RADOST
  • About
  • SHOP
  • Art
  • Classes
  • News
  • Contact

Drawing in Silver and Gold Across Centuries at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. 

5/13/2015

0 Comments

 
As I have been drawing daily and improving my fashion illustration skills, I am always looking for various sketching techniques. A recent visit to the National Gallery of Art (NGA) in Washington D.C. brought metalpoint to my attention. "Drawing in Silver and Gold: Leonardo to Jasper Johns" showcases works by Leonardo da Vinci, Albrecht Durer, Jasper Johns, and many other world known artists. 

While I know the artists and can identify their works, this exhibition has taught me about their technique and the benefits of metalpoint. The medium was quite popular during the Renaissance. NGA explains: "An artist working in metalpoint uses a sharp, pointed 
instrument (a stylus) with a metal tip to draw on paper, 
parchment, or wood that has been specially coated. As 
the stylus travels across this slightly abrasive ground, a 
small amount of metal is scraped off and remains behind,
 creating a line. When first drawn, all metalpoint lines, including those made by gold, appear gray, an optical effect that stems in part from the breaking down of the metal into tiny particles. Some metals oxidize, or tarnish, to different colors over time: silver, for example, generally turns golden brown. Others, such as gold, never tarnish and remain gray."

Some of the benefits of metalpoint - and of silverpoint in particular - is that it is resistant to smearing and is exceptionally durable. Hence, we can enjoy art works from several centuries ago. The delicate lines of the point are great for capturing even the smallest detail. 

Sketches by Leonardo da Vinci often make me pause and really study them. But, now that I understand the technique of metalpoint, I know I will look even closer as I have never tried if myself and find it fascinating to examine the process and tools of other artists. 

The exhibition is open until July 26, 2015, and is located in the West Building Ground Floor. 
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    RADOST™ BLOG

    Welcome! My textile/fashion design brand RADOST™ (Czech) is all about JOY (English). 

    In the blogs, I bring you thoughts on textile and fashion design, art, and travel.

    Check back often, as creativity never sleeps (well, almost never) and surround yourself with joy!  ​​

    Archives

    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014

© 2016-2022 RADOST by Martina Sestakova. Made in Maryland. All Rights Reserved.