by “scratching” or “cutting” (which is
another term used) thousands of lines
or dots onto the black board to create
the image. Although time consuming,
this medium is very therapeutic and
addictive. Colour can be added to
the image with inks, watercolours or
watercolour pencils.
Back in 2008 when I first discovered
this medium it was relatively unheard of
in Australia, even now, seven years later,
when entering art exhibitions, many
attendants and other artists do not know
what scratchboard is, and there is never
a category specifically for it, hopefully
that will change in the future ...
Having had a number of publications
featuring my work, the first being
in 2009, the medium is gaining in
popularity and recognition, although I
feel it still has quite a way to go.
To achieve the best results, the
scratchboard I use is made in the USA
by Ampersand, and was originally
created by Charles Ewing. The base of
the board is Masonite, which is coated
with white Kaolin clay and then a
layer of India ink.
A variety of tools can be used to
create different effects, my favourites
being a craft knife with a #11 Xacto
blade, both the Ultra and Mini
fibreglass brushes, tattoo needles and
a nail buffer. My camera is also a
handy tool to have on hand when the
opportunity arises to take photographs
for future reference.
Animals are fabulous subjects in the
medium as it is perfect for creating the
texture of fur and feathers. In addition,
still lifes, portraits and landscapes are
also perfect for Scratchart, as it creates
dramatic light and shade.
In July 2011 I applied to become
a Master Scratchboard Artist (MSA)
after the International Society of
Scratchboard Artists (ISSA http://www.
scratchboardsociety.com) was
formed, and along with fellow
Aussie Patrick Hedges we became
Australia’s first two MSAs. The
initial MSAs were juried into the
ISSA by a panel of three outside
jurors who were all highly esteemed
professional artists.
Highlights for me in 2013included when I was approached
by the Ashdene company to have
my artwork of “Freckle” the koala
produced on their coffee mugs,
scatter trays, coasters and tea bag
holders (www.ashdene.com.au/
index.php/.../co.../freckle-the-koala-
collection/) and winning 1st place
in the Animal Life category at the
prestigious Kenilworth LGI Art
Competition, where only one entry
per person is permitted, for my
“Yukichi” the snow leopard.
Since becoming addicted to
scratchboard, I have won a number
of awards for my artwork. The most
recent for 2014 are:
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Competition –
People’s Choice for “The
Entomologist”
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1st Place – Human/Animal Form –
“Waiting by the Window”
+HULWDJH1DQDQJR$UW)HVW- 1st Place – Drawing Category.
“Braided” - 2nd Place – Animal/Wildlife –