Silver Point Grasshopper

All photographs by me, subject: grasshopper in silverpoint

I recently discovered silver point drawing, a very old method of drawing in which you use a wire of pure silver to draw on specially prepared paper. Old masters such as Leonardo da Vinci used it during the Renaissance, some of them drawing with pure gold, brass, and copper too.

I was drawn to it because, being obsessed with details, it allows one to draw the finest, most delicate lines possible because of the combined hardness of the metal, fineness of the point, and the ability to make a stroke with the lightest of pressures.

Another wonderful attribute is the highly reflective nature of the marks made. Before the metal tarnished on the page, it glitters and glows like the precious metal it is.

Anne Girl

L.M. Montgomery's character of Anne Shirley has always held a special place in my heart. As a girl, my imagination was captured by her, and not just because she had red hair and lived on Prince Edward Island; she had flaws like me, such as being too stubborn, holding grudges, and being a little too romantic. I loved nature, and she loved nature. I hated certain boys, and she hated certain boys. I fell in love against all my protestations, and she did too.

No surprise then that I sat down to paint something pretty, and what came out, quite by accident, was Anne Shirley. I didn't realize it until I'd painted the last strand of hair, and then I said to myself, "Well, if it isn't Anne Shirley." She has the red hair, perfect little nose, and flowers in her hair.

Rather appropriate I think, with fall coming on to astound us in all its wild, red glory.