3rd Grade
Scratch Art - Bird, Feather or Leaf
Sometimes referred to as scraperboard (especially in Great Britain), but usually called scratchboard in North America and Australia, is a form of direct engraving where the artist scratches off dark ink to reveal a white or colored layer beneath.
WHO WAS THE FIRST ARTIST TO USE SCRATCH ART? Modern scraperboard originated in the 19th century in Britain and France. As printing methods developed, scraperboard became a popular medium for reproduction because it replaced wood, metal and linoleum engraving. It allowed for a fine line appearance that could be photographically reduced for reproduction without losing quality. It was most effective and expeditious for use in single-color book and newspaper printing. From the 1930s to 1950s, it was one of the preferred techniques for medical, scientific and product illustration. During that time period, Virgil Finlay made very detailed illustrations, often combining scraperboard methods with traditional pen & ink techniques, and producing highly detailed artworks.
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Virgil Finlay (July 23, 1914 – January 18, 1971) was an American pulp fantasy, science fiction and horror illustrator. He has been called "part of the pulp magazine history ... one of the foremost contributors of original and imaginative art work for the most memorable science fiction and fantasy publications of our time." While he worked in a range of media, from gouache to oils, Finlay specialized in, and became famous for, detailed pen-and-ink drawings accomplished with abundant stippling, cross-hatching, and scratchboard techniques.
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One of the best things about scratch art is getting lots of texture on your paper. One of the best subjects to do this with is animals, especially birds. All of the little feathers create wonderful visual texture and make doing the actual scratching really fun. I challenge you to practice drawing a bird and doing a picture of a bird for your project. I would also be okay with you choosing leaves/branches or even just a feather. Make sure you practice it first, as you will only get ONE piece of scratch art paper to use.
Here is a video to help you get going on drawing birds. You don't have to use this, but I found it very helpful.