Scratchboard Etchings [Makeup, Perfume, and a Cactus]

Cactus in a Pot

Lipstick and Perfume

Lipstick and Compact

Perfume Bottles

Scratchboard is a fantastic medium for artists. If you have not heard of if yet, you are in for a treat. There is an entire scratchboard culture. Just Google it, and you will find amazingly detailed etchings that utilize light in such marvelous ways! Unbelievable ways!

I first discovered the art form in high school upon seeing a scratchboard exhibition. I walked into the gallery, jaw-on-the-ground thinking that young artists could paint such fine and controlled white lines upon black. I soon realized that the detailed and beautiful works were actually etchings / drawings, but nonetheless equally as impressive.

The materials needed to create these works are: 1) clay boards made of white clay, coated with india ink (which can be purchased at many art stores...I recommend Ampersand brand in pre-prepared boards) and 2) scratching tools, which can be purchased solely for the art of the scratchboard. I prefer designated scratchboard tools, rather than sharp tools for clay or crafting. I also prefer traditional white clay over some of the multi-colored backgrounds, but that is just me. Likewise, if you are just trying this, I suggest buying the boards rather than the paper; they are much easier to maneuver, and I have found that the paper tears easily.

How it works is that upon etching and scratching, the white clay is revealed just below the top layer of india ink. Fine lines and small strokes are great for detailing and rendering, and you may be very surprised by how interesting the composition becomes as you experiment.

One thing that I have learned to embrace in this art form are my mistakes. Because the nature of the work is so detailed, and for me, unplanned, I have learned to love the "errors" that arise from a twitch of the hand or otherwise. Making the mistakes integral to the composition is part of the pleasure of working with this medium. But the best part of working with scratchboard is that the setup and cleanup is very simple; you can take these boards with you anywhere you go (except for on planes...the tools will probably not make it past security, and I have not even tried). So long as you are alright with some black dust on your hands and possibly clothing, then these are very desirable travel companions or after-work projects. Do not get the boards or black dust wet if you can help it...because that is when the ink comes alive! Also, I have experimented with finishing the boards using fixative, and after about 10 attempts, I suggest leaving them uncoated. By adding a frame or properly handling, the boards will maintain their integrity and look much better in my opinion, but then again, it is all a matter of preference.

I encourage every artist to try scratchboard at least once. I hope that you enjoyed my little segment and that you liked the scratchboard etchings pictured.