Illustrations Inspired by �Shel Silverstein’s Poems

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Scratchboard

Illustrations

• A visualization such as a drawing, painting, photograph or other work of art that stresses subject more than form. The aim of an illustration is to elucidate or decorate textual information (such as a story, poem or newspaper article) by providing a visual representation.

Functions of Illustrations

• Give faces to characters in a story.
• Display examples of an item described in an academic textbook (e.g. a typology).
• Visualize step-wise sets of instructions in a technical manual.
• Communicate subtle thematic tone in a narrative.
• Link brands to the ideas of human expression, individuality and creativity.
• Inspire the viewer to feel emotion to expand on the linguistic aspects of the narrative.

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Illustration Art

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Today, there is a growing interest in collecting and admiring original artwork that were used as illustrations in books, magazines, posters, etc.

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Various museum exhibitions, magazines and art galleries have devoted space to the illustrators of the past.

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Illustration Art

In the visual art world, illustrators have sometimes been considered less important in comparison with fine artists and graphic designers.

But as the result of computer game and comic industry growth, illustrations are becoming valued as popular and profitable art works that can acquire a wider market than the other two, especially in Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and USA.

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Shel Silverstein

• (September 25, 1930–May 10, 1999)
• An American poet, songwriter, musician, composer, cartoonist, screenwriter, and author of children's books.

Shel Silverstein’s Illustrations

Silverstein’s illustrations include drawing techniques of contour drawing, shading techniques (cross-hatching, hatching, scribble, dots, etc.), and movement lines (diagonals, spirals, dotted lines, etc.)

Check It Out!

• To Check Out Shel Silverstein’s Website, click on the link below

http://www.shelsilverstein.com/play.asp

• The website below has some of silverstein’s poems for you to read

http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/shel_silverstein

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Scratchboard

• A technique where drawings are created using sharp knives and tools for etching into a thin layer of white China clay that is coated with black India ink.

Beginning Scratchboard Basics

Pen & Ink

Scratchboard

The eye on the left is drawn with pen and ink. The eye on the right is done in scratchboard. The parts of the eye you want white are white in both and the parts you want black are black.

Examples of How It Should Look

Incorrect

Correct

Correct

Incorrect

Man Faces: In the first example you can see how black lines were created by scratching on either side of them. It's a lot more work but the result is much better.

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The technique used for scratchboard is opposite what you are probably used to using when you draw, however the tendency of most is to use the tool like a pencil and to scrape away lines that would normally be black. The result will look like a negative (as shown on the bottom) and that's not what you want.

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Tools

Use the pointed nib for fine lines and the broader nib for wider or broader lines.

Tips

To create texture use different nibs and hatch marks.

Start with the pointed tool and then work the highlights with the rounded, broader tool.

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The hair and the flesh were done with the fine line nib. The flesh is a series of cross hatching. The hair is done in single strokes or it will look choppy. Always remember to scratch as little as possible; you can always scratch more later and it is much more difficult to remove scratches.

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Tips Continued

• Scratchboard can smudge because of natural oils and perspiration that's on skin. Rest your hand on a piece of tissue or paper towel. (Do not use scented tissue or tissue treated with aloe or lotion).
• Also use the tissue to wipe the picture periodically. If you blow away the chalk dust it gets in your eyes and attacks your sinuses so I strongly suggest wiping lightly or you can tap your paper on your table.

Tips Continued

When you have finished scratching and you're satisfied with the piece, wipe it as clean as possible with a dry tissue.

Now you are ready to spray it with fixative. This will heighten the contrasts and eliminate any minor fingerprints or smudges. Remember it is better to spray several light coats then to try one thick coat.

Transfer Your Image

Ballpoint Pen-

• Place or tape your drawing on the scratchboard.
• Trace the lines of the drawing with a fine ball-point pen. This leaves indented lines on the scratchboard that can't get brushed away. When applying pressure be careful the drawing doesn't shift.

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Direct Drawing-

• If you feel really confident you can draw directly on the scratchboard with a pigment pen.
• This makes nice lines that show up easily. It's good for simple drawings.

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Examples

Look at the different scratch marks/shading techniques (cross-hatching, hatching, dots, etc…)

Scratch Board Practice

• Use the tips and tools to create a design on your practice scratch board.
• This practice will give you a chance to feel how much pressure you must apply on the scratch board to create a clean design.

Practice Makes Perfect!

Scratch Board Project

• Objective
• Create an original line and texture illustration of your favorite Shel Silverstein poem using scratchboard as a medium.
• Type an Artist Statement explaining your design concept. (How does your image illustrate your favorite Shel Silverstein’s poem)

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Requirements

• Design Requirements
• Create an original line and texture illustration of your favorite Shel Silverstein poem using scratchboard as a medium.
• Draw your illustration on paper with pencil then transfer the illustration onto scratchboard.

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Student Examples