Lace curtain with bellbird and monarch. 50 x 35cms 24kt gold, pure silver, watercolour.
Metalpoint is a drawing technique where the artist uses a metal stylus, made of gold or silver, on an abrasive preparation so that traces of the metal are left on the surface, resulting in a visible drawing. The fine point allows for precise lines so that stunningly detailed drawings can be achieved. Metalpoint gave rise to the phrase 'meticulous drawing' as lines cannot be erased and the drawing must be carefully planned and executed with precision.
During the Renaissance metalpoint became popular before graphite replaced it from around 1550. In northern Europe metalpoint continued to be used in preparation for prints or in travel sketchbooks. From the late 17th century the technique was virtually forgotten until the 19th century when the admiration for Renaissance art sparked new interest. Today the technique is still rarely used.
Janet Marshall is one of New Zealand's foremost artists in her speciality, New Zealand native birds. She is now using the skills that created her beautifully detailed paintings for a new series of gold and silver metalpoint drawings.