Artwork Description:

There was a revival of silverpoint drawing in the 18thcentury, and again in the late 19th (Leighton, Strang – England), then again in the early 20th (Picasso, Joseph Stella, Francis Wilmer Dewing), and now. Currently, there are only a few hundred artists working in the medium; most rely on descriptions in “standard” artists’ materials books, or individual explorations. Unfortunately, most descriptions are not completely accurate, in that they consistently describe the medium as being “faint,” “delicate” and so forth. It tarnishes with age and does not require any glass or protection. Chickasaw award-winning artist, Mary Ruth Barnes, has studied under skilled silverpoint artist Barbara Roundtree of Westcliffe, Colorado and loves this ancient technique of drawing. “It’s a very skillful technique,” Barnes states. “You cannot erase any mistakes. It’s very much about detail and fine marks,” explained Barnes. “It’s a way of making a mark on a surface that utilizes the metal, silver and oxidation,” stated Barnes. “You take Masonite board and you put a Gesso ground over the top. Gesso ground is made from ground up bone and other materials. The artist can then use a mechanical pencil that is loaded with pure silver wire and you draw onto the surface. The silver leaves traces of metal on the board, leaving a mark. After the discovery of graphite, as a drawing method, silverpoint pretty much vanished,” Barnes said. “Rembrandt used this method, on and off. Most artists prefer charcoal and pen and ink. However, I prefer looking at the ancient way if I can.” This one was drawn with sterling silver dollar and a silver fifty cent piece. It is framed in a beautiful wood frame.