About My Scratchboard Art

I've had several questions about scratchboard and 'how do you do that?'. So here are some brief descriptions of scratchboard and my technique.

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 image. The vellum 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.

Scratchboard Artwork for Sale Online

All of the art, that I am personally selling online, is unmatted and unframed. The copyright information in the photos of my artwork, is for internet protection purposes only. It is not on the actual drawing/paintings.

How to Display and Care for Scratchboard Drawings

Before a scratchboard is framed, care should be taken not to touch the surface of the board. I do spray my drawings/paintings with a protective coating, but the oils from our skin can leave a stain. I cover the edges of the board with an artist's tape to hold on to and to protect the edges. When framing, I suggest using non-glare glass or plexi-glass. This isn't as important with the colored pieces, but the black drawings create a very reflective surface under regular glass. Although you should never hang artwork in direct sunlight, using display lighting will greatly enhance you viewing experience. Lights shining on the original art from different angles and looked at from different positions, will give you several different impressions of the same image. The multiple cuts in the surface of the ink and clay, catch the light and create different shadows and dimensions.

Customer Comments

"This is a work of art! Great execution! A naturalist! THANK YOU!!!!!!!"

"Original, provocative, amazing detail, a sumptuous find for any art collector!"

"One of the loveliest and most unusual art cards of the 100+ that I own. Thank you!"

"Beautiful Artwork! Wonderful Artist! Excellent Transaction! I Highly Recommend This Artist!"

"Great art, carefully packaged, rapidly shipped. Highly recommend."

"Awesome, exquisite artwork, great communicator...very highly recommend!!!"

"...if possible they are even more beautiful than I had imagined...you do really really great work!!!!"