What is the advantage of drawing with charcoal as opposed to lead pencils?

Drawing with charcoal offers the unique advantage of being easily smudged to create varying shades and tones, which enhances the artist's ability to achieve depth and richness in their work. This characteristic of charcoal allows for a range of techniques, such as blending and softening edges, which can contribute to a more dynamic and expressive piece of art. The ability to manipulate the medium in this way is particularly beneficial for creating atmospheric effects and subtle gradations, which are often more challenging to achieve with lead pencils. Charcoal’s inherent softness and pliability facilitate rapid changes in texture and shading that can significantly enhance the overall effect of the drawing.