Clayboard

One thing I want to do in my blog posts is share my experiences with different surfaces and mediums.  I have been using clayboard quite a bit recently and want to share a couple pieces I've done.

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.