Trois Crayon Portrait

What is a Trois Crayon Portrait

Trois crayon means three chalks, usually black, white and red (sanguine), sometimes with sepia added. It’s one of the older portrait drawing techniques, going back to artists like Watteau and Rubens, who used it for quick, lifelike studies. I first came across it years ago, making studies in museums and using it in my own sketchbooks. The three colours together give a warmth and depth you don’t get from pencil or charcoal alone. If you want to read more on the history, this overview of trois crayons is a decent starting point.

How Commissioning Works

Pop your reference photo into the form near the bottom of this page, then head through checkout, it only takes a minute or two. I’ll email you shortly after to confirm the details before I start drawing.

A few past trois crayon commissions

See more finished portraits →

Sizes and pricing

A5 is £50. A4 is £100. Both come framed. I usually have a piece finished within about two weeks of receiving your photo, and I keep close to that. If you’re working to a tighter deadline, just mention it when you get in touch and I’ll let you know honestly whether it’s doable.

Why I offer a trois crayon portrait commission

My oil portraits take longer and cost more, so I wanted a trois crayon portrait commission that’s still hand-drawn and properly framed, just without that price tag. It’s my answer for people who want something personal without the oil painting budget. Good for a gift when the occasion calls for something considered, but you’re working with less money to spend.

How the process works

Step 1, upload your photo: use the form near the bottom of this page to send a clear photo, ideally good lighting and a decent resolution.

Step 2, check out: choose your size and complete your order, the same as any other purchase on the site.

Step 3, I’m in touch: I’ll email you within a day or two to confirm details, then draw it up in trois crayon on tanned paper and frame it. If a photo is blurry or too dark I’ll ask for a better one before starting, since the drawing can only be as good as what I’m working from. I’ll usually check in with you once partway through if there’s anything specific about the likeness you’d like me to pay attention to.

The story behind a real commission

Curious how a commission actually goes from photo to finished piece? I wrote about one in George Baker and His Dad, a trois crayon piece I drew for an old friend.

Common questions

Can I commission a pet or a group of people?
Yes, though a group portrait or a second subject usually needs a custom quote rather than the standard price above. Message me with details.

What if I don’t like the likeness?
I’ll ask for feedback partway through where possible so we can adjust before it’s finished, rather than after.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes, though shipping cost depends on where it’s going. Get in touch if you’re outside the UK and want a shipping estimate before you commission.

Start Your Commission

Step 1: fill out the form below with a clear reference photo. Step 2: head to checkout. I’ll email you to confirm details before I begin.

Photo tip: good, even lighting with minimal harsh shadow gives the best result, the drawing can only be as good as the reference it’s worked from. If you’re unsure, feel free to send a couple of options.

Have a browse of my portraits page if you want to see more of my work before commissioning a trois crayon portrait.