Scratchboard is a subtractive medium and a form of direct engraving. I use Ampersand Scratchbords which have a smooth, absorbent kaolin clay ground that is evenly coated with black India ink. I use a variety of tools ranging from an X-acto knife to various different microblading tattoo needles, fiberglass brushes, and single tattoo needles to scratch off the ink and reveal the white clay beneath. I use forms of stippling, hatching, and cross hatching to create highly detailed photorealistic work. I first create a base layer, followed by gradually adding in more and more light, then finally I go over the piece with a single tattoo needle or scalpel to add in details and fine lines and highlights. This gradual process of layering scratch marks is what gives each work such depth.

While most of my work is black and white, color can be added in with inks. After a base layer is scratched I begin to apply washes of colored inks. To achieve the vibrant color you see in my finished work this takes many layers of ink and I must scratch the entire portrait again between each layer. This is a very time-consuming process as colored portraits usually need 6 layers of inking and scratching before being complete.

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