Trois Crayons is a traditional drawing method involving three chalks, charcoal of white, black, and another primary colour (usually red) on a grey or tan toned paper. The technique was popularised in the 17th Century by the Flemish master Paul Rubens and is since used by artists to draw expressive portraits and figures. Trois Crayons, which translates to three pencils, is an excellent way of quickly conveying the basic structure, texture, and tones of a drawing using minimal tools, especially as a study for a more detailed drawing, painting, or sculpture. Although most old masters used chalks of different colours to draw in Trois Crayons, you can use charcoal, pastels, coloured pencils, or any other dry medium that you are comfortable drawing with to try out this technique. Learning the Trois crayons technique is slightly more challenging than drawing with graphite because of the added dimension of colour. Still, it can be enjoyable and rewarding, especially for beginner artists.

Your Tutor is Gerard Mignot

Gerard commenced at the WEA in 2025.

After working as an illustrator for a greeting card company in South Australia, Gerard studied graphic design and pre-press printing.

He then honed his skills in various design studios and printing enterprises. Gerard specialises in portraiture and figurative art in both digital and traditional media. 

He owns an art gallery/gift shop in Norwood SA.