On March 30, 2019 Judy Kula lead a workshop on Silverpoint. Silverpoint is the art of drawing with the tip of a silver rod or wire an a surface, usually paper. It is often necessary to first prepare the paper with gesso, or other primer, to ensure that the surface has a rough enough texture so that the silver leaves a visible mark. Silverpoint drawings are fairly light when first drawn, but darken with time as the silver tarnishes. Silverpoint has been used since before the Renaissance, but has not been as popular since the introduction of the graphite pencil.
Judy Kula has taught a number of classes at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden.
As part of our “Silver Anniversary” celebration, we held a silverpoint workshop with Judy Kula. Judy started out giving an overview of the history of silverpoint. Photos by Secretary Susan Ashton.
Judy also brought information on designing a botanical mandala.
The church where the workshop was held provided us with refreshments.
President Joyce Peters confers with Vice-President Marceline VandeWater while sampling the goodies.
Judy Kula explains techniques.
Participants continue to listen to Judy.
Participants continue on their projects as Judy consults with students in the background.
Participants begin to map out their pieces.
Continued individual work.
Judy demonstrates applying special gesso to paper.
Judy demonstrates adding powdered pastel dust to her drawing with a brush.
Judy’s silverpoint drawing with lightly added color from pastel dust.
Judy says she singes the bristles on her old brushes for adding pastel or carbon dust as it picks up the dust better than if she just trims them.
Judy explains techniques. Photo from Joyce Peters
Back to work on individual projects.
Continued instruction and tips.