Scratchboard

Scratchboard or scraperboard 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.

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History

Modern scraperboard originated in the 19th century^[1] 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.^{[citation needed]}

Technique

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.^[2]

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.^[3] Effects include stippling by poking the board with a needle or blade; and scratching or cross-hatching using a sharp blade.^[4]

Sunflower and Silver by Diana Lee]
A detail of Sunflower and Silver to show scratching technique

Artists

Illustrators who have worked in the scratchboard medium include Michael McCurdy,^[5] Peter Blake,^[6] Virgil Finlay,^[7] John Schoenherr,^[8] Jos Sances,^[9] and Scott McKowen.^[10]^[11] The comics artist Jacques Tardi used scratchboard to illustrate Jules Verne's science fiction in the style of 19th century woodcuts.^[12]

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.^[13]

References

^ "Scratchboard: art tool". Britannica.com. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
^ Sibley, David Allen (11 February 2011). "Ink on scratchboard technique". Sibley Guides. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
^ "Online Exhibits: Scratchboard". University of Minnesota Libraries. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
^ Agnew, John N. "Scratchboard Strokes: 12 Critical Effects". Artists Network. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
^ "Michael McCurdy obituary". Publishers Weekly. 21 June 2016. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
^ "The 12 cartoons of Christmas – by Quentin Blake, Judith Kerr, Posy Simmonds and more". The Guardian. 21 December 2015.
^ "Virgil Finlay: Master of Dark Fantasy Illustration". These Fantastic Worlds. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
^ "Remembering John Schoenherr". Slice of SciFi. 12 April 2010. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
^ Desmarais, Charles (May 3, 2019). "'The Whale' is an immense topic at Richmond Art Center". San Francisco Arts & Entertainment Guide. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
^ "Scott McKowen - Illustrator . Scott McKowen". Archived from the original on 2013-10-05. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
^ "A Fine Line: Scratchboard Illustrations by Scott McKowen". Quill and Quire. 17 December 2009. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
^ Weldon, Glen (6 April 2011). "'The Arctic Marauder': A Mystery Wrapped In An Enigma Wrapped In ICY DEATH". NPR. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
^ "Home". scratchboardsociety.com.

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