For this episode of my Muddy Colors series called Conversations with Artists, I interviewed artist and entrepreneur Josh Hernandez. We talked about his artwork, unique approach to picture-making and his charcoal art materials product line called Mad Charcoal. We also took a tour of his amazing studio! Check out the amazing interview below!
“Each layered mark mirrors the act of confronting inner wounds. Through the figure’s veiled gaze, the piece evokes the struggle of self-definition through reflection.” – Josh Hernandez
Shadows of My Past (22 x 30 inches / 55.9 cm × 76.2 cm) delves into the residue of memory—the fragments of who we cling to versus who we truly are. Each layered mark mirrors the act of confronting inner wounds. Through the figure’s veiled gaze, the piece evokes the struggle of self-definition through reflection. Original Drawing by Artist Josh Hernandez (Mad Charcoal) Chalk on paper 92lb (250 gsm)
“The chaotic scribbles of charcoal layered over the solid black form of the figure suggest that identity can never be truly empty. The void within the darkness may not be illuminated, yet it is never without substance.
From the expression of the figure, we sense exhaustion and fatigue—a moment of self-exploration and the weight of searching for oneself.” – Josh Hernandez
My Empty Soul is a powerful piece that depicts the juxtaposition between chaos and order. The chaotic scribbles of charcoal layered over the solid black form of the figure suggest that identity can never be truly empty. The void within the darkness may not be illuminated, yet it is never without substance. From the expression of the figure, we sense exhaustion and fatigue—a moment of self-exploration and the weight of searching for oneself. Original Drawing by Artist Josh Hernandez (Mad Charcoal) Chalk on paper 92lb (250 gsm)
“The structured form of the figure—contrasted with the chaotic strokes of charcoal dissolving into shapes of oblivion—evokes memories shrouded in fog and smoke.” – Josh Hernandez
It’s Who I Always Was is an evocative piece that reveals the fragility of identity. It powerfully depicts the tension between order and chaos, being and non-being. The structured form of the figure—contrasted with the chaotic strokes of charcoal dissolving into shapes of oblivion—evokes memories shrouded in fog and smoke. Original Drawing by Artist Josh Hernandez (Mad Charcoal) Chalk on paper 92lb (250 gsm)
“The fragmented face, built through layered chalk strokes, radiates both light and life, drawing the viewer in as if gazing into drifting clouds. This piece speaks to the fragility of self-perception—where what we reveal and what we conceal exist in constant tension.” – Josh Hernandez
Flower Face (22″ × 30″ / 55.88 cm × 76.2 cm) captures the natural collision between beauty and chaos. The fragmented face, built through layered chalk strokes, radiates both light and life, drawing the viewer in as if gazing into drifting clouds. This piece speaks to the fragility of self-perception—where what we reveal and what we conceal exist in constant tension. Original Drawing by Artist Josh Hernandez (Mad Charcoal) Chalk on paper 92lb (250 gsm)
The Mad Charcoal product line has been personally developed and tested by the artist Josh Hernandez. He uses the products in his own art and believes that they are the very best in quality. You can check out the full range of products at the MAD CHARCOAL shop. The artist also sells Reference Packs. These hand-selected packs contain the personal reference material used by the artist. Each pack comes with 50 high-res PNGs for artists to push their creative efforts forward.
“The charcoal gear was built through obsession, tested through work and refined through results. Every item is designed for the discipline of drawing, made for artists who demand more from their tools and from themselves.” – Mad Charcoal
The artist also offers an online video-driven drawing course called Master the Art of Charcoal. The self-contained educational experience allows artists to learn from Hernandez’s unique process and approach to charcoal as a drawing medium.
To learn more about the artist and his work, you can check out Hernandez’s Mad Charcoal website and his blog called Never Stop Creating.
You can also follow the artist on social media:
copyright Lisa L Cyr, Cyr Studio LLC, all rights reserved
Great perspective — I hadn’t considered that angle before.