Metalpoint has been used as a drawing and writing medium since very early times. A soft metal such as silver or gold, lead, platinum or copper will leave a mark on a prepared surface much like graphite. The Old Masters like DaVinci and Michelangelo used metalpoint to sketch on various surfaces.

I first heard of metalpoint in 2000 when I saw an article with photos of Dennis Martin's work. I was struck with the "light" effects and softness he was able to achieve with the medium. I decided to try it and set about teaching myself how to use this wonderful medium that it seemed no one had ever heard of. At this time I was a full time pen and ink artist, busily doing shows all over the northwest. My time with this new medium was limited and since so few had heard of it there were no classes available.  It was a very long process figureing out this new medium.

For the next several years my time was consumed with my ink work and my business. In 2008, my pen and ink work and  gallery in Seaside, Oregon,  basically came to a standstill. I was burned out with ink and felt there was little left to conquer. So I went to Alaska and took a year to ponder what my next step was with my art.

Upon my return to Seattle, I was positive about what I wanted to achieve. I started almost full time with metal point work. I also stopped doing art shows on the road, and have never missed them.

I've always considered myself a portrait artist.  In my wildlife pen and ink work the subjects always featured a strong portrait.   So when I started doing metalpoint full time my naturel inclination was,  and is,  to do portraits.  "Margaret at Three", "MIlo and Delia Mae" (my grandbabies) and "Danielle" I consider to be portraits.  However, the best use of metalpoint is doing nudes.  The unbelievable softness and "glow" you can acheive with metal, is unmatched in any other medium.  It's a joy to work with, despite the inconsistancies.  Every piece I do I discover or invent some new little technique.  I suspect there are many more discoveries about this medium yet to come.

I use mostly gold because while I was in Alaska I panned enough gold to have it melted down and pulled into the drawing point I use now. It's 24 kt Klondike Gold. I choose my pieces carefully looking for contrast, bright light and softness. I think of it as light and shadows, I love doing shadows within shadows and making the edges fuzzy.  It's all so un-ink like it's a joy.  Enjoy.