Scraperboard art is an interesting art form.

The image is scratched into the medium, rather than painted on in the traditional manner.

It is a direct process, unlike engravings, etchings or linocuts, which are printing processes.

The medium itself consists of a sheet of board, which is coated with white chalk (clay). It is then sprayed (overlaid) with a matt black ink.

To create the image, the artist uses a sharp, (usually arrow-shaped) metal instrument, to scratch away the black surface and reveal the white area.

The medium allows for intricate detail, sharp contrast, and a wide range of textures. Shadows and Highlights are created by "scratching" away at the board.

Depending on the intent of the artist, several areas may be cleared out for layering with watercolors, airbrush or acrylics. These layers are then scratched off one by one to create different shades of colour that blend into and highlight certain parts of the image. This technique can yield an image that appears remarkably lifelike.