The Promise

The Promise

8x10 inches

Scratch art, inktense pencils, coloured pencils and ink on Ampersand Scratchbord

 

This was one of those pieces that started out with heaps of promise. I couldn't wait to get stuck in and sink my teeth into the textures and colours and due to the complexity of the box, decided to start with that which actually ended up being the easiest part of the entire artwork. It was once the box was completed that the headaches started and this one almost ended up in the scrap heap on numerous occasions. But, I battled through each and every element and what a sense of achievement to finally finish it. It didn't end up quite as I had hoped in my mind's eye (they never do), but I was glad I didn't give in to the temptation to give up.

Crown Prince

Crown Prince

9x5 inches

Scratch art, inktense pencil and coloured pencil on Ampersand Scratchbord

 

I have always had a bit of a love affair with peacocks and have used them several times in my art, but this time thought I would focus on the detail in their magnificent heads and crest. One of the things I love about scratchboard is that it really allows you to get a sense of the texture and 3D nature of the subject you are working on, which somehow makes the later addition of colour all the more interesting and exciting, almost like painting a sculpture. Many people have asked me to create a tutorial on colouring scratchboard pieces. At this stage, I still feel like I am refining my technique and need to create a few more before I can confidently pass on the way I scratch and colour but if you are interested in a tutorial, then watch this space - it won't be too far away :)

Confusion

Confusion

9x5 inches

Scratch art, inktense pencils and coloured pencil on Ampersand Scratchbord

 

With Easter rapidly approaching, I was inspired to do this little piece. Halfway through completing it, my order of tattoo needles arrived (a big thanks to all my Scratch art friends for their advice regarding these), which made my job on the Easter Eggs so much easier. It is time to buckle down now and get some illustrations done for my upcoming book, so no more scratch art for a little while, and probably a bigger gap between posts. Hope this one puts a smile on your face and gets you in the mood for Easter.