Scratchboard
Scratchboard is a technique where drawings are etched into ink painted over a thin layer of white clay which has been laid over posterboard or another stiff paper. These boards are also called scratchboard after the technique. Rarely, scratchboards are made with several layers of multi-colored clay, so the pressure exherted on the instrument used determines the color that is revealed. Using scratchboard is said to yield a highly detailed and textured piece of work far beyond that of traditional paintings.
History
Modern scratchboard as we know it originated in the 19th century. Originally, cardboard was coated with chalk, but this quickly progressed to the use of India ink in parts of Europe, which prevails to this day. Scratchboard became popular for its "finer" line appearance, and could be photographically reduced for reproduction without losing quality with ease. Up until the 1950s it was used mainly for advertising and editorial illustrations. In more recent years it has made a comeback as an appealing medium.
The technique
Using a sharp, angled blade, an outline is made on the surface of the scratchboard. Depending on the intent of the artist, several areas may be scratched out for painting with watercolors or acrylics and further detailing later or may be left blank for a stark black-and-white image. The use of color can yield an image that appears remarkably lifelike. Various techniques such as hatching or stippling can be used to texture and detail the image further.
Notable scratchboard artists
John Schoenherr has been famous for his scratchboard work since the 1960s and has been successful commercially in this respect.