First Light

MATERIALS

• A length of wire

• A sheet of paper

• A special undercoat

The zenith of silverpoint drawing was achieved during the Renaissance with masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Albrecht Durer creating some of the most beautiful and recognisable drawings in the history of art. In 1560, the discovery of graphite in England and its subsequent use in the familiar “lead” pencil heralded the rapid decline of silverpoint. Unlike silverpoint, graphite drawings could be done on unprepared paper, mistakes could be erased, and graphite was much less expensive than using precious metals. Although one of the most difficult of all mediums to master, metalpoint drawings have a subtlety of line and a tonal beauty that few other media can rival. Instead of silver, Gordon Hanley works mostly with 24ct gold on paper, and has been at the forefront of a world revival in this beautiful art form.

For my drawings, I use a propelling pencil with a length of 24ct. gold wire, or a pure silver wire replacing the graphite. Although my metalpoints are drawn in gold and/or silver, you don’t have to invest a lot of money to get started. A piece of copper wire from an old electrical appliance will do fine. You will easily be able to get the hang of the technique at very little expense if you go for copper. Once you have attained a degree of mastery, graduate to pure silver, which isn’t prohibitively