This was posted on Flickr by kuruvata. I’m not sure what the artist’s real name is. I found it in with a nice collection of other scratchboard work on this page. I’m always amazed how people come up with different ways to express themselves using the same medium. A lot of artists today are pushing the envelope of realism, and I find myself doing the same. But, I still have a great appreciation for pieces with rougher strokes and compelling design.

These images come from a Flickr page posted by Angus McDiarmid. They were taken from old mugshot photographs. I assume he rendered them. I especially like the face on the left. The textures and light are very nice, even if the guy doesn’t look very nice himself.

I am blown away by so many master-level scratchboard artists that are producing realistic people and animals. A lot of the time, that type of work is what I am looking for when I search the net for ink-and-clay eye candy. On the other hand, I also have a soft spot for more rustic, conceptual work, especially if it’s cute. I ran across some cute pigs by Bryan Ballinger on www.breadwig.com. It looks like they were done on a tablet rather than traditional scratchboard. No matter. I think they are awesome.