The Three Crayon Technique: A Brief History, Materials Recommendations, And Three Approaches

This in an introduction to the three crayon technique, a method of drawing that employs sanguine, black and white chalk pencils on toned paper. I provide a brief history, give my recommendations for what materials to buy, and demonstrate three approaches to working in this method.

Here are the materials I'm using. If you'd like to make your purchases through Amazon, and support my channel, please use my affiliate links.

For the first approach:

For the second approach:

For the third approach:

Paper: blue drawing paper made by Saint Armand Paper Mill (not available through Amazon)

[sydene]

this is so great. I can watch this every day.

[lindakacer]

I was looking for an explanation on the 3 crayons technique for a long time. This was the first I found which is very complete and understandable for everyone. Thank you Marc!

[jayfogelman]

Marc at his best: illuminating theory and plenty of practical advice.

[maaikev.]

i think i finally managed to do it. i found the most underrated channel on youtube.

[ironchefnakamura]

Just guessing, but this channel looks like it was put together out of the necessity of teaching during the pandemic. Whatever the case, thank you for making it all available publicly. I haven't seen such a thorough exposition of this technique as this one.

[barbarajohnson]

Beautiful demo! Very helpful to understand materials, you have created lovely drawings with nice mark making.

[AaronHendu]

I used to use white, black, and red terra cotta conte pastel sticks when I was a kid...had no idea this was an actual technique discussed. I just found they worked well together. I think I still have some of those conte sticks somewhere...think I will pull them out. I remember liking that setup because you barely had to bring anything...just a tiny hardshell pencil case and a sketchbook.

[rayvirgoe]

Thank you for the amazing demonstration.

[glumsulk]

I absolutely love the look of value studies done on toned paper. I agree with your take on Reubens being the height of thia technique. I wanna say thanks bc even though ive been interested, i am entirely self-taught and lack any real life associates at all who are artists really, so finding info this specific is usually accidental; as it was that i stumbled upon your channel! I have subscribed now though for future reference.

[oliferous]

Thank you so much for this video? I’ve never been formally introduced to this method and really appreciate the knowledge! I recently acquired some conte and I had no idea that such a technique was based around the three colors! Makes total sense now! Thanks and great video🤘🖤🤘

[dimitrioskalfakis]

informative historical account of the medium as well as enjoyable art.

[ichirofakename]

Fascinating. Wonderfully presented. Thanks.

[AutisticCuriosity]

I’ve noticed that in this technique with feels both rather harsh, as in cold and very bight - I’ve found using a very light cream ie Carbothello 1400/105 to replace white seems to be far more ‘comfortable’ the tone is note as bright and it’s warmer …I feel more in control of my drawing and the whole thing feels more balanced.

[TERRYBIGGENDEN]

Fantastic information and demo. Beautiful technique. :-)

[drk]

Thank you for this video.Might the comparatively limited colour palette of the three crayon technique perhaps provide an important transitional stage between graphite/charcoal and coloured pastels?

[patronofthearts]

Thank you for the comprehensive informations. Great tips and examples, really help with understanding the differences!

[juanpardo]

This is an excellent video and great breakdown of technique. Me personally I hate paper stumps. I would honestly recommend a bristle brush better.

[marytesta]

Thank you for a great video. It's very helpful to learn about different medium before buying.

[DrStench]

Would you recommend doing a block-in with graphite pencil, first? Or does graphite not jive well with laying down the dry chalky medium?

[LovinLnCottage]

Loved this. I slowed it down to 75% speed so I could enjoy it more. 🙏☮️❤️🖖