scratchboards

Scratchboard, also called scraperboard, is a drawing surface and technique in which a dark, opaque surface is scratched away to reveal a lighter layer beneath. The typical structure is a rigid board coated with a white clay or pigment layer, sealed with a black ink or pigment top. Artists create images by removing the top layer with sharp tools to expose the light underlayer, producing high-contrast, highly detailed lines and textures.

The process relies on careful control of line, texture, and value. Fine lines, stippling, cross-hatching, and varied scratching pressure build form and shading. The technique is well suited to precise, graphic imagery and can yield a range from delicate, subtle renderings to bold, dramatic portraits or wildlife studies. Some scratchboards include colored underlayers, so scratching away the top surface reveals colored tones for additional richness.

Materials vary but commonly include pre-made scratchboard sheets or boards with a white clay underlayer and a black surface; tools range from X-Acto knives and scalpels to styluses, dental picks, needles, and metal scratchers. Proper technique emphasizes a steady hand and sharp blades; small mistakes can be difficult to repair.

History and usage: scratchboard emerged as a popular medium for illustration and fine art in the 20th century, later adopted by hobbyists and professional artists alike. It remains valued for its crisp line work, permanence, and the distinct, graphic appearance it imparts to subjects such as flora, fauna, and portraits.