"American Pride"

This is the first scratchboard that I have done on the white claybord surface.  It is colored with scratchboard inks before the surface is scratched. 

First I laid down the colored inks.

Then I transferred the guidelines I would need for the scratching.

Finally I was able to begin scratching.

...and scratching...

This is the finished result...

8 x 10 on white claybord using colored inks.

"American Pride"

original $300.00

New Scratchboards completed!

I participated in a local arts & crafts show this past weekend.  An unseasonal heat wave kept many of the potential customers away, but it allowed me an opportunity to work on my scratchboards.  I was able to finish the orangutan on Saturday and started a tiger on Sunday.  This morning I was able to complete the tiger, so I now have two ready to seal, scan and frame.  Both are 8 x 10.

Here is a close up of the eye, and another of the muzzle.

"Stories to Tell" is finally finished!

This lady has been quite a challenge, but I am thrilled with the results.  I learned how to draw (aka scratch) human skin, fabric, and knitted caps.  I have an arts and craft show this weekend, but after that I hope to get busy scratching and drawing again.

Orangutan continued...

Today was my last scratchboard class, giving me three hours to work on the orangutan uninterrupted.  As you can see, I have made quite a bit of progress.  His muzzle seems to be taking forever, but as my teacher reminded me... it is about half of the picture.

Scratchboard Adventures Continue...

Since discovering scratchboard five weeks ago, I have become completely hooked! This is such a fun medium to work with.  The details that can be obtained are amazing, and I am only just beginning.

Here are a few of my recent projects...

"Angel 2"

8 x 10

"Orchid 1"

8 x 10

scratchboard and ink

"Watchful"

8 x 10

I am still working on the next one. I call it "Stories to Tell".  I was attracted to this piece because of the challenges involved;  flesh instead of fur, the various clothing textures (especially the knitted caps) and the challenge of doing a human portrait.  So far I am very pleased with the results.

"Stories to Tell"

work in progress

8 x 10

Finally I am working on an orangutan portrait.  Yes, challenged again by the various textures, especially the wrinkled skin and dynamic eyes. ... also an 8 x 10.



I've discovered scratchboard!

Like me, many of you used to do scratchboard art when you were in elementary school.  Whether we used purchased kits or made our own using crayons, we were always fascinated by scratching away the layer of black to reveal the drawing hidden beneath.

Scratchboard has come a long way, and is being once again accepted as fine art.  Thanks to my art teacher, Lorelle Bacon, I have discovered this fun and addicting medium.  In the last 8 days I have completed 5 different scratchboards with topics ranging from animals to lace to statuary.  If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it.  Supplies can be purchased online at sites like Dick Blick and Jerry's Artarama.

Here are the pieces I have completed thus far... Specially formulated inks were used to add color to the zebra and cat.  All are 5 x 7.  In addition to the originals, they are available as prints or notecards.

Portrait Commission

Now that it has been delivered, I can finally post a picture of a portrait that I just completed.  It is 16" x 20", oil on canvas.  The clients were thrilled with it.  In fact, it received such a favorable response from all who saw it, that another person commissioned a portrait that very day.