metalpoint question

[colinbarclay]

Hi ,
I have been playing with different metals , drawing on gesso'd board . Is there something I can use to speed up the patination of silver or copper ? Or is this not such a hot idea ? ( I tried ammonia on copper - it turns it kinda blue but the blue also rubs off ...)
thanks,
Colin

[pixelscapes]

I don't know of anything that darkens copper or silver besides acid, myself... and I suspect acid is NOT a good thing to put on artwork. Especially not onto nice, acid-free gesso. http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/wink.gif

I'll check my Artist's Materials book tonight and see if it says anything about darkening.

-=- Jen "Ag Cu" Pixelscapes

[pixelscapes]

Hmm. All it says is, "In time, the silver darkens and turns brown. This tarnishing effect gives silverpoint drawings their characteristic appearance."

It says you can use gessoed board, or on paper coated with zinc white gouache (two thin coats, opposing directions).

-=- Jen "Hope it helps..." Pixelscapes

[colinbarclay]

Hi Jen,
Thanks for the shot, anyway ! Maybe I should ask a sculptor - they know all those weird patinas ...
Colin