Scratchboard
Scratchboard is an old "new" medium that uses a lot of etching and engraving techniques. It was first invented over 100 years ago, for illustrations in magazines and catalogs. In the 1970s, I and several other artists began using it as a fine art medium, introducing color into what was traditionally just black and white.
Scratchboard consists of a solid surface covered with white kaolin clay then coated with black India ink. Through the use of different removal tools, the black ink is cut off and the white clay revealed. The techniques used are a varied as the tools available and the artists imagination. The color is painted in using colored india ink and then is recut after it drys.
For more detailed instructions you may purchase any of the following manufactured by Ampersand Art Materials at your local arts and craft stores or through almost any of the art materials catalogs:
5x7 Kits
9x12 Project
How-To Video
You can also order these kits through Ampersand directly:
