Silver Point

Submitted by Aaron Holland on Sat, 2007-01-20 01:52

Silver-Point

"When metallic silver is drawn across paper that has been coated with a layer of white pigment, small dark particles of the metal are held in the porous or granular surface of the coating in the same way that other materials [graphite, lead, charcoal, etc...]are held by the fibers of uncoated paper. Silver-point drawings, which were more popularily esteemed in the past than they are in the present, are characterized by a certain delicacy of line.

Unless immediately protected by fixative, the lines acquire a tarnish such as forms on all silver surfaces; this color change, however, is usually desired, and the drawings are therefore left unfixed until it occurs."

excerpt from- The Artist's Handbook

by: Ralph Mayer

 

 

To Begin: You may use either a smooth bristol drawing paper, or smooth watercolor paper and coat it with a layer of chinese white or white guache, and let dry. This is most easily done by securely taping the paper to a board and applying a wash much like you would in watercolor. I find it convenient to leave the paper taped as such for the duration of the drawing. ( Do not begin until paper is completely dry- 24 hrs. is recommended).

Part of the charm of silver-point drawing is the limited ability to erase the lines. What you draw is what you get. You can erase a little, and lightly, but as soon as you erase the white ground off the paper, or make it too smooth by erasing, it will no longer accept the silver. When that happens you are done in that area. A plastic eraser will work to erase lightly, as will a kneaded eraser, but I recommend begining with the idea in mind that you are not going to erase.

You can purchase silver in small rods from your local jeweler for about ten dollars or so, and a mechanical pencil holder will work nicely to accomodate it. Sharpen the silver to a soft round point using sandpaper. You do not need to press down hard on the paper to make a mark, remember silver point is known 'delicacy of line.

Spray fix when done, or wait to fix until the silver has tarnished. Good luck!

-Aaron