Scratch Art is a graphic technique. It is used to create value drawings. Most common is a black-and-white technique. Also popular are metallic backgrounds – they make a drawing look like etching.
Scratch board is a paper (or foil) board that is covered with wax or gesso and coated over with black ink. Using scratch tools (stylus, scratch brush, or scratch knife) you can create value drawings by scratching off the black ink and revealing the board beneath. This technique is similar to drawing with white pencil over a black paper. |
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.Scratchboard History
Scratchboard or scraperboard (as it is known as in Europe) is a direct form of engraving/etching which originated in the UK and Europe in the 19th century prior to the introduction of modern photographic techniques and was used as a less expensive alternative to other engraving/etching substrates such as metal - copper and steel plating; woodcuts, linocuts, etc; and could be photographically reproduced in smaller formats without losing too much detail. Scratchboard was used widely for scientific illustration ie: botanical, zoological, anatomical; in maps, and product advertising illustration in magazines, newspapers, and books . . . The very first scraperboards originally consisted of cardboard or other stiff paper coated with chalk or china clay. Scraperboards used during the 1930's were white with no ink coating. http://animalfineartbycheryl-ann.com/index.asp?ID=26 |
STUDENT EXAMPLE 2020
STUDENT EXAMPLE 2021
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You can use a variety of strokes as you scratch. Depending on the object that you are working on – you should use different value techniques to show texture of this particular object. As a rule – USE SMALL STROKES!!!! Smaller the stroke – easier it is to control the scratching process. Remember, you cannot “undo” or erase a scratch. Once it is there – it stays. That’s why it is a good idea to take your time and scratch with smaller strokes – in case you mess it up – you still might be able to fix it and not start over. Which saves time in a long run! Another rule – don’t press too hard on the tool – it will rip the paper. TAKE YOUR TIME!!!! . |
EXAMPLES OF VALUE SCALES
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PRACTICE 1: VALUE SCALE
Watch the video on the left to understand how to create a value scale. As you can see it is possible to show values and textures just by scratching small strokes. Assignment: Create 3 value scales, similar to the example of the left. Each scale should be 1 inch x 6 inches long. with 6 one inch boxes. Value Scale 1: Hatching technique Value Scale 2: Crosshatching technique Value Scale 3: Stippling technique Take an image of your value scales and upload them into your online portfolio. No reflection is required. |
Practice 2: Texture Experiments
Each student will be provided a piece of scratchboard to practice creating texture. Use the example of the right as a reference. Assignment: Select 6 textures that you want to practice. Divide the piece of scratchboard into 6 sections and try to copy the patterns and textures the best you can. |
HELPFUL VIDEOS
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