Make a Wish, Marilyn Manwaring

Zebras really lend themselves to the black and white nature of scratchboard. This photograph (with permission by Paul Fine) caught my attention with its strong lighting and contrast. I wanted the zebra to have an object to focus upon, so 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 the wrinkles and veins that needed special attention to the directionality of fur scratched. 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.