The Charcoal Club

The Gallery

Each portrait begins as a photograph captured in the heat of a live performance — then reborn in white charcoal on black paper.

Other Work

Artwork outside the world of live music — from landscape paintings to personal commissions.

Josh Martin

I'm an LA native, artist and live music fanatic. I grew up around music and art, and fortunately, both remain major parts of my life to this day.

Since August 2023, I've been combining my childhood penchant for art with my passion for live music photography, creating striking two-toned portraits of famous musicians — many of my personal favorites. Every portrait to date has been based on a photo from my own archive.

The name comes from the medium itself: all of the illustrations are made using white charcoal pencil on black paper.

So far, the Club's "members" include superstars like Taylor Swift, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish and Gwen Stefani, with many more iconic musicians to come.

My dream is to bring The Charcoal Club to life as a real place — where people can come together to celebrate and appreciate music and art.

— Josh · Los Angeles, California

From Stage to Paper

I. Capture — Every piece begins in the pit — photographing musicians in the raw energy of live performance.

II. Compose — A single frame is chosen from the archive, selected for its intensity, emotion and visual drama.

III. Create — White charcoal pencil meets black paper. Hours of meticulous work bring the moment back to life in two tones.

News

Thank You for Your Votes

The People's Artist 2026

While The Charcoal Club didn't advance to the Semifinals of The People's Artist 2026, the support from this community meant everything. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote — whether through free daily votes on Facebook or through donation votes benefitting The Art of Elysium. Every single one counted.

This is far from the end. Stay tuned for what comes next.

Thank You, Beverly Hills

Art Show Recap

The Beverly Hills Art Show was everything we hoped it would be — and then some. Thank you to everyone who came out, stopped by the booth, and took a moment to connect with the work. The energy over both days was incredible, and your enthusiasm means the world.

Stay tuned for future shows and events. There's a lot more to come.

Meet Josh Martin: Artist & Photographer

Press · Shoutout LA

Shoutout LA sat down with Josh Martin to talk about his journey as an artist, the inspiration behind The Charcoal Club, and what drives him to capture musicians in white charcoal.

Shop

Own a piece of The Charcoal Club. From original illustrations to high-quality prints and exclusive merch — every item carries the mark.

Original Artworks

One-of-a-kind white charcoal illustrations. Each is a unique piece drawn by hand — once it's gone, it's gone. Inquire for pricing.

Fine Art Prints

Museum-quality giclée prints on archival paper. Available in multiple sizes. Starting at $45.

Merch & Apparel

T-shirts, hoodies, posters and more — featuring The Charcoal Club's iconic illustrations and branding. Starting at $25.

Secure checkout · Worldwide shipping via Etsy & Printify

Join the Club

Get in Touch. Commission a portrait, ask about originals, or just say hello.