black and red chalks were used by old masters to make drawings. Is there any place I can purchase these chalk

Answer 1

They are called conte' crayons, and come in a kind of burnt red, and black. You can find them at most art supply stores.

Answer 2

I highly recommend if your going with that type of material to get some black and white conte pencils. and work on a kraft paper, or some other darker material- the end results are really beautiful, you use the whites for lights and blacks for shadows.
Pastel pencils also work very nicely, and come in the widest variety of colors.
Sanguine and Conte sticks are both okay as well, but are less precise because you can't really sharpen them.
Any of this stuff can be purchased at art supply stores. Sense you didn't say where you live, I can't recommend a specific store.

Answer 3

Hi,

If I'm not mistaken, the red you're referring to is sanguine (sp?) and the black may be charcoal or burnt bones (I guess).
I'm not sure if the sanguine nowadays is the same as those days, or it's just the name.
Just like in USA people say lead pencil even if not containing any lead. It's a name that came from the past and stayed like that.
Anyway, you may contact Studio Products or Generals (or is it General ?).

Best regards,

José
http://sitekreator.com/hushcolours/index.html

Answer 4

Yes, sanguine. You can use conte. It may not come off though. Depending on what you are drawing...you can use regular chalks VERY LIGHTLY or use white charcoal, again very lightly. Becareful of the dust! Happy drawing!