Tutorials, videos, tips & techniques

Learn techniques from professional artists, follow art tutorials, watch videos, and more.

Claybord demo

Claybord demonstration by Brigitte Waldschmidt

German mixed media artist and author, Brigitte Waldschmidt demonstrates techniques on Ampersand Claybord. (English subtitles)

Read more …

large art panels

Ampersand Big Panels

Gessobord, Claybord, and Unprimed Basswood are available in sizes up to 48x72. This fun video can give you a sense of just how big our big panels are!

Read more …

Claybord Art Surface Products

Introduction to Ampersand Claybord

Learn why Claybord is the ultimate multimedia panel in this informational product knowledge video.

Read more …

charles_ewing_scratch
Artwork by Charles Ewing

Tips for using Claybord

While Claybord allows the use of traditional pigments, tools, and techniques, it is also an ideal surface for experimentation. You can cut into the surface and expose the white clay ground as part of the creative process. Pigments can be manipulated to vary tonal value, create detail, develop highlights, and correct mistakes.

Read more …

Overview

Claybord overview

Claybord is our most versatile panel and is a favorite of both fine and graphic artists. It features a velvety-smooth and extremely absorbent clay finish to which no other surface compares. This kaolin clay ground formula is very similar to the clay gesso grounds used during the Renaissance period.

Read more …

Scratchboard Art Panel inks

Ampersand Scratchbord/Claybord Inks

Scratchbord/Claybord inks are specially formulated for adding color to Ampersand Scratchbord, Claybord, and other paper scratchboards. The transparent inks leave vibrant color in only the white areas of scratchboard drawings and can easily be scratched through back to white when adding fine details and highlights.

Read more …

Ink Portrait
Artwork by Charles Ewing

Claybord used as Scratchboard

Claybord can be coated with inks and used like a traditional scratchboard. The advantage to using Claybord as a scratchboard is that you can control the tonal variations unlike using a traditional black scratchboard. Try this exercise and see how easy it is to do.

Read more …