What Makes Scratchboard Different from other Art Forms?

by Naquaiya

Scratchboard is very often referred to a reverse drawing process. Scratchboard artists remove or take away the negative space around an image instead of adding positive space to create an image. This is a process that can be daunting. The results can be hypnotic and addictive to the artists who do the “etching” and to the viewers who are captivated by the different look of scratchboard art.

Michelangelo was once quoted as saying, “I saw an angel in the stone, and carved to set her free.” Speaking for scratchboard artists in general, I think I can safely say that Michelangelo’s quote says it all in a nutshell. When Michelangelo stared at a huge piece of blank marble, we can only imagine what went on in his mind. I would venture to guess that he must have imagined what the “angel in the stone” looked like, what was her pose, and how could he take away the material around her to reveal her as a dynamic sculpture, all the while keeping the untouched marble as a support.

The scratchboard artist needs to pre-plan what he is going to draw. It would be illogical for him to just start drawing anything and hope it might come out good. This is another key element in what makes scratchboard different. Some planning and thought needs to go into a piece before beginning. Since the scratchboard artist etches or takes away, it’s understood that it’s not easy or sometimes impossible to put it back if you make a mistake.

The next step in the process is to design a composition that will enhance negative space as well as give a personality and character by the use of his etching style to define the positive space. Animals have fur, whiskers, patterns, scales, feathered wings, piercing eyes—all of these are an opportunity for scratchboard art since fine lines and textures can be used to compel us to the image. You will find many scratchboard artists drawn to animals because the scratchboard medium lends itself so well to it.