Scratchboard Illustration

Page history last edited by Mrs. Train 6 years, 7 months ago

Learning Objective

Scratchboard is a technique where the artist scratches away ink to reveal the colour underneath, usually white.
This assignment will introduce and develop skill in using a new medium, scratchboard, and a new technique, etching.
It will also allow you to explore the elements of value and space.

Materials

black scratchboard with solid or multicolored ground underneath; scratch tools; drawing paper

Terminology

texture, pattern, positive and negative space, value, tints and shades

Value- Element of art associated with the darkness or lightness of a color
Light source- area in which light is originating from

Highlights- areas on an object where light is hitting
Value scale- a guide to creating a range of value, good pieces of art have a full range of value
Tints- light values

Value and Mark Making

Line Drawing Techniques from Frank Curkovic

Notes

Use various mark making techniques to create value and texture
Think in reverse. We are used to making dark marks on a light surface. Here we will be doing the opposite. Look closely for shadows and for highlights when planning your work.
Watercolour and other media can be added to the lighter areas.

Success Criteria

Knowledge and Understanding

Explain value & texture with reference to own work
Use scratch-board tools appropriately

Thinking and Inquiry

Experiment using a variety of scratch-board techniques
Reference images and final design chosen for challenging range of detail, value and texture

Application

Create a wide range of values using hatching and other marks;
Depict texture through pattern and line;
Draw objects accurately with correct proportions
Demonstrate craftsmanship in appropriate and skillful use of materials

Method

Practice mark making using a Sharpie or pen. Try different techniques, as shown in above Slideshare. Also with tools.
https://artprof.org/courses/linoleum-printmaking/ - from 5:02, how to search for images
Show the Slideshow presentation from Google Docs:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ZcKQLRNPdPglNEcwhMBLdh3GqzsQ1j6xlwwvMrk_FBA/edit?usp=sharing (Teacher: Double-check embedded videos before showing).
Look for sources of inspiration for your work. USE REAL PHOTOS, not other people's scratch art or line drawings.
You can choose portraits (look for old people - great lines!), animals (great fur!) or landscapes (lots of mark making potential!)
Refer to Copyright-Free Images to find images that are copyright free.
SEE Copyright for Artists for more information.
HANDOUT:
Create a rough pencil sketch of a landscape, still life, portrait, etc. in your sketchbook.
Refine your work in a second sketch. That will be transferred to the scratch-board paper. NOTE: the paper is expensive, so you want to have a good plan before you begin to scratch off the ink. NOTE: It is better not to have very large areas of white - the paper might peel off.
Transfer your drawing. Tape your drawing to your scratch-board. Trace your drawing with a ballpoint pen to indent the board. When the drawing is removed, the traced lines will show on the scratch-board as grooves or indented lines. The indentations can be seen with good lighting. Your pencil drawing will act as your blueprint. OR use white transfer paper.
Practice using the scratching tools. There will be small pieces of scratchboard available for you to do this.
Scratch! Using your scraping tools, remove all black areas that are shown to be white on your drawing. Personally, I prefer to not clean white areas completely, but to leave remnants of the black in thin, sparse streaks, like a woodcut. This adds texture and looks more interesting than plain, solid white. Check out Ink, Marker, Scratch Art for for suggested textures. Add value and texture. After the white areas are established, do line shading for gray areas and cross-hatching in brighter areas or use one of the practiced techniques to create value and texture. Continue to remove the black ink surface by scratching and shading to complete the picture.
Remember to frequently look at your picture from a distance, so your composition will appear balanced.
Mistakes can be corrected with black India ink (although this may be noticeable).