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It's been a long time since I did anything with scratchboard. I decided to try a portrait with a much more detailed approach than I've ever taken before. This is what I have so far:
My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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Why do you even touch a computer when your hands can do that. Amazing. I know what scratch board is. when my wife was still teaching art her students had to do a scratch board project. That is top notch stuff.
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5396 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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Thanks Dale. The scratchboard I use has a 1/8" masonite substrate coated with a smooth layer of white clay, like gesso. That surface has been airbrushed with a thin layer of black ink. So, the board starts out black, and I use an exacto blade to make marks on it. They show up white. There are special tools for scratchboard, but I use a #11 exacto blade.
Dave, I really appreciate your comments. This isn't typical of the work I have done in the past. But, I hope it's an indication of where I'm headed. A few weeks ago I saw some really cool scratchboard portraits online and they allowed me to see more possibilities in the medium than I had previously. With so much difficulty finding a job these days, self employment opportunities are my best way out of this economic disaster. So, I hope to keep doing artwork by hand, especially if it pays.
My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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My goodness gracious Russ. That is one heck of a piece of work. Just outstanding. Everything about it is perfect. You can even sense the guy's personality. Love....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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Thanks Russ, the biggest principal for me to learn is about edges. They are so important for controlling the eye that I would equate them to values! Take a look at Richard Schmid www.richardschmid.com and Jeremy Lipking for this principal Richard is a living master, each stroke is economic, accurate, and flawless in color and value. Breath taking to me. Life gets killed in detailed work from a mechanical attitude and less than absorption in concentration. I assume you know this but until is a living action my mind needs to be reminded.
I just loaded my pallet and feel less than inspired so your kind word is perfect timing, thanks! I look forward to seeing more of your work and if I can ever be of any help please don't hesitate to contact me. Time for some James Brown and get painting!
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It is always great to see one of your pieces Russ.
That man is unreal,....no I guess I mean too real. Fantastic!!
-------------------- Sam Staffan Mackinaw Art & Sign 721 S. Nokomis St. Mackinaw City, MI dstaffan@sbcglobal.net Posts: 1694 | From: Mackinaw City, MI | Registered: Mar 2004
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Russ, that piece absolutely captures the emotion of the image. That piece literally made me gasp.
Outstanding work.
-------------------- Bruce Bowers
DrCAS Custom Lettering and Design Saint Cloud, Minnesota
"Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things work out." - Art Linkletter Posts: 6451 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
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I'm glad to see you doing illustrations, Russ. You have a lot of talent in the design field as well, but I suspect this is where your heart is. Both of the pictures you posted are great pieces of art. Is the portrait by any chance your father?
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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Have'nt heard the term Scratchboard since I was in Tradeschool back in 77.... Russ that is amazing, and I don't think most people have'nt a clue how much work that is... My hat is off to you.
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
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Russ - I've always admired just about EVERYTHING you've done... and these examples just reinforce what an amazing illustrator you are.
Good heavens man... you should be doing commissioned portraits of presidents and heads-of-state with that talent. Seriously!
You need to find a way out of the confines of your yard and get yourself noticed. All you need is a 'break'.... and then you'll be the international sensation you richly deserve.
I had to laugh at the babie's tongue hanging out... kinda reminded me of the face my kids used to make after we spoon-fed them Gerber Peas...haha.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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That's phenomenal... and lots of other words on the tip of my tongue but I can't identify any of them for the moment!
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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-------------------- Maker of fine signs and other creative stuff. Located at 109 N. Cumberland ave. Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-837-0242 Posts: 4172 | From: Ages-Brookside, Ky. Up the Holler... | Registered: Jul 1999
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Jill's right about the personality showing thru ... yer killing us Russ ...
-------------------- Michael Gene Adkins The Fontry 1576 S Hwy 59 Watts OK 74964 Posts: 845 | From: Watts, OK USA | Registered: Jun 1999
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I have been meaning to give a response, but time got away from me. Thanks very much to all of you for your words of encouragement.
@ Bruce Brickman, my biggest concern with the scratchboard project is over-finishing it. I have let it sit untouched for a few days while I decide how far to finish into the shadows. Thanks for the link!
Kelly, the man is my sister's father-in-law. She was showing me some photos from a little reunion they had, and I thought he would make a great subject.
Neil, when I started doing scratchboard back around '92, there wasn't much information about it at all. With the help of the Internet, the knowledge is more available, and there are people doing work with scratchboard that I never even dreamed of back then.
Dale, I recently got bifocals and they help a lot! My near vision has been getting worse and worse, which is been more than frustrating. The close-up part of the bifocal magnifies just a bit, and it's really helpful to see what is happening in the details.
Thanks Todd! I'm not sure the best way to promote portrait work. I have never tried entering work in art shows or having a booth at an art fair. All of my projects so far have been word of mouth from friends.
Jon, thanks for the phone call. It was cool to hear your accent. Of course, I have no accent myself.
My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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Russ, it is quite stunning! You are a talented soul! Your subject matter is cool too. How did you get started with this? Very interesting and unique.
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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Congratulations Russ that is killer! Given the gesture and attitiude your resolution hit spot on I think. How inspiring to see thanks for sharing it.
[ August 04, 2010, 08:01 PM: Message edited by: jack wills ]
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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The 24 hours spent on the portrait is a moot point in my way of thinking...it's not a matter of time but rather talent...if you gave the overwhelming vast majority of people on the planet their entire life times...they still could never do this...few are gifted this way...and Russ is one of them.
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You are a true artist! Very nice wok! I recently did an airbrush piece on a 36 ford. I lost track of hours because I was so enthralled and just having fun with it. I'm sure you do the same. Great work again!
-------------------- Kelsey Dum Dum Designs Sherwood, AR 72120 501.765.2166 kelsey@dumdesigns.com Posts: 827 | From: Sherwood, AR | Registered: Oct 2005
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Fantastic!!
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