Tutorials, videos, tips & techniques
Learn techniques from professional artists, follow art tutorials, watch videos, and more.
Claybord and Micron™ illustration with Vic Hollins
Watch this tutorial by Vic Hollins and learn how to illustrate on Claybord with Micron pens.
Read more … Claybord and Micron™ illustration with Vic Hollins
Three recipes for egg tempera
Here are three recipes for egg tempera but there are many more. If grinding the dry pigments is not something you want to try right away, substitute gouache for the "pigment paste" in each of these recipes.
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.
Image transfer on Claybord
Claybord is great for this kind of work because of its versatility. The rigid panel takes the pressure of an image transfer process without bending or tearing. Its smooth surface allows for a clean transfer and for collage materials to make a perfectly flush connection.
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.
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.
Mounting watercolor paper on panel
Watercolor artist Dustan Knight uses Ampersand Claybord to mount her watercolor paintings. This is a great option if you prefer watercolor paper, but want the look of a panel.
Working in egg tempera with Mark Meunier
Egg tempera artist Mark Meunier has found that working on an absorbent surface, like Ampersand Claybord is best, as the egg needs something to soak into to adhere correctly. Mark has taken the difficulty out of egg tempera and created a technique that anyone can use.
Mounting canvas to wood panel
Mounting flexible supports like canvas, linen, or paper to an Ampersand wood panel preserves the painting qualities of the canvas or paper while gaining the archival benefits of a panel.
Printing etchings on Claybord or Aquabord
Claybord inventor, Charles Ewing demonstrates how to print a zinc or copper plate etching onto the clay surface of Claybord or Aquabord.
