Crayon etching is most like a commercial
art technique called scratchboard. With this method, the artist brushes India
ink onto a specially coated support such as illustration board, and when
the surface is dry, white lines and areas are scratched out with a cutter
or knife.
Scratchboard was very popular in the first part of this century. It allowed
graphic artists to use line to produce half-tones or "shade" work for
reproduction in newspapers and magazines. As a commercial art technique,
it's been replaced today with computer-generated graphics.
While scratchboard isn't as popular commercially, it's still a fun and
interesting art technique. You can use the same method to make a Halloween
crayon etching. If you recycle and reuse materials to make the art, you'll
help save natural resources, landfill space, and money.
You Will Need:
Scraps of white paper or illustration or mat board
Crayons
India ink
Soft rag
Paint brush
Scratch tool
Masking tape
How to:
Begin by coloring random shapes or patches all over a smooth, heavyweight
scrap of paper or a piece of illustration or mat board. Give each shape several
coats of color or press down on the crayon to make sure the shape is colored
heavily. Work with bright colors, and avoid using black, because it won't
show up under the India ink. Also, metallic gold, silver, and copper are
difficult colors with which to work.
After the entire paper or board is colored, you're ready to brush on the
ink. Since crayon is a waxy material, it will tend to resist the ink when
it's applied. To help the ink stick to the paper or board, remove some of
the "waxiness" by lightly polishing the crayon with a rag. Brush the ink
onto the crayon, and if it resists the ink, patiently move the ink around
till it sticks. Allow the board to dry completely before continuing.
click
the picture to see a larger, more detailed view of these samples
In the meantime, make a scratch tool
by reusing an old compass or some common household items. The point on a
compass makes an excellent scratch tool. Reuse it by removing the pencil,
closing the tool, and taping it shut with masking tape. Another way to make
a tool is to tape a finishing nail or a large embroidery needle to the side
of a pencil.
Halloween themes are especially good subjects for crayon etching. You might
draw a creature from outer space or a jack-o'-lantern. Before you start
scratching out the design, make a simple drawing to use as a guide or plan.
Now the fun begins! Start etching the picture by scratching through the ink
layer to the crayon below. Just make a line drawing, or develop some textures
by scratching lines or shapes close together. Examples of interesting patterns
are all around you, or refer to the crayon etching design sheet pictured
above for some ideas.
Tips and Tricks:
Use this technique to make designs and more pictures with other themes. Try
making a quilt block or a stained glass window design.
Making a crayon etching can be very messy. Be sure to protect your work space
with newspapers, especially for the inking process and the actual etching.
If you must rest your hand on your picture as you work, place a scrap of
paper underneath to keep your hand clean and to protect the artwork.
Mat board is nonrecyclable, so reusing mats helps save the environment and
money. Ask your picture framer to donate a good, used mat for your finished
crayon etching.
About the Author: Marilyn J. Brackney is an artist
& teacher, she operates the website
The Imagination
Factory. Special thanks go to her for allowing us to repirnt this
activity.
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