A Community of Artists, Aesthetes & Patrons
“Discover the Artist Within”

Aesthete
A person who has or affects to have a special appreciation of art and beauty.

Scratch Art

Medium:
Price (Member): $45
Price (Non-member): $55
Max Students: 19
Class Level: Beginner

Class Description

Scratch art is a creative and engaging art technique where artists reveal vivid colors or metallic surfaces hidden beneath a dark top layer by scratching away parts of the surface to make designs, patterns, or pictures. It’s popular with both children and adults because it’s easy to learn, mess-free, and produces striking results.

How Scratch Art Works:

Scratch Art Paper:
The special paper or board used for scratch art has a multicolored, metallic, or white layer covered by a matte black (or sometimes colored) coating.

Tools:
A pointed stylus, toothpick, wooden stick, or metal tool is used to gently scrape away the top layer, uncovering the bright or shiny surface underneath.

Creating Designs:
Artists can make lines, dots, patterns, or detailed illustrations by varying the pressure and technique as they scratch. The contrast between the dark surface and the revealed color makes the artwork pop.

Ways to Make Your Own Scratch Art:

DIY Method:
You can create your own scratch art paper by coloring a piece of heavy paper with bright crayons, then covering the whole surface with black tempera paint mixed with a drop of dish soap. Once dry, it’s ready to scratch!
Why Try Scratch Art?

Accessible for all ages and skill levels.
Encourages creativity and experimentation with patterns and textures.
No paint, ink, or mess—just a tool and scratch paper.
Great for cards, bookmarks, decorative art, and educational activities.
Scratch art offers instant satisfaction and dramatic effects, making it a fun project for anyone interested in exploring a new technique. If you’d like step-by-step instructions or project ideas, let me know!

Gallery of Student Work

Here’s some examples of what students have created during this class.