Good and Bad Techniques for Scratchboard

Outline

• Russ McMullin states that the first mistake most people make when using a scratchboard is "Drawing everything with a white outline." The white outline makes the picture look like writing on a chalkboard. The best technique is scratching on either side of the intended line so a black line remains instead of a white line.

Pencil

• It is a good technique to first start with a pencil drawing you can overlay on top of the scratchboard. Do not get too intricate with the pencil drawing. The proper technique here is only using a breakdown of the essential lines required. The intricate parts of the picture can be accomplished on the scratchboard after the essential lines have been carved out.

Tools

• Use the proper scratchboard tools when drawing your desired picture onto a scratchboard. The wrong tools, like small pieces of metal, will not give you the desired texture and outline. It is also common to use an X-Acto knife and razor blade, but the proper scratchboard tools can be found at any art store that sells scratchboard.

Hair

• Drawing hair onto scratchboard is a difficult process. A good technique to use is to practice drawing hair on a scrap piece of scratchboard until you have the desired technique down. Do not attempt to draw all the hair at once. It is better to draw hair one stroke at a time or the hair will begin to look choppy or ragged.

Smudge

• A common bad technique of a person using scratchboard for the first time is smudging the drawing. The oil off your skin and perspiration will cause the scratchboard drawing to smudge. A good technique to use here is to place a cloth or napkin under your hand as you carve out the drawing. The oil from your skin and perspiration will get on the cloth or napkin before it damages or smudges the scratchboard.