This is a 5" x 7" portrait of my dog, Ellen. I started by dripping watercolor over the surface of the clayboard and allowing it to dry. I had to do this a few times to build up the intensity of colors. Then I scratched her image in using scratchboard tools. I touched up a few shadowy areas with more watercolor, and sealed it all with Kamar Varnish. I'm sorry that I don't have the steps along the way. I'll start thinking in terms of sharing and will start recording my process as I go along.
Another 5" x 7" clayboard. This one of my friend Elois's grape arbor. I started this the same way by dripping watercolor on the surface. Instead of scratching this one, I lifted the color from the beams with water and a brush. I then began painting with acrylics, scratched a few small areas for the highlights, and sealed it all with Kamar varnish.
I like adding my highlights last. Clayboard is great for this. The color lifts with water or can be scratched off. I like the smooth texture of this surface. Its very slick which may not be great for everyone.
Thanks for visiting.
