Art: scratchboarding

At Michael's the other day, looking for matte board, I came across a scratchboard.  Not familiar with the technique, I began looking around online for information on what tools to use, the range of effects to expect, and general techniques.  I was amazed.  Finished scratchboard pieces remind me of lithographs, without the need for expensive lithograph stones and even more expensive press (although you can grind out many prints with this method).  Attending art classes at the local university is probably the only way an ordinary person can learn and do printmaking.

Here's an example of a lithograph, this one by J. Pilizotti, after a sketch by Albrecht Dürer of Saint Jerome in his study. Master engraver Dürer himself worked with metal plates, usually copper.
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Lithograph by J. Pilozotti, Wikimedia

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Now, back to scratchboard.   This piece was found at the ISSA (International Society of Scratchboard Artists) Master Members Gallery:
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Patrick Hedges, "Cheetah," ISSA

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Artist Russ McMullin sponsors Scratchboard.org, where I found these two pieces:
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Lorrie Dunn, "CanineAncestry," scratchboard.org

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Nico Delort, untitled, scratchboard.org

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Artist McMullin's own work is masterful and can be found at his site/blog.  Here's his portrait of Ralph:
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Russ McMullin, portrait of Ralph

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You can add color to a scratchboard piece, as shown below, but I love the inky blacks, contrasts, and textures.
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Sandra Willard, "Bowl of Cherries," ISSA

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-- Marge