Mad Charcoal

Josh Hernandez, born in 1995 in Los Angeles, California, is an American artist renowned by his moniker, Mad Charcoal. A self-taught charcoal virtuoso, he crafts emotive portraits that seamlessly blend realism with abstraction, capturing the raw essence of human emotion. His technique involves layering charcoal to create rich textures and contrasts, using the medium’s boldness to emphasize depth and light in his pieces. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Design from Arizona State University, Hernandez transitioned from a successful career in graphic design to pursue fine art, rekindling his passion for traditional drawing. His compelling works have garnered a global following, amassing over 8 million followers across social media platforms. Today, Mad Charcoal's creations grace galleries and private collections worldwide, solidifying his place in contemporary art.