Which type of charcoal is described as lightweight and used for large gesture drawings?

The type of charcoal that is described as lightweight and used for large gesture drawings is indeed vine charcoal. This form of charcoal is made from thin sticks of wood, typically willow or vines, that have been carbonized. It is known for its softness, flexibility, and ease of erasure, making it ideal for quick, expressive sketches. Artists often prefer vine charcoal for gesture drawings because it allows for broad strokes and fluid movements, capturing the energy and dynamics of a subject with minimal resistance.

In contrast, compressed charcoal is denser and produces a darker line, making it less suited for gestural work, as it can be harder to manipulate quickly. Cane charcoal, while less common in this context, is produced from sugarcane and often has properties similar to vine charcoal, but it still tends to be heavier and less ideal for rapid gestural applications. Graphite, while useful for detailed work and more controlled lines, lacks the expressive quality and broad application that vine charcoal provides for gestural drawings. Therefore, vine charcoal is the preferred choice for artists looking to create dynamic, large-scale gesture drawings.