About Scratchboard
I call Scratchboard "The art of taking away" because of the way it is created.
Scratchboard is a surface that is made of three layers - a support (the one I use is hardwood), fine white clay, and black ink. When you scratch away the black in you expose the white clay. You can then leave it white, or color it using inks or watercolor paints.
Scratchboard is definitely one of my favourite mediums, and the one I will be concentrating on. You can reach a high level of realism with it, and some very dramatic effects.
A bit about tools
Anything that will scratch can be used on scratchboard. I have a variety of tools that I use - a scratchboard nib, a scalpel, and one that uses a dressmakers pin! I use the pin most on the smaller ACEO size boards. With that tool, in an area that is just 2.5" x 3.5" I can scratch thousands of marks. By timing how many scratches I make in a minute, I estimate that the average ACEO has between 18,000 and 40,000 scratches!!!
A bit about the surface
I use Ampersand (brand) Clayboard for my scratchboard. It is a museum quality surface, created on a hardboard back. This allows it to be places into a frame without glass. Very easy! I also sell Ampersand to Australian artists, as I found it impossible to buy in Australia. It is wonderful to scratch on, the ink is waterproof (which is not the case with other brands) and it is the only brand that is made on a wood, rather then a cardboard, back. I can't praise the product highly enough!
A bit about the Artist
I always find it awkward talking about myself so I'm just going to jump in. I'm an artist with an issue - I have Agoraphobia and Panic Attacks. I have not left the house by myself for 10 years. Living with this handicap has not been easy when it comes to getting my art out there! Fortunately I have met many very wonderful art collectors online.
Recently I received a puppy as a gift - and we are going through the AWARE program. AWARE is for people who have "invisible handicaps", and with my puppy I am learning to get out by myself - small steps.
We may find that my art starts to revolve around "Gem"! Little Gem is a Papillion and I am so excited about starting my new life with her!
Gem, my darling Butterfly
I also create and manage websites for some groups here on eBay - ACEO, Scratchboard Artists and Colored Pencil Artists You can also see more of my art on my own site
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