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I Create Hyper-Realistic Scratch Drawings On An Ink Coated Board
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I Create Hyper-Realistic Scratch Drawings On An Ink Coated Board

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Many people can’t believe that my very realistic animal artwork is created just from scratches into an ink coated board, but that is exactly how each of my works is drawn. I work in the amazing medium of Scratchboard, which helps bring my animals and wildlife to life in a hyper-realistic way that no other medium can!!

Scratchboard is a unique medium because it is subtractive. I start with a solid black ink coated board and scratch away the ink with sharp tools to reveal a layer of white clay that is beneath the ink. The more I scratch the lighter that area will become, allowing me to create a range of tones. Some of the tools I use are a xacto knife, sandpaper, tattoo needles and fiberglass brushes. Because these tools leave quite fine marks, the medium is great for realistic details, especially fur and feathers! After I scratch out the animal in black and white I can choose to leave it that way or color in the scratches with transparent colored inks.

I have been creating animals in scratchboard for almost 20 years, but I still find it exciting when they start to come to life out of the blackboard! Their individual personality and expression are revealed scratch by scratch until I feel that I have captured a little piece of their spirit.

So while it can be hard to believe, every hair, dot, and dimple is scratched by hand – my works are not photographs! Large works can take several months to be completed, and even smaller ones take many hours.

More info: cathysheeter.com

“Loyalty” – Scratchboard and Ink Scratchboard Art. The eyes are colored with colored inks

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I use the back corners of a xacto knife is used to carefully scratch through the black ink and reveal the white clay layer beneath

The more I scratch, the lighter it becomes. I go through between four and 10 blades for each work, as only sharp blades work well for my technique.

“Sounds in the Night”

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“Spin Cycle”

A step by step work in progress – “The Interrupted Drink”

My first step is to do a layout in photoshop and then I do a line sketch on white paper the same size as my scratchboard. I transfer that line sketch down to the board with a white transfer paper, which gives me a “road map” of where to scratch. From there I just start scratching, often starting with a light area. On this work I radiated out from around the eye and scratched my way out, however sometimes I jump all over the board. After fully scratched to black and white colors were added with transparent inks, applied with a paintbrush. The inks fill in the scratches without effecting the black left behind. After a color is put on I can scratch the board again, and it always scratches back to white. This allows me to work in washes with multiple layers of scratching and coloring. Once works are complete they are varnished with an archival spray to prevent them from scratching easily and even out all of the tones.

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“The Interrupted Drink” – the finished work

“Family Reunion”

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This work was scratched to black and white first and then transparent color inks were applied over the scratches, filling them in with the color.

“Racing the Wind”

“Sunshine on My Shoulders”

“Tres Banditos”

“X, Halt, Salute”

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“A Taste of Spring”

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“Springs Promise”

“Luminescent”

“Night Patrol”

“Dressed For Success”

“The Naturalist”

“On The Prowl”

“Zen”

Left: “Black on White” Right: “White on Black”

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lanza130 avatar
Melody Lanzatella
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your work made me actually gasp! It literally took the air out of me. Ive worked with this medium, I KNOW how difficult it is, AND how easy it is to screw it up and ruin the entire work! INCREDIBLE! I am MOST impressed with the horses!! ALL of that fine hair on them! The forehead swirl...the eyelashes!! Its literally UNBELIEVABLE! I wish I had you incredible talent!

jefbateman avatar
Jef Bateman
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks for telling how those are done! I've done some scratchboard experiments before, but nothing like that. Wow.

lanza130 avatar
Melody Lanzatella
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Additionally, I now believe more than ever, we NEED a SUPER up arrow to click!! LOL

celslade avatar
CelSlade
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely amazing! Thank you for the step by step instructions too, I would love to try this technique. Do you mind if I ask how you make the clay board?

crias avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For getting started go with a 3 pack of 5"x7" boards, and you can do SO much with a normal exacto (it is the only tool some artists use). You will probably want to buy some new blades for it too. You really can get a good start in the medium for around $20 to just see if you like it, and if you do (I bet you will) you can grow your tools and go to different size boards from there. There is an active scratchboard group on facebook where people can answer your questions too!

Load More Replies...
nannettenewbury avatar
Nannette Newbury
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cathy I have admired your work previously, but after seeing this post I have an even greater admiration for your talent.

annettebyrne avatar
annette byrne
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely amazing work just stunning you're very talented love it

misterscooter avatar
Misterscooter
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wanted to reach out and feel how soft the fur was, particularly on the wolves. It has real depth and texture.

earnold88 avatar
Ernst Arnold
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing work! Your eye leaves no detail untouched! It reminds me of Albrecht Durer's Hase painting. Have you read Betty Edwards book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain? I am curious if in the process of scratching you lose your sense of time. In my opinion, in Taoist terms, you are manifesting Te which is an expressoin of Tao. This means it requires no force to do this work, it comes naturally to you. One can only do this when one is in a state of consciousness called no-mind; also known as Mushin or wu-wei.

crias avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, it is a very meditative medium and time often goes by quickly. It is easy for me to get in my Artists "Zone" when I work and before I know it several hours have gone by. Thanks for your comments.

Load More Replies...
jenniester avatar
Jenni Ester
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do you sell these? I Would love the "sunshine on my shoulder's" I love the expression and the feel to it.

crias avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi Jenni - yes, I have available works and prints on my website at http://www.cathysheeter.com. Please check it out!

Load More Replies...
nannettenewbury avatar
Nannette Newbury
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cathy, thank you for sharing your technique here. I have admired your work, but could never actually "see" how your detail could be accomplished with scratchboard . After this explanation I have an even higher regard for your work and your talent!

cb-pola avatar
Pola
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is some of the most beautiful work I have ever seen. Amazing. Thanks for sharing.

johanna_10 avatar
Lucida
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are so cool! I really like them! I would love to have my horse portrayed like this.

crias avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi Lucinda - you can find information on my commissioned work on my website at www.cathysheeter.com if you are interested :). Thanks!

Load More Replies...
kennykulbiski avatar
Kenny Kulbiski
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Damn! Even with the instructions I'd be hard pressed to scratch my initials. I'm gonna call it magic. Outstanding!

lara_andrea avatar
Lara B.
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I found this post not only absolutely stunning, but also very interesting to read. Thank you for explaining how these are done. I really, really love the one with the wolves - amazing!

paulos avatar
Paul Osborne
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful texture. You really get the illusion of depth and how the light plays with the form.

mocochang avatar
mocochang
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those are fantastic! The attention to detail is beyond impressive, really beautiful drawings.

euforijaexstaza avatar
Euforija Exstaza
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is absolutly amazing, how much time does it take for one of those drawings...

crias avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It does vary, as I work anywhere from 5"x7" up to 30"x40" in size. Large works can take up to two months to be completed.

Load More Replies...
ankanbanerjee avatar
ANKAN BANERJEE
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had no idea something like this is possible. I mean I know people who can paint really beautiful pictures, people who can make near perfect sketches of animal and human beings. But these are extremely beautiful. I showed my mother the "interrupted drink", she said "why are you showing me a photograph of a tiger, I know how tigers look like". It really looks like a genuine photo of a real life tiger. I am truly amazed.

rww2004 avatar
Rhonda Weaver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How would someone go about learning to do this and actually starting Love these so much and would like to try some simple with my grands and just for myself as need something

crias avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi Rhonda - thanks for your interest. There is a good book available on Amazon called "Starting From Scratch" by Diana Lee who gives great instruction on starting with the medium. Depending on the age of your grands many arts/craft stores sell children's scratchboard projects with glitter or bright colors under the black with a pre-printed pattern that they scratch over with a tool. The children's ones, of course, do not allow the fine details of professional materials, but a lot of kids (ages 6-10) really enjoy them. If your grands are older and can be safe with sharp tools then you can get them started with better quality material - the brand of scratchboard I work on is made by ampersand and is available online. You can find some instruction on my website at www.cathysheeter.com under tutorials, as well.

Load More Replies...
echo999 avatar
Echo
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for sharing. This medium is the only one that I can actually draw on and make anything out of. I am not sure why but I love it. My wife hates the mess, but I do enjoy it. Your work to beautiful.

crias avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonderful! As you can tell I am passionate about the medium! If you are interested you should join the International Society of Scratchboard Artists (www.scratchboardsociety.org) as we do a once a year show and get together somewhere. It is a lot of fun to get to chat with other people that work in the same medium!

Load More Replies...
srohde6 avatar
crias avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi Sherri - I do some commission works, indeed. Go to my website at www.cathysheeter.com to see more of my work and information on commissions! Thanks for the interest.

Load More Replies...
autumnjn avatar
Autumn
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow... these honestly look like you took photos! Amazing work! I once did a cat on scratchboard, and it doesn't even compare to this... lol

irismcnab avatar
Iris Mcnab
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just found you on Pinterest, Wow...awesome Talent! I really love to look at people's galleries, but not liking to have to click here, then there, then over here...so, yours was easy to navigate, and I love all that I see, especially the horses and farm animals.

pattyedge avatar
Patty Edge
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow!!! Do you do any tutorials or online courses or dvd's please?

lanza130 avatar
Melody Lanzatella
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your work made me actually gasp! It literally took the air out of me. Ive worked with this medium, I KNOW how difficult it is, AND how easy it is to screw it up and ruin the entire work! INCREDIBLE! I am MOST impressed with the horses!! ALL of that fine hair on them! The forehead swirl...the eyelashes!! Its literally UNBELIEVABLE! I wish I had you incredible talent!

jefbateman avatar
Jef Bateman
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks for telling how those are done! I've done some scratchboard experiments before, but nothing like that. Wow.

lanza130 avatar
Melody Lanzatella
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Additionally, I now believe more than ever, we NEED a SUPER up arrow to click!! LOL

celslade avatar
CelSlade
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely amazing! Thank you for the step by step instructions too, I would love to try this technique. Do you mind if I ask how you make the clay board?

crias avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For getting started go with a 3 pack of 5"x7" boards, and you can do SO much with a normal exacto (it is the only tool some artists use). You will probably want to buy some new blades for it too. You really can get a good start in the medium for around $20 to just see if you like it, and if you do (I bet you will) you can grow your tools and go to different size boards from there. There is an active scratchboard group on facebook where people can answer your questions too!

Load More Replies...
nannettenewbury avatar
Nannette Newbury
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cathy I have admired your work previously, but after seeing this post I have an even greater admiration for your talent.

annettebyrne avatar
annette byrne
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely amazing work just stunning you're very talented love it

misterscooter avatar
Misterscooter
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wanted to reach out and feel how soft the fur was, particularly on the wolves. It has real depth and texture.

earnold88 avatar
Ernst Arnold
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing work! Your eye leaves no detail untouched! It reminds me of Albrecht Durer's Hase painting. Have you read Betty Edwards book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain? I am curious if in the process of scratching you lose your sense of time. In my opinion, in Taoist terms, you are manifesting Te which is an expressoin of Tao. This means it requires no force to do this work, it comes naturally to you. One can only do this when one is in a state of consciousness called no-mind; also known as Mushin or wu-wei.

crias avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, it is a very meditative medium and time often goes by quickly. It is easy for me to get in my Artists "Zone" when I work and before I know it several hours have gone by. Thanks for your comments.

Load More Replies...
jenniester avatar
Jenni Ester
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do you sell these? I Would love the "sunshine on my shoulder's" I love the expression and the feel to it.

crias avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi Jenni - yes, I have available works and prints on my website at http://www.cathysheeter.com. Please check it out!

Load More Replies...
nannettenewbury avatar
Nannette Newbury
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cathy, thank you for sharing your technique here. I have admired your work, but could never actually "see" how your detail could be accomplished with scratchboard . After this explanation I have an even higher regard for your work and your talent!

cb-pola avatar
Pola
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is some of the most beautiful work I have ever seen. Amazing. Thanks for sharing.

johanna_10 avatar
Lucida
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are so cool! I really like them! I would love to have my horse portrayed like this.

crias avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi Lucinda - you can find information on my commissioned work on my website at www.cathysheeter.com if you are interested :). Thanks!

Load More Replies...
kennykulbiski avatar
Kenny Kulbiski
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Damn! Even with the instructions I'd be hard pressed to scratch my initials. I'm gonna call it magic. Outstanding!

lara_andrea avatar
Lara B.
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I found this post not only absolutely stunning, but also very interesting to read. Thank you for explaining how these are done. I really, really love the one with the wolves - amazing!

paulos avatar
Paul Osborne
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful texture. You really get the illusion of depth and how the light plays with the form.

mocochang avatar
mocochang
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those are fantastic! The attention to detail is beyond impressive, really beautiful drawings.

euforijaexstaza avatar
Euforija Exstaza
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is absolutly amazing, how much time does it take for one of those drawings...

crias avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It does vary, as I work anywhere from 5"x7" up to 30"x40" in size. Large works can take up to two months to be completed.

Load More Replies...
ankanbanerjee avatar
ANKAN BANERJEE
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had no idea something like this is possible. I mean I know people who can paint really beautiful pictures, people who can make near perfect sketches of animal and human beings. But these are extremely beautiful. I showed my mother the "interrupted drink", she said "why are you showing me a photograph of a tiger, I know how tigers look like". It really looks like a genuine photo of a real life tiger. I am truly amazed.

rww2004 avatar
Rhonda Weaver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How would someone go about learning to do this and actually starting Love these so much and would like to try some simple with my grands and just for myself as need something

crias avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi Rhonda - thanks for your interest. There is a good book available on Amazon called "Starting From Scratch" by Diana Lee who gives great instruction on starting with the medium. Depending on the age of your grands many arts/craft stores sell children's scratchboard projects with glitter or bright colors under the black with a pre-printed pattern that they scratch over with a tool. The children's ones, of course, do not allow the fine details of professional materials, but a lot of kids (ages 6-10) really enjoy them. If your grands are older and can be safe with sharp tools then you can get them started with better quality material - the brand of scratchboard I work on is made by ampersand and is available online. You can find some instruction on my website at www.cathysheeter.com under tutorials, as well.

Load More Replies...
echo999 avatar
Echo
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for sharing. This medium is the only one that I can actually draw on and make anything out of. I am not sure why but I love it. My wife hates the mess, but I do enjoy it. Your work to beautiful.

crias avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonderful! As you can tell I am passionate about the medium! If you are interested you should join the International Society of Scratchboard Artists (www.scratchboardsociety.org) as we do a once a year show and get together somewhere. It is a lot of fun to get to chat with other people that work in the same medium!

Load More Replies...
srohde6 avatar
crias avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi Sherri - I do some commission works, indeed. Go to my website at www.cathysheeter.com to see more of my work and information on commissions! Thanks for the interest.

Load More Replies...
autumnjn avatar
Autumn
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow... these honestly look like you took photos! Amazing work! I once did a cat on scratchboard, and it doesn't even compare to this... lol

irismcnab avatar
Iris Mcnab
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just found you on Pinterest, Wow...awesome Talent! I really love to look at people's galleries, but not liking to have to click here, then there, then over here...so, yours was easy to navigate, and I love all that I see, especially the horses and farm animals.

pattyedge avatar
Patty Edge
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow!!! Do you do any tutorials or online courses or dvd's please?

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