What Is Silverpoint?

Silverpoint is a traditional drawing technique that dates back to the Renaissance era, commonly used before the invention of graphite pencils. It involves drawing with a silver stylus or wire on a specially prepared surface, typically a prepared paper or panel. It is one of my FAVORITE art mediums as it looks so soft and luminous.

Here are the key aspects of silverpoint:

Materials:

• Silver Stylus: Usually a thin rod of silver, although other metals like gold or copper can also be used.
  I just use a small, one inch piece of silver wire that is about the diameter of a pencil lead and stick it into a stylus to make it easy to draw with.

Prepared Surface: The drawing surface needs to be coated with a ground that allows the silver to make marks. Traditional grounds include coatings of chalk, bone ash, or gesso. The easy way is to use a clay coated paper specifically created for silverpoint drawing. That is what I use. It is a very smooth surface that feels a little chalky. Picks up the silver layers perfectly and allows for many layers.

Technique:

• Delicate Marks: Silverpoint produces fine, delicate lines that range from light gray to brownish hues depending on the surface and the metal used.
• Pressure Sensitivity: Unlike graphite, which can produce darker lines with increased pressure, silverpoint doesn't vary in line darkness with pressure. It requires a consistent, light touch.
• Surface Preparation: The surface needs to be prepared with a ground that reacts to the metal, allowing it to leave a mark. The abrasive nature of the metal abrades the surface as it draws, creating the mark.

Characteristics:

• Indelible Marks: Silverpoint lines are indelible; they don’t smudge or erase like graphite and are resistant to fading over time.
• Aging and Oxidation: Over time, silverpoint drawings may oxidize, darkening to varying degrees, adding a unique quality to the artwork.
• Precision and Detail: The fine nature of silverpoint lines often encourages precision and intricate detail in drawings.

Historical Significance:

• Renaissance Era: Silverpoint was widely used during the Renaissance by artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer before the advent of graphite pencils. The above image is 'Angel' by Leonardo Da Vinci. Gorgeous.
• Subtle Tonal Range: It was prized for its ability to achieve subtle tonal gradations and its suitability for detailed renderings.

Though less commonly practiced today due to the availability of more versatile drawing materials, silverpoint remains a revered technique appreciated for its historical significance and unique aesthetic qualities.

We are creating a SILVERPOINT DRAWING course that will launch soon and we hope you will join us!