Sue Kroll uses scratchboard to provide fine detail that is difficult to achieve with paint. Photos provided by Sue Kroll.
Accomplished artist Sue Kroll will instruct a one-day workshop in the unique art technique called “scratchboard,” held at the Mesquite Fine Arts Center Classroom on Friday, November 7. Sue’s workshop is hosted by Virgin Valley Artists Association. Enrollment is open to the public.
Ms Kroll is a well-known Western artist, having won many blue ribbons at county fairs, as well as racking up a long list of regional and Utah state awards. She has received notable mention in Cowboy and Indian Western art magazine and was featured in the Spectrum newspaper.
Scratchboard is literally a board that is covered with a thin layer of white clay which is then coated with ink. Images are created using sharp knives and tools for etching (scratching) through the ink and into the clay. The image can be left black and white, or the clay can be colored if desired. Sue explains that she began using scratchboard technique when she found it offers the promise of fine detail that she had tried and failed to achieve with her paints.
Sue Kroll’s finely detailed Western art has won many awards. Photos provided by Sue Kroll.
Sue’s November 7 workshop will run 4 hours, 11am-3pm, focusing on learning the basic techniques of working on scratchboard. Tools and their uses will be explained as well as telling how to make your own tools. The workshop fee of $55 for 4 hours of instruction includes two 5”x7” scratchboards plus one small practice board, along with other specialized supplies and ink. Students must bring their own X-acto knife, a black and white photo reference, and other common supplies.
Examples of Sue’s scratchboard art can be seen on her website, www.sues-art.com, and two of her works are on display at the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery. Enrollment for the workshop is now open at the Gallery, with the detailed materials and supplies list available. Class space is limited, and advance sign-up is necessary to assure a seat.
The Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery is located at 15 West Mesquite Blvd, Mesquite, Nevada. Business hours are 10a-4pm, Monday through Saturday, phone 702-346-1338. The Gallery is operated by Virgin Valley Artists Association, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that sponsors a diverse community art education program. The Gallery is a City-owned facility, staffed by all-volunteer efforts of the VVAA. The public is welcomed to the gallery where local original art, in all media, is displayed and sold. Please see www.mesquitefineartscenter.com for more information.
