Silverpoint and Metalpoint Drawing: A Complete Guide to the Medium

I have been asked to do a workshop in silverpoint. I have drawn in silverpoint for many years but information to increase my knowledge of this medium has been scarce. This book contains essential information for beginners as well as artists who have experimented with it. I have come up with my own technics in using silverpoint and this book added many more intriguing ideas for working with the silverpoint medium.

For those of us who found the subject of Silverpoint/ Metal point drawing fascinating and wanting to know more, this is the book that fills in the gaps that previous books on the subject left opened. This book will provide all that is needed to thoroughly do the work and produce a drawing completed and professionally done. I personally had to wait a long time for such a book to be published and I thank the authors for the success of producing a very fine work on this long forgotten drawing form and keeping it alive to be enjoyed once again.

I love this book. I have been trying to learn about this by myself, This is the first book that discussing this very old medium, but does not keep it in the past, but focuses on how to do it now. Great review of tools, good photos so you know exactly what is being talked about.

This is certainly a good and well-cited introduction to metalpoint, but it is not a particularly inspiring read. I got the most out of the history and materials section where they show the look of different metals and gave examples of how different media respond to metalpoint. It was interesting to see contemporary artists work, but not much conceptual background was offered. Some of the contemporary works seem mentioned merely because they had a bit of silver but are not otherwise notable. I am sure my impression may have been skewed by the low resolution images which make the more detail-oriented works look dull and the details are not visible.

I am very glad I bought this book as I started working in metalpoint again. The author offers a lot of specific informationwhich has been very helpful. And I like the history of the past and the contemporary use of metalpoint.

I wanted to learn more about silverpoint and metal point drawing. It has very good information!

Just what I irdered

I was taught metalpoint in a Visual Design class in college, and hadn't used it again until I took workshops by both Susan Schwalb and Carol Prusa during the symposium "Draw 2014" at Carnegie Mellon University. I've been using it again on a regular basis. This book basically shows everything you could possibly need to know about the medium technically, but goes much further. This is also very much a 21st century approach to the medium. The work of artists who use it today are highlighted, and they are a very diverse group- from figurative to abstract, to installation-based mixed media three dimensional. I've skimmed through the whole book, but am now diligently going through the chapters, detail by detail. There is really no other medium you can work with that allows you to draw with anything from scrap metal to vintage sterling silver forks and spoons.

Great summary of the history and basics of silverpoint, especially beginners.

Excellent book, promptly delivered by Wordery.

This is the vademecum of metalpoint drawing, covering not only its use throughout art history, from the Renaissance to the 21st century, but also giving invaluable information and advice about the metals that can be use and how they tarnish, but also about the preparation of the grounds, as well as, for people who do not want to go through this process, about all the different sorts of papers that can be used without preparation. It also includes very useful information about mixed media, notably on how to add color to metalpoint drawings. It even indicates websites and places where materials can be bought.Additionally, it is very well written and clear.

Very pricey for basic info - good for anyone who wants to know a little about silverpoint !

Despite a nicely written beginning, it is seriously lacking in more historical research covering the golden age of metalpoint. The second half of the book is given over to unnecessary information and worse, contemporary artists working in the medium whose works might make the reader recoil from metalpoint altogether. This isn’t a cheap book and I’m disappointed to have paid for pages about artists from whom I wouldn’t even accept a free catalogue. It is a shame given the effort that has gone into the publication which is technically well illustrated and well meant. Overall one is left with an impression of coyness with respect to the greatness that this wonderful medium has produced.