A beautiful, sensuous surface is one of the principle goals of meticulous drawing.For the past 500 years, certain artists in each era have maintained fine rendering and attention to surface as a priority in their work.

Making these beautiful drawings requires different skills from making good paintings. Many talented painters lack the light touch and sensitivity to produce a sensuous surface on paper. Perhaps the ultimate tool in the meticulous technique is a medium called "silverpoint".   More detail...