Old Masters Drawing Techniques

Name: Old Masters Drawing Techniques
Rating: 4.7 (119 reviews)

Learn the lost techniques of silverpoint, quill drawing, red chalk and trois crayons used by the old masters.

Created byLuis Borrero

Last updated 3/2026

English

What you'll learn

Learn the craft of old masters drawing materials and techniques, including silverpoint, quill drawing, red chalk and trois crayon techniques. The course includes comprehensive demonstrations on how to draw using these techniques to achieve wonderful effects.

Course content

6 sections • 26 lectures • 8h 40m total length

Introduction to old masters drawing techniques1:17
Introduction and course overview.

Introduction to silverpoint technique and materials overview9:08
Introduction to the technique of silverpoint described by Cennino Cennini in his treatise Il libro dell Arte.
How to make bone ash and silverpoints.5:53
This lecture teaches the student how to make bone ash, and silverpoints using lead and tin metals as described by Cennino Cennini.
How to prepare a ground for silverpoint.15:03
In this lecture students will learn how to make an effective ground to use with the silverpoint technique.
How to prepare the paper for drawing.7:05
This lecture demonstrates how to apply the ground to the paper in preparation for silverpoint drawing.
Second application of the silverpoint ground.2:54
This lecture demonstrates how to apply the second ground to the paper in preparation for silverpoint drawing.
First drawing demonstration(exploring the qualities of silverpoint)40:00
First portrait drawing using the medium of silverpoint.
Silverpoint final drawing demonstration, part 1.37:50
In this lecture I will develop a more elaborate portrait drawing using the technique of silverpoint.
Silverpoint final drawing demonstration, part 2.37:25
In this lecture I will conclude the portrait drawing demostration using the technique of silverpoint.

Introduction to quill drawing19:24
In this chapter we will learn about the use of a feather as drawing tool, including the history and the techniques used by the old masters.
How to cut a quill for drawing23:42
This lecture teaches the student how to prepare and cut a quill for drawing.
How to work with ink washes12:44
This lecture covers the the technique of ink wash and how to properly mix the values in preparation for drawing.
First quill drawing warm up exercise6:00
In this lecture we will explore how to establish figure gestures using quill and ink wash.
Second quill drawing warm up exercise12:08
In this lecture we will explore how to establish a second figure gesture using quill and ink wash.
How to develop quill drawing with cross hatching7:12

Introduction to Red chalk drawing techniques and its history.20:10
In this chapter we will learn about the technique of red chalk. A popular medium used by Michelangelo and other renaissance artists to create masterful drawings.
Red chalk drawing warm up54:32
First drawing demonstration using red chalk.
Red chalk drawing warm up pt 228:51
Conclusion of the first drawing demonstration using red chalk.
Red chalk final drawing demo25:20
Second drawing demonstration using red chalk.
Red chalk final drawing demo pt 226:36
Conclusion of the second drawing demonstration using red chalk.

Introduction to trois crayon technique23:39
In this chapter we will learn about the technique of trois crayon. A French term used to describe drawings employing the use of red chalk, white chalk and charcoal to create tonal and colored gradations.
How to make your own sanguine wax crayons for drawing.4:18
This lecture features the method of manufacture of a sanguine wax crayon described by Leonardo da Vinci.
How to tint your paper to achieve a tan color.5:57
This lecture teaches the student how to apply a tone to a sheet of paper using ink wash, in preparation for the Trois crayon technique.
Trois crayon first demostration49:12
Trois crayon second demostration40:38

Requirements

Basic drawing skills

Description

Discover the lost techniques of the old masters in this fascinating course, that takes you back to a time where artists had to manufacture their own materials using nature and alchemy. Learn how Leonardo da Vinci and other great artist worked with the medium of silverpoint, quill pen, red chalk, and trois crayons to create some of the greatest drawings in the history of art.

Who this course is for:

Beginer students and art enthusiasts

Old Masters Drawing Techniques

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction1 lecture • 1min

Silverpoint drawing techniques8 lectures • 2hr 35min

Quill pen and Ink drawing techniques6 lectures • 1hr 21min

Natural red chalk drawing techniques5 lectures • 2hr 35min

Trois crayons techniques5 lectures • 2hr 4min

Chiaroscuro lighting1 lecture • 4min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: