What is Scratchboard?
Scratchboard is like drawing, but you have to think in 'reverse' because you are "adding" the light to a subject. Instead of adding black lead to white paper, black ink has to be scratched off of a board to expose the white kaolin clay. I accomplish this by using a #11 Exacto blade, tattoo needles and other sharp metal tools.
The more black ink you remove to expose the clay, the whiter the marks. Kaolin clay is an Ampersand propriety item and it can also absorb color from inks or watercolor should you wish to add some coloring to your artwork.
The "Red Fox" above, has about 7 colors layered to achieve the fur color depth. I only use Scratchboards made by Ampersand that are archival museum quality that's guaranteed for 200 years!
The boards are also coated with several layers of a UV-protective lacquer to preserve the artwork after its creation.