on the hearts of those who are fortunate enough to experience his art.
Main image: Josh Hernandez Website
