Metalpoint/Silverpoint

Metal Point Mandala

This is an old technique called Metalpoint or Silverpoint drawing and was used before the development of graphite pencils.

Leonardo da Vinci and other masters used this method of drawing.  Many original Silverpoint drawings done by Leonardo da Vinci have survived today.

Over time the metal used in metal point drawings can change color.  Some of the masters drawings looked liked they used a red/brown pencil.  These were probably drawn with silverpoint.

The challenge with metal point is that the marks cannot be erased, so you need to work carefully.  The metal point does not smudge, however, so there is no need to worry about your hand smudging your work as with graphite pencils.

This Mandala was drawn on a canvas board with a metal point tip.  Drawing with a metal point is like drawing with a hard 4-6H pencil.

This Mandala was drawn with a metal point as shown in the black holder.  You can also use silver and gold, which will change in color as it ages.  The metal point and silver point will tarnish to a nice patina.

Overall I am very please how my first metal point drawing came out.