Scratchboard Art: What You Need to Know
Scratchboard art is a creative, unique medium of drawing that has been used for many years to create images on paper. It uses an image, usually made from a photograph or other original artwork, then scratches the surface with a sharp object such as a needle to reveal the white layer underneath.
It is not just about drawing outlines in the dark but instead creating images by removing the darkness to reveal your white image underneath. Scratchboard can make dramatic impressions as figures emerge from their heavy-black background.
Scratchboard art or scraperboard is beautiful because you can frame it like any other piece of artwork and because it’s affordable to get started with this hobby.
If you are an art enthusiast in Tucson, AZ, Scratch Board University can help you unleash your creativity.
Let’s take a look at how to make scratchboard art.
How to Start Making Your Scratchboard Drawing?
Scratchboard is an exciting medium that can make your drawings look three-dimensional. When you use Scratchboard, you apply black ink to a white surface and then scratch away the parts of it which aren’t part of the drawing or design to show what remains underneath.
You may find it easier if you are using reference material such as photographs so that you’ll know where not to scrape off the paint with your knife.
When you are just starting, it’s often easier to see what gets scratched off if you use artwork as a reference. However, once you have a feel for Scratchboard – then, and only then, can you do something creative with your ideas.
The Tools that you Need for Scratchboard Illustration
Let’s start with tools and materials.
Scratchboard is a type of fine art that uses clay, whiteboard, white or colored layer, dark ink, and colored inks to create drawings or images on the board’s surface. But, the most common is black Scratchboard.
Bottom Layer Tools
The bottom layer has stiff paper for stability. It is thick, so it lasts longer than other boards when you scratch off all the material from this top layer.
White clay covers up most areas but leaves some uncovered – hence “scratch” board artwork.
Pre-made Panels
Pre-made panels are available in various arts & crafts stores if you want one ready-made before getting started. Otherwise, you can get your plain board at any art store; hardcover papers work nicely.
Then, apply these three layers: a thin layer of black lightfast pigment over a thicker base coat of black ink.
Direct engraving
If you’re cutting into the board, you must invest in precision craft knives or sharp tools. These are great for creating depth and dimension and giving a higher quality to the finished product because they make clean cuts rather than tearing the paper’s surface.
To remove large black areas from your project or design, artists use sandpaper or steel wool to create more exciting textures on their work if desired.
Another helpful tool when working with dry media as opposed to wet materials like paints would be chalk.
It allows an artist greater control over how much ink will get onto their drawing.
Art techniques for Beginners and experienced Scratchboard Artists
If scratchboard art is your first introduction to the world of mixed media, it can be not very comforting.
To get started, try sketching out an idea on paper and then transferring that drawing onto a scratchboard surface using graphite or carbon transfer sheets.
Black Ink Scratchboard Art Work
Then, gently trace your drawing and allow the chalk outline to appear on the black ink surface. And carefully take a knife or point and jab into it.
It will permanently etch onto your board, so you’re ready for anything. Next, brush off all of that excess chalk dust, then go ahead and start creating whatever masterpiece comes to mind next.
Adding a Vibrant Color to your Scratchboard
To add color, use Scratchboard-Claybord Inks that are both waterproof and transparent.
For best results, build up the intensity of your colors in diluted washes following the directional lines in the drawing to allow for a beautiful blend between one hue into another.
Other inks can leave a heavy residue on black surfaces, and it isn’t easy to rub off if not quickly wiped away.
Lastly, apply black repair ink around the edges of the subject matter as an extra touch-up or cover any leftover paint or overpainting with precision.
Once all the color is in, go back and scratch out the highlights. It will give your drawing volume and dimension by revealing shapes that might be hidden behind a solid sheet of paint.
Add colors to those areas where needed as you repeat this process until you are delighted with how it looks.
Repairing your Mistakes
When you need to repair a surface, you must do so with the utmost care. The result might not look exactly as perfect as before because of how ink reacts in water.
Seal and Frame without a Glass
Ensure your Scratchboard is clean and free of debris by using a soft cloth. Next, seal the surface with acrylic spray fixative as directed on the can, being sure to do it in low humidity or warmer temperatures.
When you finish framing your work without glass, be aware that fingerprints will leave streaks. In addition, it may damage other art pieces around them if they come into contact with each other.
Find your Next Inspiration at Scratch Board University for your Next Art Project
While you can create anything on Scratchboard, it does not mean black ink only. You can add vibrant colors as well.
The scratchboard medium is not just for drawing and can also be used to create many projects.
Check out Scratch Board University in Tucson, AZ, where you will find helpful information, tutorials, scratchboard art workshops, and more!
The Scratch Board University website offers many different classes for beginners and experienced artists of all ages.
To learn how to use scratchboards in your next project, sign up today!