Unlike many drawing techniques, where an artist adds in the mid-tones and shadows, with scratchboard I work backwards, adding highlights to create an image. A sharp edged knife is used scratch away the black ink from the board revealing the white clay underneath. Scratchboard has a smooth, absorbent kaolin clay ground that is evenly coated with India ink. Crisp, clean lines create exquisitely detailed white-on-black art. Color can be added once the line art is complete using watercolor wash, dies, or digitally added.

I work on acid-free and archival boards. Finished work is sealed with spray fixative and can be framed without glass.