I was just going through my files, and came across a post about scratchboard
using color, from Susan (ARTNSOUL from this list), and knowing Susan, I
don't think she'll mind if I post it. See below . . . if it helps, thank
Susan!
Leah
Scratch Paper Paintings:
Based on the children's book author and illustrator, Brian Pinkney, my
students created a combination of scratch art and painting. When this
author-illustrator made a visit to our district, I noticed that his
wonderful illustrations, which he explained to the children were done on
scratchboard,
didn't look like the typical scratch art we all know. They were actually a
combination of painting and line drawing. After his presentation, I asked
him how he combines the two. My students were easily able to apply his
technique with stunning results!
Materials: Scratch-Art paper- the kind that's black on top and color
underneath when the black is scratched away. (Some kids got paper with one
color underneath and some got the multicolor paper.), or scratch board,
newsprint paper, ballpoint pens, wooden sticks for scratching, gesso,
tempera paint.
On scratch paper create a drawing. I kept to a theme of dinosaurs, as they
were doing a unit on this in the classroom. ( I find that dinos, fish, and
flowers are themes with which elementary school children feel comfortable.)
Use thin paper like newsprint to create the drawing, then tape that paper on
top of the scratch paper and go over it with ballpoint pen so that the
drawing transfers to the scratch paper underneath. I also gathered as many
dinosaur books as I could for the children to use as references. I
emphasized using a variety of lines for texture, and a backgound and
foreground. Each student made a decision as to which part of their picture
they would scratch away, and which parts they would paint.
After the scratch art was completed, the students put a coat of gesso on the
remaining areas- often the background, or negative space. When the gesso
dried, they painted over it with tempera paint. The results are a
combination of line drawing and painting- with the shiny black areas, lines,
and flat painted areas a wonderful contast. No one who sees this exhibit
can quite figure out how the kids acheived this effect, but they all agree
that they are interesting and wonderful works of art!
Oh, the joy of seeing creativity evolve from our kids! Susan on Long
Island ---
