Description:
“Chloe” represents my exploration of character through scratchboard technique. This intimate portrait captures more than just the physical likeness of a dog—it reveals the soul and spirit of a loyal friend through carefully scratched lines that emerge from darkness.
Process:
By carefully removing the black to expose the white underneath, I was able to construct the image using a subtractive method while working on the scratchboard. I had to use a variety of pressures and directional scratches to create the detailed fur, and I had to be very careful when working on the eyes to portray her aware, attentive face.
What interests me about the scratchboard is how it depicts the process of discovery. The topic slowly comes to life as each scratch of the tool reveals light from darkness. The stark contrast between black and white draws attention to the physical texture of the fur and the intensity of emotion in the eyes, creating a realistic and emotionally powerful image.
It was hard to get both the obvious things, like the shaggy fur and the wetness of the nose, and the more subtle things, like the alertness, loyalty, and wisdom in her face. The scratchboard method worked great for this because it let both physical details and emotional depth come through in the dark.
Year:
2022
Size:
16″ x 20″
Medium:
Scratchboard
