Scratchboard

Scratchboard or scraperboard or scratch art{{Cite web |title=DIY Scratch Art |url=https://www.pbsutah.org/blogs/pbs-kids-utah/diy-scratch-art/ |access-date=2024-06-16 |website=PBS Utah |language=en}} is a form of direct engraving where the artist scratches off dark ink to reveal a white or colored layer beneath. The technique uses sharp knives and tools for engraving into the scratchboard, which is usually cardboard covered in a thin layer of white China clay coated with black India ink. Scratchboard can yield highly detailed, precise and evenly textured artwork. Works can be left black and white, or colored.

History

Modern scraperboard originated in the 19th century{{cite web |title=Scratchboard: art tool |url=https://www.britannica.com/art/scratchboard |website=Britannica.com |access-date=12 September 2023}} in Britain and France. As printing methods developed, scraperboard became a popular medium for reproduction replacing wood engraving, metal engraving, and linocut. It allowed for a fine line appearance that could be photographically reduced for reproduction without losing quality. It was most effective and expeditious for use in single-color book and newspaper printing. From the 1930s to 1950s, it was a preferred technique for medical, scientific and product illustration. During that period, Virgil Finlay made detailed illustrations, often combining scraperboard methods with traditional pen & ink technique. More recently, it has been used for editorial illustrators of magazines, ads, graphic novels, and one of a kind pieces of fine art.{{cn|date=September 2023}}

Technique

File:Scratchboard Cross Section.jpg

Unlike many drawing media, where the artist adds in the mid-tones and shadows, with scratchboard the artist is working by adding in the highlights.{{cite web |last1=Sibley |first1=David Allen |author1-link=David Allen Sibley |title=Ink on scratchboard technique |url=https://www.sibleyguides.com/2011/02/ink-on-scratchboard-technique/ |website=Sibley Guides |access-date=10 September 2023 |date=11 February 2011}}

The artist can use a variety of tools to scratch away the black ink from the board and reveal more or less of the white clay that is underneath.{{cite web |title=Online Exhibits: Scratchboard |url=http://gallery.lib.umn.edu/exhibits/show/techniquesandmedia/scratchboard |website=University of Minnesota Libraries |access-date=10 September 2023}} Effects include stippling by poking the board with a needle or blade, and scratching or cross-hatching using a sharp blade.{{cite web |last=Agnew |first=John N. |title=Scratchboard Strokes: 12 Critical Effects |website=Artists Network |url=https://www.artistsnetwork.com/art-mediums/drawing/scratchboard-strokes-12-critical-effects/ |access-date=10 September 2023}}

File:Lee Sunflower and silver.jpg|Sunflower and Silver by Diana Lee

File:Lee Sunflower and silver detail.jpg|A detail of Sunflower and Silver to show scratching technique

Artists

Illustrators who have worked in the scratchboard medium include Michael McCurdy,{{cite news |title=Michael McCurdy obituary |url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/70715-obituary-michael-mccurdy.html |accessdate=6 October 2016 |work=Publishers Weekly |date=21 June 2016}} Peter Blake,{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/dec/21/the-12-cartoons-of-christmas-by-quentin-blake-judith-kerr-posy-simmonds-and-more#img-5|title=The 12 cartoons of Christmas – by Quentin Blake, Judith Kerr, Posy Simmonds and more |newspaper=The Guardian |date=21 December 2015}} Virgil Finlay,{{cite web |title=Virgil Finlay: Master of Dark Fantasy Illustration |url=https://thesefantasticworlds.com/virgil-finlay-master-of-dark-fantasy-illustration/ |website=These Fantastic Worlds |access-date=10 September 2023}} John Schoenherr,{{cite web |title=Remembering John Schoenherr |url=https://www.sliceofscifi.com/2010/04/12/remembering-john-schoenherr/ |website=Slice of SciFi |access-date=10 September 2023 |date=12 April 2010}} Jos Sances,{{Cite web |last=Desmarais|first=Charles|date=May 3, 2019|title='The Whale' is an immense topic at Richmond Art Center |url=https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/art-exhibits/the-whale-is-an-immense-topic-at-richmond-art-center |access-date=10 September 2023 |publisher=San Francisco Arts & Entertainment Guide}} Sven Rayen and Scott McKowen.{{cite web |url=http://www.commarts.com/insights/illustrator-scott |title=Scott McKowen - Illustrator |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005123452/http://www.commarts.com/insights/illustrator-scott |archive-date=2013-10-05 |magazine=Communication Arts |access-date=10 September 2023 }} {{cite web |url=http://www.quillandquire.com/reviews/review.cfm?review_id=6712 |title=A Fine Line: Scratchboard Illustrations by Scott McKowen |website=Quill and Quire |date=17 December 2009 |access-date=10 September 2023}} The comics artist Jacques Tardi used scratchboard to illustrate Jules Verne's science fiction in the style of 19th century woodcuts.{{cite web |last=Weldon |first=Glen |title='The Arctic Marauder': A Mystery Wrapped in an Enigma Wrapped in ICY DEATH |url=https://www.npr.org/2011/04/06/135139790/the-arctic-marauder-a-mystery-wrapped-in-an-enigma-wrapped-in-icy-death |website=Pop Culture Happy Hour |publisher=NPR |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=6 April 2011}} illustrated in scratchboard the adult non-fiction book, Why Fish Don't Exist by Lulu Miller.

In 2011, the International Society of Scratchboard Artists was launched to help promote scratchboard art, and to educate the public about the medium. The organization holds an annual exhibition of scratchboard art.{{cite web |url=http://www.scratchboardsociety.com/ |title=Home |website=scratchboardsociety.com}}

Scratchboard

History

Technique

Artists

References

Further reading