Biography
Maaria Kader is a scratchboard artist based in Laguna Niguel, California USA.
She immigrated from London, United Kingdom in 1988. Having been introduced to scratchboard as a young teenager Maaria rediscovered her passion for this wonderful medium decades later.
Maaria is a signature member of the International Society of Scratchboard Artists (ISSA). [email protected]
As a scratchboard artist Maaria is driven by the simple intricacies that reflect the beauty around her. She intends to evoke a sense of awe and wonder as people view her art and search for inspiration in the delicate details.
Maaria believes that so much is seen in stillness and silence. When not creating art, Maaria enjoys being outdoors hiking along the beautiful coastline of Laguna . Maaria teaches in person private and group scratchboard classes in Southern California.
Play Video about Fixation 16”x12” Available
What Is Scratchboard?
Scratchboard is a two-dimensional subtractive process which involves delicately scratching off the surface color(often black) to expose a lighter (often white) layer
beneath.
Scratchboard or Scraperboard originated in the 19th Century in Britain and France. In the mid(20th) century America, it became a popular medium for reproduction because it replaced wood,metal and linoleum engraving. It was one of the preferred techniques for medical, scientific and product and editorial illustrations.
Scratchboard comes either with a paper (cardboard) backing , or a Masonite hardboard. The masonite board has greater stability and is more durable. The board is coated with white kaolin clay and covered in a layer of black Indian ink. I recommend a brand of scratchboard made by Ampersand.
A wide variety of sharp and abrasive tools and materials are used in creating art on scratchboards: x-acto blades, surgical scalpels, tattoo needles, sandpaper, steel wool, fiberglass brushes, erasers, and isopropyl alcohol . Experimentation with these tools will allow you to create different textures.
Some artists start with a white un-inked board. Colored inks or paints are added to the surface and scratched with the same technique. Using transparent media are generally used including various inks, fluid acrylics, watercolors and markers. Color can be added using paint brushes or an airbrush. After an area has been colored it can be scratched again revealing more of the white clay. Sometimes the steps of coloring and scratching are repeated numerous times to create shading.
When the artwork is complete it can be sprayed with multiple coats of UV resistant archival spray. This will protect the work and also the need for glass is unnecessary during framing. Good luck scratching.
What Is Scratchboard?
Play Video about Fixation 16”x12” Available
Scratchboard is a two-dimensional subtractive process which involves delicately scratching off the surface color(often black) to expose a lighter (often white) layer
beneath.
Scratchboard or Scraperboard originated in the 19th Century in Britain and France. In the mid(20th) century America, it became a popular medium for reproduction because it replaced wood,metal and linoleum engraving. It was one of the preferred techniques for medical, scientific and product and editorial illustrations.
Scratchboard comes either with a paper (cardboard) backing , or a Masonite hardboard. The masonite board has greater stability and is more durable. The board is coated with white kaolin clay and covered in a layer of black Indian ink. I recommend a brand of scratchboard made by Ampersand.
A wide variety of sharp and abrasive tools and materials are used in creating art on scratchboards: x-acto blades, surgical scalpels, tattoo needles, sandpaper, steel wool, fiberglass brushes, erasers, and isopropyl alcohol . Experimentation with these tools will allow you to create different textures.
Some artists start with a white un-inked board. Colored inks or paints are added to the surface and scratched with the same technique. Using transparent media are generally used including various inks, fluid acrylics, watercolors and markers. Color can be added using paint brushes or an airbrush. After an area has been colored it can be scratched again revealing more of the white clay. Sometimes the steps of coloring and scratching are repeated numerous times to create shading.
When the artwork is complete it can be sprayed with multiple coats of UV resistant archival spray. This will protect the work and also the need for glass is unnecessary during framing. Good luck scratching.
Commissions
Maaria attracts clients who appreciate exceptional quality with her attention to detail. She works collaboratively with art connoisseurs to create a design which brings their personal vision to life.
Whether you are interested in a simple, small piece or a large-scale installation, Maaria would love to hear from you to discuss the process of creating a memorable and impactful piece of art. With clear communication throughout the process. Maaria will ensure a successful commission. The opportunity to discuss new projects is always welcome.
You can reach Maaria: [email protected]
Let's Connect
If you are interested in acquiring a work of art or would like to leave a comment please contact me.