Scratchboard Art

Ohhhh ... scratchboard! Don't we just love it and we hate it. It's so fun to work with and experiment with. But such a challenge using the knife to scrape away, remembering to work backwards - subtracting the ink rather than applying it.

We used "wild things" from the book, "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak as our subjects. They have a lot of character and a lot of texture, making them perfect models for the look of the scratchboard art.

Here are the girls work, let the wild rumpus begin! Alyssa Emma Delaney Mikayla

Class now in session!

Here it is! My first post for my new class. Check out my thursday class students (pictured here and to the right) Alyssa Harper, Emma Patton, Mikayla Simon, and Delaney Bigelow. It's going to be a great class!

Above they are working on "Wild Thing" scratchbook pictures. They may be finished these this thursday, then I can post them.

The previous week -


The first class of a new session, I like to do some sort of a straight-forward drawing assignment. I think it helps get us "in the groove," get our pencils warm, and our artistic eyes open. We did an observational drawing assignment - a still life of a vase of assorted fresh flowers.

Here are a couple examples of the girls' work.

Delaney

Mikayla

Alyssa

Definitely just a rough start to this drawing!! Here I am showing the girls a few drawing techniques - starting with large shapes, finding the gesture of the subject before filling in details and value. I like to work alongside my students at least a few moments here and there (it seems like I rarely finish with them!) I think it helps me share the secrets I have learned in school and from experience, and it feels more comfortable for them than having me hovering over their shoulders I think.

Calling all artists!

Just a reminder that I am accepting students for the fall session of our art class. There will be a class held on thursdays from 4:30-5:30. I may also be able to offer a class on wednesdays as well if I can recruit a couple more students. So far, I have ages between 7-15, both girls and a boy this year.

Help keep our little class alive! Leave me a comment, write me an email, or give me a call and I can provide you with the details.

Thanks!