The Art of Scratchboard

by Cecile Curtis

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0891342664
• ISBN13: 9780891342663
• Release Date: January 1988
• Publisher: North Light Books
• Length: 152 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Excellent How-to Book on Scratchboard Art

I just finished reviewing another scratchboard book titled Scratchboard for Illustration by Ruth Lozner. This book by Cecile Curtis is just as good. In fact, it is an even toss-up as to which book is better. I enjoy them both equally.The book starts off with the history of scratchboard and etching art techniques as well as a thorough overview of the materials available.The next chapters focus on various techniques along with combining scratch techniques with pen & ink. The author will give advice beside each subject shown as to what tips and techniques where used to achieve certain effects and why she chose them. There are discussions on subjects such as value & light and even concern for various techniques on how the art will look when reproduced. She also discusses approaches to various subjects and whether a particular subject might lend itself better to an all-black scratchboard or rather a white scratchboard with some black areas and/or pen & ink. There are chapters on combining scratched details with pen & ink and also color applications and for experimental and even some mixed media effects. Step-by-step instructions are given for creating a good composition and then using tracing paper to transfer the drawing to the scratchboard. One of my favorite chapters in this book is titled Tricks of the Trade in Illustrating. This chapter gives hints and tips for creating dynamic and interesting scratchboard art particularly if one is working on a commissioned piece. Actually, the information given is useful for any work of art whether commercial or fine art.The middle section of the book has color plates showcasing scratchboard with color and shows artwork not only by the author but by other artists as well.Throughout the book there are a wealth of subjects illustrated. Everything from portraits & people to wildlife art (a LOT of wildlife art - the artist is an official artist for the World Wildlife Fund) to architecture interiors/exteriors and landscapes.This is an excellent scratchboard book and would recommend it to anyone interested in learning scratchboard.