This original is created on scratchboard with acrylic accents.

Framed, ready to hang.

21" x 10" including frame

Scratchboard is a 2-dimentional subrtactive art form. The support typically consists of a white kaolin clay coated ardboard covered with black India ink. Sharp tools are used to remove, or scratch, throught the black ink revealing the white clay underneath. The majority of the values within the artwork are achieved by varying the amount of surface layer that has been removed.

Scratchboard, or Scraperboard (as it is known in Europe) is a direct form of engraving/etching which originated in the UK and Europe in the 19th century prior to the introduction of modern photographic techniques.

Richard Shier, is a Winnipeg artist that specializes in the technique of scratchboard. Self-taught he also works in oils and acrylics. Having been a commercial photographer for 30 years, he learned how to compose an image on film, and now transfers that skill into his artwork. Working in scratchboard is perfectly suited for creating the individual lines of a fur or feathers in wildlife, one of Shier's favorite themes along with nature.