Scratchboard

In this project, we were asked to create an image using a material called scratchboard. We first experimented with this new material, by creating a value scale. Next, we found an image that had a focus, mine was the Somerset Lighthouse. In this material, the key was to notice the highlights, and sketch those in, rather than the darker values. Scratchboard is a white plastic material that is covered with a black ink or substance that be be removed to reveal the white underneath when scratched at.

My work, like everyone's, was created almost exclusively out of value. In order to crate black, white, and all the grays in between, we either scratched away, or created many white lines together that would give the illusion of a gray. The more white lines, the lighter gray, and vice-versa. I also used emphasis in order to bring the eye's attention to the center focus; the lighthouse. To do this, I made sure that the white, or highlights were most prominent in these areas. I also made sure that the dark roof between the sky and the house was think enough as to separate the two components. Although changing something was not as simple as erasing, I found that i was still able to fix something by working with the mistake, and working others aspects around it to make it blend in or seem more natural. At first, it seemed that the rocks were not coming out right. I soon realized that I was simply outlining them, rather and scratching the highlights. To adjust my mistakes, I formed the harsh lines into the strong white highlights of the rocks, created by the sun.

I wanted to create a piece that had something to do with my childhood. After scrolling through many images, I stumbled across one that included a place that I remember clearly from when I was small. This image also included the ocean, something that I have always admired. We visited the the Somerset for an at home vacation, and I still remember this place better than other out of country/state travels. I am most proud of the may it almost has a vintage look, maybe this is just the way scratchbord tends to look, but admire this aspect. I am also proud of how I was able to bring attention to the central focus, and less to the background, that I less detailed. I struggled the most with starting. I was afraid that I would make a mistake that i would be unable to fix. Once I began adding many aspects, these fears subsided. I still wish that the base of the lighthouse was darker in relation to the values of the other components, this is something that I wish I would revise.