Using Scratch Board media in the classroom can sometimes be a challenge. While the students enjoy the discovery of any new material they sometimes draw a blank when it comes to subject matter. I started to take the class outside when I introduced them to Scratch Board, this seemed to help bring their inspiration out and the materials are easy enough to transport, any notebook and pencase will do just fine.
Each student was to pick an outdoor scene from our local park, which luckily is just across the street from our school. First, they draw a rough design into their sketch books and then translate the basic shape onto the Black Scratch Board using a Scratch Knife Holder and a Scratch Knife. I encourage them to elaborate on their sketch and really pay attention to the line and texture details in the scene. This helps them get a feel for how the Tools and the Scratch Board work together. Even the most minimal and raw pieces turn out to quite well.
Back in the classroom I had them experiment applying watercolors to the Scratch Board. All the students had an unique and inspiring visual stories of how they see their surroundings.
Materials used in this project:
8.5"x11" Black Scratch Board
Scratch Knife Pen Holder - Wood
Metal Scratch Knives, Arrow and Heart Shaped
