Product Description
This ground is putting a new modern spin on a traditional drawing technique using various metal styli to mark a specially prepared surface.
The history of Silverpoint, also called Metal point, dates back to before 1560 AD, when the first pencils, as we know them, were invented. The earliest use of metal styli was used to record various business transactions, and this is where silverpoint has its origins. Initially, the marks were made on wax and clay tablets, then specially prepared animal skins, and ultimately paper. The ground was often a mixture of burned bones, ash, chalk, and various other solids. The most common binder was probably spittle. Metal point was in frequent use from the late 14th to the 17th century, and was used by many Renaissance artists.
This Silverpoint Ground is provided in a very fluid consistency for easy application and leveling. Not only is this ground easy to apply, but it provides for incredible accuracy of line using a very permanent, lightfast pigmentation and acrylic binder. Additionally, this ground will remain much more flexible over time than traditional preparations.
The easiest way to get started is to dip a good varnish brush (a bristle brush can work as well) into the well-shaken Silverpoint Ground, and apply a thin coat to a piece of hot press fine art grade paper. One will see bubbles and foam as it is brushed, which will eventually disappear as the product soaks into the paper, allowing for a thin, even coat. Let it dry thoroughly and start to draw.
Easily make custom metal styli by taking almost any piece of metal - copper, bronze, nickel, gold, silver, etc. (the harder the metal, the lighter the line, and remember that metals that tarnish will ultimately exhibit that color; copper will turn greenish), and using various metal working tools, such as grinding wheels, files and sandpaper, shape the stylus in various ways.
Silverpoint is still favored today for its permanence (although different metals will leave marks that will change color as they tarnish, and at that point, will be stable), and unparalleled fineness of line and detail. It is much easier to hone a piece of metal into a fine point compared to a piece of graphite or other drawing media.
The history of Silverpoint, also called Metal point, dates back to before 1560 AD, when the first pencils, as we know them, were invented. The earliest use of metal styli was used to record various business transactions, and this is where silverpoint has its origins. Initially, the marks were made on wax and clay tablets, then specially prepared animal skins, and ultimately paper. The ground was often a mixture of burned bones, ash, chalk, and various other solids. The most common binder was probably spittle. Metal point was in frequent use from the late 14th to the 17th century, and was used by many Renaissance artists.
This Silverpoint Ground is provided in a very fluid consistency for easy application and leveling. Not only is this ground easy to apply, but it provides for incredible accuracy of line using a very permanent, lightfast pigmentation and acrylic binder. Additionally, this ground will remain much more flexible over time than traditional preparations.
The easiest way to get started is to dip a good varnish brush (a bristle brush can work as well) into the well-shaken Silverpoint Ground, and apply a thin coat to a piece of hot press fine art grade paper. One will see bubbles and foam as it is brushed, which will eventually disappear as the product soaks into the paper, allowing for a thin, even coat. Let it dry thoroughly and start to draw.
Easily make custom metal styli by taking almost any piece of metal - copper, bronze, nickel, gold, silver, etc. (the harder the metal, the lighter the line, and remember that metals that tarnish will ultimately exhibit that color; copper will turn greenish), and using various metal working tools, such as grinding wheels, files and sandpaper, shape the stylus in various ways.
Silverpoint is still favored today for its permanence (although different metals will leave marks that will change color as they tarnish, and at that point, will be stable), and unparalleled fineness of line and detail. It is much easier to hone a piece of metal into a fine point compared to a piece of graphite or other drawing media.
