Definition: Literally 'with three pencils', 'aux trois crayons' technique is a traditional style of drawing using black, red (sanguine) and white chalk, often on a tinted (cream) paper. The white allows crisp, precise highlights while the red adds a touch of warmth, with the black giving rich darks. These colors also meant that, with the creamy paper, skin tones in the drawing have warmth and life.
Quatre Crayons drawings use an additional color, usually another red or brown. Aux deux crayons uses black and red chalk.
Pronunciation: or - trwah - crayohnz
Also Known As: three chalk technique, trois crayons
