Scratchboard came into being in the 19th Century in Great Britain and France. It became a popular method for reproduction, which was needed at the time, because it replaced wood, metal and linoleum engraving.

 Scratchboard is now considered a fine art medium, displayed in galleries and museums all over the world. The technique comes from using sharp instruments, such as xacto blades, tattoo needles, scalpel blades etc., for "scratching" into black India ink. The India ink has been coated on a white China clay hard board and the artist lifts off the darks to create a reverse process, by scratching away the black ink to show the white clay underneath. The artwork can then be colored, if the artist chooses, with special paints, ink, colored pencil or watercolor. It is then sealed with varnish, so no glass is needed in the framing.

WORKSHOP ONE DAY FOR ALL LEVELS

WATCH FOR UPCOMING DATES EARLY SEPTEMBER 2026

What is oil rouging?

Rouging is a technique where rather than "painting" in the color, you "rouge" or "tint" in the color. Paint is applied in small amounts where the most intensity is required, then using different Blender. Brushes you coax the color over the surface.

WORKSHOP ONE DAY FOR ALL LEVELS

WATCH FOR UPCOMING DATES EARLY SEPTEMBER 2026