Three quotes on why Black and White is often right.

 

Coyote Moon. By Gary Whitley
Coyote Moon. One of my first attempts at scratchboard when I was 14.
Why Black and White is often right:

 “In the beginning it was all black and white.”

–Maureen O’Hara

“If everything isn’t black and white, I say, ’why the hell not?’”

–John Wayne

 

“To see in color is a delight for the eye but to see in black and white is a delight for the soul.”

–Andri Cauldwell

In a world full of action, movement, colors, patterns and CGI, we are often visually overwhelmed to the point where it all just runs together. Black and White art stands out in the crowd. It is a stark and focused contrast to everything else out there. It is elegant and refined. I’ve done scratchboard since I was about 14 years old. The coyote above was one of my first attempts. I think I’ve gotten better at it!

What is Scratchboard?

This is from the website of the International Society of Scratchboard Artists:

“Scratchboard is a 2-dimensional subtractive art form. The support typically consists of a white kaolin clay coated hardboard covered with black India ink. Sharp tools are used to remove, or “scratch”, through the black ink, revealing the white clay underneath. The values within the artwork are achieved by varying the amount of surface layer that has been removed.

black and white scratchboard graphic

Artworks may be left black & white, or the exposed clay areas can be colored.  A variety of transparent mediums may be used for color, including watercolor, ink, and fluid acrylics. In this case, tonal variation may also be obtained with varying dilutions. These clay coated boards can also be covered initially with other colored media, and then scratched.

Many artists use sharp tools such as scalpel blades to scratch into the clay, creating work with exceptional detail and realism, but any abrasive implement may be used to create a variety of effects. This unique process has attracted artists for its control in rendering intricate subject matter, while remaining highly versatile to those exploring folk art, abstract work and many other artistic styles.

Modern scratchboard originated in the 19th century in Britain and France. As printing methods developed, scratchboard became a popular medium for reproduction because it replaced wood, metal and linoleum engraving. It allowed for a fine line appearance that could be photographically reduced for reproduction without losing quality.

From the 1930s to 1950s, it was one of the preferred techniques for medical, scientific and product illustration. In more recent years, it has made a comeback as an appealing medium for editorial illustrators of magazines, ads, graphic novels, and one of a kind pieces of fine art displayed in galleries and museums internationally. “

It’s fun too! So I put up a new scratchboard page on my website. Check it out.

To find out how to stand out with scratchboard please contact me.

 

P.S. I’m calling on all Grammar Police and Spelling Wizards to comment on any errors or omissions you may find in any of my posts. It will help make me a better writer, give me a thicker skin and bring a bright smile to your face knowing you have once again rescued the english language from certain annihilation.

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