Overview
This lecture explores the drawing tools and techniques used by Leonardo da Vinci, highlighting his innovations and experimentation with materials in Renaissance art.
Leonardo's Innovation
- Leonardo adopted and developed a wide range of drawing and writing tools, including some of his own inventions.
- He is credited with early designs for the fountain pen and fabricated pastels, showing his pursuit of new methods.
Metalpoint Technique
- Metalpoint involves drawing with a metal stylus (usually silver or lead) on specially prepared paper.
- Silverpoint marks tarnish to a brown color, while goldpoint remains unchanged.
- Leonardo prepared his drawing grounds using bone ash and colored pigments like indigo to create blue paper.
- He often combined metalpoint with white tempera highlights, ink, or black chalk for added tonal range.
Pen & Ink
- Leonardo primarily used iron gall ink and experimented with different ink types for varied effects.
- The quill pen was his main writing instrument, but he designed a fountain pen as seen in the Codex Atlanticus.
- The flexibility of quill pens allowed for expressive line quality in his work.
Chalks and Pastels
- Leonardo extensively used natural black and red chalks, helping popularize their use in Italy.
- He experimented with fabricated pastels and sought techniques from French artists.
- Techniques included using single chalk colors, aux deux crayons (two chalks and white highlights), and aux trois crayons (red, black, and white chalk).
- He often used colored grounds to limit tonal range, creating works with subtle elegance.
Drawing Tools and Holders
- Chalks were mounted in holders (reed, quill, or brass) for efficient use.
- Brass chalk holders appeared by the late 16th century and became common in later centuries.
- A typical toolkit included natural chalks, holders, brushes, rag paper, charcoal sticks, and feathers.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Metalpoint — Drawing method using a metal stylus on treated paper.
- Silverpoint — Metalpoint technique with a silver stylus; produces brownish lines after tarnishing.
- Iron Gall Ink — Ink made from tannin (gall nuts) and iron salts, widely used in Renaissance drawings.
- Quill Pen — Writing instrument made from a bird feather, used for drawing and writing.
- Chalk Pastel — Drawing stick made from powdered pigment and binder; used for soft, blendable marks.
- Aux deux crayons — Technique using two chalks plus white for highlights.
- Aux trois crayons — Technique using red, black, and white chalk together.
- Chiaroscuro — Use of strong contrasts between light and dark in drawing/painting.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the techniques and tools discussed for possible application in practical drawing sessions.
- Prepare for a future lecture covering Leonardo's painting equipment and methods.