Триограф Буйко Triograph buiko Triangulation триангуляция
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Triograph
Tool for Spatial Construction
Anyone who draws from life knows how challenging it is to translate volumetric, three-dimensional space onto a flat sheet or canvas while maintaining accurate proportions, angles, and perspective. Even the most trained eye can often fail. The Triograph was created specifically to solve these problems.
The Triograph is a compact handheld tool for constructing and verifying drawings. It is designed specifically for artists working from life (as well as from photographs or screens) and allows for the precise location of key compositional points without relying solely on the eye.
The tool is especially convenient when working on vertical surfaces — such as a canvas, drawing board, or easel. The Triograph can also be used on horizontal planes, for example, when working in contact mode on a table
The Triograph is a compact handheld tool for constructing and verifying drawings. It is designed specifically for artists working from life (as well as from photographs or screens) and allows for the precise location of key compositional points without relying solely on the eye.
The tool is especially convenient when working on vertical surfaces — such as a canvas, drawing board, or easel. The Triograph can also be used on horizontal planes, for example, when working in contact mode on a table
How to work from life
How to work from a photograph
How to work with the tool (an older version of the tool is used in this film)
With the help of the Triograph, an artist can create a reliable framework for a composition by defining several key points that can be confidently relied on in the work.
These reference points stitch together the space of the subject and the picture like a grid — but only in the necessary, carefully chosen places.
As if pinning the structure down with a few sewing pins, the artist secures the construction and can then work freely, without fearing that the drawing will “drift” or fall apart.
These reference points stitch together the space of the subject and the picture like a grid — but only in the necessary, carefully chosen places.
As if pinning the structure down with a few sewing pins, the artist secures the construction and can then work freely, without fearing that the drawing will “drift” or fall apart.
Rapid construction of a drawing framework from a photo (examples)
With the help of the Triograph, an artist can create a reliable framework for a composition by defining several key points that can be confidently relied on in the work.
These reference points stitch together the space of the subject and the picture like a grid—but only in the necessary, carefully chosen places.
As if pinning the structure down with a few sewing pins, the artist secures the construction and can then work freely, without fearing that the drawing will “drift” or fall apart.
These reference points stitch together the space of the subject and the picture like a grid—but only in the necessary, carefully chosen places.
As if pinning the structure down with a few sewing pins, the artist secures the construction and can then work freely, without fearing that the drawing will “drift” or fall apart.
How the Triograph works
The Triograph uses the principle of triangulation — a method that helps precisely locate any point in relation to two others.
Triangulation is a scientific term, but in reality, it is quite simple. It is similar to how our vision works. A person determines the position of an object in space by comparing the viewing angles from the left and right eyes.
The brain automatically calculates the intersection of these angles, which is where the object is located.
The Triograph uses the same principle — only instead of two eyes, you have two already established points on your drawing and a tool that helps you precisely calculate the position of any other point relative to these two.
Essentially, this is what every artist does on an intuitive level when searching for a specific point by relying on several landmarks at once. For example, determining where the edge of a roof is relative to the corner of a house, a window, a tree top, etc. However, in complex scenes, unusual angles, or figure drawing, this intuition can fail.
The Triograph turns this unconscious triangulation into a precise and controlled process, allowing you to create a reliable framework for your composition or verify your drawing.
A unique feature of the Triograph is that it operates on simplified triangulation. Instead of simultaneously monitoring three points, as in the classical scheme, it is enough to align two — the known point and the one being sought. Gravity provides the zero reference point. This is exactly what makes the tool as simple to use as possible.
The Triograph uses the principle of triangulation — a method that helps precisely locate any point in relation to two others.
Triangulation is a scientific term, but in reality, it is quite simple. It is similar to how our vision works. A person determines the position of an object in space by comparing the viewing angles from the left and right eyes.
The brain automatically calculates the intersection of these angles, which is where the object is located.
The Triograph uses the same principle — only instead of two eyes, you have two already established points on your drawing and a tool that helps you precisely calculate the position of any other point relative to these two.
Essentially, this is what every artist does on an intuitive level when searching for a specific point by relying on several landmarks at once. For example, determining where the edge of a roof is relative to the corner of a house, a window, a tree top, etc. However, in complex scenes, unusual angles, or figure drawing, this intuition can fail.
The Triograph turns this unconscious triangulation into a precise and controlled process, allowing you to create a reliable framework for your composition or verify your drawing.
A unique feature of the Triograph is that it operates on simplified triangulation. Instead of simultaneously monitoring three points, as in the classical scheme, it is enough to align two — the known point and the one being sought. Gravity provides the zero reference point. This is exactly what makes the tool as simple to use as possible.
How the Triograph Works
The Triograph uses the principle of triangulation — a method that helps precisely locate any point in relation to two others.
Triangulation is a scientific term, but in reality, it is quite simple. It is similar to how our vision works. A person determines the position of an object in space by comparing the viewing angles from the left and right eyes.
The brain automatically calculates the intersection of these angles, which is where the object is located.
The Triograph uses the same principle — only instead of two eyes, you have two already established points on your drawing and a tool that helps you precisely calculate the position of any other point relative to these two.
Essentially, this is what every artist does on an intuitive level when searching for a specific point by relying on several landmarks at once. For example, determining where the edge of a roof is relative to the corner of a house, a window, a tree top, etc. However, in complex scenes, unusual angles, or figure drawing, this intuition can fail.
The Triograph turns this unconscious triangulation into a precise and controlled process, allowing you to create a reliable framework for your composition or verify your drawing.
A unique feature of the Triograph is that it operates on simplified triangulation. Instead of simultaneously monitoring three points, as in the classical scheme, it is enough to align two — the known point and the one being sought. Gravity provides the zero reference point. This is exactly what makes the tool as simple to use as possible.
The Triograph uses the principle of triangulation — a method that helps precisely locate any point in relation to two others.
Triangulation is a scientific term, but in reality, it is quite simple. It is similar to how our vision works. A person determines the position of an object in space by comparing the viewing angles from the left and right eyes.
The brain automatically calculates the intersection of these angles, which is where the object is located.
The Triograph uses the same principle — only instead of two eyes, you have two already established points on your drawing and a tool that helps you precisely calculate the position of any other point relative to these two.
Essentially, this is what every artist does on an intuitive level when searching for a specific point by relying on several landmarks at once. For example, determining where the edge of a roof is relative to the corner of a house, a window, a tree top, etc. However, in complex scenes, unusual angles, or figure drawing, this intuition can fail.
The Triograph turns this unconscious triangulation into a precise and controlled process, allowing you to create a reliable framework for your composition or verify your drawing.
A unique feature of the Triograph is that it operates on simplified triangulation. Instead of simultaneously monitoring three points, as in the classical scheme, it is enough to align two — the known point and the one being sought. Gravity provides the zero reference point. This is exactly what makes the tool as simple to use as possible.
When working from life, the Triograph must face the same direction you are looking. There is a sight window for this purpose — your line of sight passes through it. Look at the area between the two points you are measuring.
If the opening in the window appears as a circle, the tool is positioned correctly. If it stretches into an oval or disappears, it means the tool has tilted, and the angle may be distorted. Rotate the handle until the circle becomes round again.
When measuring a direction below eye level, tilt the handle slightly toward yourself; for directions above eye level, tilt it away from yourself. The vertical alignment is maintained automatically as the Triograph aligns itself by gravity.
If you are working from a photograph or a screen image, hold the tool parallel to that surface. The Triograph’s ruler and handle must lie in the same plane as the image (the sight window is not used in this case).
The same applies to your drawing. When transferring an angle, the tool must lie in the same plane as the canvas or paper. The ruler and handle of the Triograph must be parallel to your drawing. This ensures all angles are transferred accurately, without distortion.
In short: if you are working from life — look through the sight window.
If working from a photograph — hold the tool parallel to the image.
When transferring to the drawing — keep it parallel as well.
If the opening in the window appears as a circle, the tool is positioned correctly. If it stretches into an oval or disappears, it means the tool has tilted, and the angle may be distorted. Rotate the handle until the circle becomes round again.
When measuring a direction below eye level, tilt the handle slightly toward yourself; for directions above eye level, tilt it away from yourself. The vertical alignment is maintained automatically as the Triograph aligns itself by gravity.
If you are working from a photograph or a screen image, hold the tool parallel to that surface. The Triograph’s ruler and handle must lie in the same plane as the image (the sight window is not used in this case).
The same applies to your drawing. When transferring an angle, the tool must lie in the same plane as the canvas or paper. The ruler and handle of the Triograph must be parallel to your drawing. This ensures all angles are transferred accurately, without distortion.
In short: if you are working from life — look through the sight window.
If working from a photograph — hold the tool parallel to the image.
When transferring to the drawing — keep it parallel as well.
For accurate construction, identify any three base points on the subject that together form a clear triangle. Transfer them to your image. Pay close attention to their construction — they will become the support for the entire composition.
Important: try to base all further construction precisely on these three points (if you search each time from a newly found point, errors may accumulate).
Important: try to base all further construction precisely on these three points (if you search each time from a newly found point, errors may accumulate).
How to make marks on the canvas:
When transferring an angle from life to the canvas, first make a mark or place the tip of your pencil or brush where you feel the new point should be. This temporary mark will help not only to assess your eye for distance but also to create a visual reference (it is difficult for the eye to lock onto anything on a blank canvas or paper).
You should first try to find the necessary point on your own, by eye. And only then check it with the tool. This way you will not just be constructing, but learning.
Every mistake is a small lesson. Without this attempt, the eye does not develop.
When you bring the ruler close, it will immediately become clear how much the true direction deviates from your mark.
Place the correct mark on the canvas. For example, a small dash.
Then measure the angle from the second base point in exactly the same way. The intersection of the two lines will be the exact position of the new point.
In this way, you find several key reference points. A framework on which the entire composition will rest.
In the process of drawing, as needed, you can supplement the composition with new points and verify the construction.
When transferring an angle from life to the canvas, first make a mark or place the tip of your pencil or brush where you feel the new point should be. This temporary mark will help not only to assess your eye for distance but also to create a visual reference (it is difficult for the eye to lock onto anything on a blank canvas or paper).
You should first try to find the necessary point on your own, by eye. And only then check it with the tool. This way you will not just be constructing, but learning.
Every mistake is a small lesson. Without this attempt, the eye does not develop.
When you bring the ruler close, it will immediately become clear how much the true direction deviates from your mark.
Place the correct mark on the canvas. For example, a small dash.
Then measure the angle from the second base point in exactly the same way. The intersection of the two lines will be the exact position of the new point.
In this way, you find several key reference points. A framework on which the entire composition will rest.
In the process of drawing, as needed, you can supplement the composition with new points and verify the construction.
Triograph Usage Modes: Contactless and Contact
In the contactless mode, the Triograph is used "in the air" — without touching the canvas. This is convenient when working with large formats, on fresh oil paint, or in situations where it is important not to touch the surface with your hand.
But if high precision is needed, for example, when constructing architecture, perspective, or establishing the foundation for a portrait, the Triograph transforms into a stable measuring instrument in literally a minute.
For this purpose, it has removable metal legs: one unscrews from the base of the handle, and the other two are placed on the ends of the ruler. This creates a reliable three-point support.
In this case, the tool can be safely placed on paper or canvas to draw precise lines.
Everything you need — legs and a key — is already included in the set. More details in this video.
Working with Volume and Form
The Triograph can be used in sculpture or bas-relief.
It allows you to check directions on three-dimensional forms — at a distance, without touching the surface, without templates or contact tools.
For example, a sculptor can check whether the direction from the tip of the nose to the knee matches the same direction on the model. If necessary, they can also locate reference points in volume using the triangulation method. In this case, it is important to maintain visual similarity in the angle of view and size between the model and the sculpture. This can be achieved by changing the distance or using a turntable.
In the contactless mode, the Triograph is used "in the air" — without touching the canvas. This is convenient when working with large formats, on fresh oil paint, or in situations where it is important not to touch the surface with your hand.
But if high precision is needed, for example, when constructing architecture, perspective, or establishing the foundation for a portrait, the Triograph transforms into a stable measuring instrument in literally a minute.
For this purpose, it has removable metal legs: one unscrews from the base of the handle, and the other two are placed on the ends of the ruler. This creates a reliable three-point support.
In this case, the tool can be safely placed on paper or canvas to draw precise lines.
Everything you need — legs and a key — is already included in the set. More details in this video.
Working with Volume and Form
The Triograph can be used in sculpture or bas-relief.
It allows you to check directions on three-dimensional forms — at a distance, without touching the surface, without templates or contact tools.
For example, a sculptor can check whether the direction from the tip of the nose to the knee matches the same direction on the model. If necessary, they can also locate reference points in volume using the triangulation method. In this case, it is important to maintain visual similarity in the angle of view and size between the model and the sculpture. This can be achieved by changing the distance or using a turntable.
The tool is available in two versions.
The Beech Triograph is a full-sized studio version with a comfortable weight, smooth movement, and maximum precision (ruler length 26 cm / 10.2 in). It is suitable for work in the studio, plein air painting, etc.
The tool is of very high quality, coated with a durable varnish resistant to solvents.
The Folding Metal Triograph made of stainless steel is a pocket-sized version for trips and plein air outings. It performs the same functions and works on the same principle, but easily fits into a pocket (ruler 23 cm / 9 in; when folded, the entire tool is 15 cm / 5.9 in).
15-year warranty on both tools when used properly.
The Beech Triograph is a full-sized studio version with a comfortable weight, smooth movement, and maximum precision (ruler length 26 cm / 10.2 in). It is suitable for work in the studio, plein air painting, etc.
The tool is of very high quality, coated with a durable varnish resistant to solvents.
The Folding Metal Triograph made of stainless steel is a pocket-sized version for trips and plein air outings. It performs the same functions and works on the same principle, but easily fits into a pocket (ruler 23 cm / 9 in; when folded, the entire tool is 15 cm / 5.9 in).
15-year warranty on both tools when used properly.
This video demonstrates how the Triograph can be used to quickly and accurately fix a drawing using reference points from life (the construction in the film is done using an older version of the tool).
The Triograph was created primarily for those who work from life — plein air, in the studio, when constructing a portrait, figure, architecture, complex still life, or three-dimensional form, including sculpture. For everyone striving for realistic construction in drawing: from art students to experienced masters. The tool is designed, among other things, for easel painting and academic drawing where work is carried out on a vertical surface.
The tool will be especially useful for beginning artists who still find it difficult to accurately transfer three-dimensional space onto a flat plane. A good eye is indispensable, but even for experienced artists, it can fail in unfamiliar angles and complex perspectives.
Regular work with the Triograph can, to some extent, "calibrate" the artist's eye. After a few weeks of practice, one will be able to see and reproduce complex angles and volumes much more accurately without the tool.
It is important to understand that the Triograph is not a replacement for the eye, but a tool for its development and verification. It will help to see and correct mistakes, provide support in doubtful places.
The tool does not interfere with free work and does not turn a drawing into a blueprint. It allows you to precisely find the necessary point, complex angle, or proportions and move on calmly, without constant erasing and redrawing.
The Triograph is not a draftsman's tool. Reference points hold the form, while everything else can remain alive and fluid. Measurements are taken in the air, by eye, and will always contain a degree of living inaccuracy. But for an artistic task, this is more than enough.
Patent pending.
The price of the instrument is approximately $60 (shipping is included in the price).
Prices for tools already include international shipping, logistics, taxes and mediation of the Boostu website. We ship the tools as a gift without an invoice, so you won't have any problems receiving them.
Current prices for all my tools on Boostu (there you can select and pay for the instrument)
(If you have made a purchase, please immediately send me a message on the website or by e-mail at 126801@gmail.com and specify your address)
The Triograph is sold and shipped worldwide.
Postal communication between Russia and most countries is functioning normally. Delivery usually takes around two weeks.
Prices for tools already include international shipping, logistics, taxes and mediation of the Boostu website. We ship the tools as a gift without an invoice, so you won't have any problems receiving them.
Current prices for all my tools on Boostu (there you can select and pay for the instrument)
(If you have made a purchase, please immediately send me a message on the website or by e-mail at 126801@gmail.com and specify your address)
The Triograph is sold and shipped worldwide.
Postal communication between Russia and most countries is functioning normally. Delivery usually takes around two weeks.
Patent pending
