Make a Wish, Marilyn Manwaring

Zebras lend themselves perfectly to the black and white nature of scratchboard. This photograph (with the permission of Paul Fine) caught my attention with its strong lighting and contrast. I wanted the zebra to have an object to focus upon, and chose a fluffy dandelion. Thus, the name “Make a Wish.” Tattoo needles and a fiberglass brush were used to etch away the black India ink and reveal the white clay underneath. I especially enjoyed creating the wrinkles and veins, which required paying special attention to the fur's direction. A section of the background was removed with rubbing alcohol and blue was airbrushed in to give a more colorful contrast with the black and white subject.