Scratch art uses line as an element of art and pattern as a principle of design.

Engraving: a method of cutting or incising a design into a material with a sharp tool Scratch board: illustration board in which black ink-coating is scratched away to reveal a white clay-coated surface

Line: an element of art that is a mark with length and direction Pattern: a principle of design that repeats lines and shapes

Positive space: space in an artwork that is filled with something Negative space: empty space in an artwork

Focal point of emphasis is the part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention.

Texture is the surface quality that can be seen and adds visual interest to the piece.

Value is the degree of light and dark in a design.

Contrast is the extreme changes between values and causes visual interest.

Look for an idea that shows value, texture and contrast. Tips for Scratch Art Look for an idea that shows value, texture and contrast. Transfer image by lightly taping down the paper on top of the scratch art board and trace main contours with a pen. Practice using the #1 and #2 scratch tool on small scratch art paper. When working on the paper, keep it covered with newsprint to prevent oil from you skin from going onto the paper. Begin to scratch slowly. Remember you can always make it lighter, but you cannot make it darker. Scratch in the direction of the desired texture. Use implied lines only. Aim for a focal point by the use of values while scratching. Negative scratching is a technique in which the design is formed by lines and shapes scratched out of the background of the paper. In other words the image is composed of lines and spaces shaped by the spaces missing from the inked background. It is a useful technique for designs that have fine lines, because it is easier to carve away a line than to leave a line standing. Positive scratching leaves the lines and areas that is the image. This technique works best for designs with bold lines and simple shapes. These marks enliven the art with the kind of texture that is associated with this medium. Positive scratching is often combined with negative scratching in the same design.