So, what the heck is Scratchbord(TM)????

Dec 29, 2017 | Katherine McDermott Artist

Some of my quickest selling works were done on Scratchbord(TM).  Say Whaaaat?  Scratchbord (TM)  Scratchbord(TM) is manufactured by Ampersand.  Ampersand manufactures multiple art surfaces, most common are claybord, aquabord, pastelbord and more.  The panels I paint on most often are Ampersand products.  Scratchbord is a clay coated hardboard panel for scratchboard that is coated with India ink. It is infinitely more durable and easier to use than traditional “Scratch” papers and similar surfaces that some of you may have used in school. The clay coated hardboard makes a rigid surface to work on, and when you use the custom tools like a tiny knife, steel wool and wire brushes you can take your time scratching through the ink down to the white clay methodically, allowing for highly realist images with depths of shadow.  The most well known of my scratchbord works is the pet portrait “Little Bear” which I posted in the December 4th issue on Pet Portraits.  I have, however done many others.  I love working with it.  It takes me back to my “drawing” roots which I began as a child, using pencils and charcoal sticks.  I can sit for hours scratching detail into the board. It is “zen” for me. Here are some images of the process:

First, a drawing on paper

Then, transfer drawing to board (outside lines only at first) then begin directional scratching

Adding in some color (inks)

The finished piece

I don’t always add in full color.  Sometimes just a touch is the right approach:

Daisies Daisies (sold)

Tools used in this piece were simple.  Everything but the centers was done with the knife (rightmost tool in the kit).  The centers, used the stiff brush (left most red handled tool) which creates multiple lines at once.  I hope this has given you a basic understanding of exactly what scratchbord(TM) is and what beautiful works can be created with this wonderful product!

 

 

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