Scratchboard Art

I create to satisfy a need I have to create. I create to communicate to you how I feel about the world and the universe around me. And I work to create more than a piece of artwork to hang on your wall. I want to create an experience that you'll come back to again and again.

Scratchboard is either a stiff paper or board that has been coated with a thin layer (the boards usually have a thicker layer than the paper) of white or colored clay. Ink or paint is applied over the top of the clay, either by the artist or the manufacturer. It was originally designed in the 1800's, as a quick and inexpensive alternative to other etching methods for illustrations needed in printing books, newspapers and etc. There are several types and qualities of scratchboard. What a particular artist uses depends on what the purpose of the drawing is (whether for school, fine or commercial applications) or personal preference. I use a heavy weight board that has been coated with white clay and black india ink. It provides the best surface for the fine detailed scratchboard drawings I create.

I start each project with research and a lot of sketching. Once I have the idea worked out, I create a preliminary drawing on tracing vellum. A layer of graphite is applied to the back of this drawing. The drawing is laid (graphite side down) onto the scratchboard. I then trace over the entire drawing again, creating a light graphite copy on the scratchboard. Most of my work is done with an exacto blade. I work in layers of scratches (dots and lines) across the whole board. Each layer or level of detail adds more 'light' to the drawing. Very small areas can be changed, but correcting larger areas causes too much damage to the surface of the clay. So, if I'm not happy with what I have done, it means starting over. When I am going to be adding color, I use artist's gouache (opaque watercolors) and a small brush. The finished piece is sprayed with a clear latex enamel matte finish.