Black Art Techniques
Many artists utilize paint, pastel chalk, charcoal and clay to design beautiful pieces of artwork. A new median for art originated in the 19th century in Britain and France, known as scratchboard or black art. This new technique replaced linoleum, metal and wood engraving. The detailed illustrations of Virgil Finlay combined scratchboard techniques with pen and ink. Some black art techniques should prove helpful for new artists.
Black Ink Monotype
In a monotype utilizing black ink, the artist maneuvers the ink or paint to the surface of a slick plate, such as cardboard, metal or Plexiglas, with a particular influence. By applying pressure, the artist creates depth in certain areas of the monotype. No two monotypes are exactly alike, as no image is permanently affixed to the plate. A monotype may be fashioned on cloth or paper and other inks or pastels may be utilized.
Blending Pastels on Black Construction Paper
Utilizing various colors of square chalk, the artist draws an image on black construction paper. The edges of the chalk are smeared with a q-tip to soften the lines and blend the colors. Adding brown chalk and blending the two colors may darken flesh colored chalk. Other unique colors may be created with this same technique. A grid pattern may be drawn to assist with balance in the composition on black paper, as chalk is easily blended away.
Scratchboard Techniques
Scratchboard art is produced by utilizing special tools to etch into a canvas covered with clay, and then coated with black ink. Sometimes various colors of ink may be applied in layers to create a colorful piece of artwork. The depth of the etching determines the color that appears and texture may be easily added. Art stores in the United States carry the scratchboards, but England is known for professional grade scratchboards.