Wednesday, May 5, 2010

"Black and White Fright"

As I mentioned a couple weeks ago, one of the art groups to which I belong - EHAG (The Eclectic Halloween Artists' Group) recently challenged it's members to create a piece entirely in black and white...A challenge indeed for someone whose usual palette is full of vibrant color, hehe. And if that were not enough, I decided to challenge myself even further with scratchboard - a medium I love, but haven't worked with in many years.

Here's the result - The Master of the Macabre himself, now listed on eBay (click for a larger view)...

I do hope I've captured him. :)

It's an interesting process, scratchboard, and somewhat of a bold undertaking because there's no preliminary drawing done. You just pick up a fine needle or blade (in this case an exacto knife) and begin etching into the black board. A little tricky, because it's working in reverse, but well worth the result I think.

Mr Poe here measures 5" x 7". I think he'd look amazing double matted in black and white, with a silver Victorian/slightly distressed frame. (Can you tell I used to work in a frame shop?) ;)

Up next: a cat and mouse tea party chest, and catching up on a few past due commitments!

Until next time....
♥ Carolee

12 comments:

Emerald Window said...

One of the first poems I ever learned by heart was "Annabel Lee". Sounds odd for a 6 year old, but it was my grandmother's favorite. She'd get teary-eyed reciting it.
Great presentation of Mr. Poe!
Cenya

Sushiboofay said...

Very nice! Please send out the item number once it goes live! :-)

B.Kelly said...

This is a wonderful rendering of Mr. Poe and I enjoyed reading the story behind it. I've never tried scratchboard. I'm eraser & paint-over dependant lol. I admire so much the work of others who create wonderful art with it.

Christopher A. Klingler said...

GREAT piece Carolee!

CK :-))

Unknown said...

Carolee, he's outstanding! :-)
~Deb

Her Art Nest said...

Magnificent! ~Nancy

Kris Dickinson said...

Fantastic work!

black eyed susans kitchen said...

Your artwork never disappoints! Poe was my husbands favorite author.
♥, Susan

Acornmoon said...

Your black ad white drawing is very accomplished, scraper board can be very unforgiving but you have achieved great tonal values.

Brochure Printing said...

I think you've captured his stoic feel and there is something egocentric about him. I think he is fantastic and this portrait captures the likeness.

Createology said...

Fabulous artistic piece. I can't imagine the work you put into this. Happy black and white...

Anonymous said...

That says "I do hope I captured him" WELL, ABSOLUTELY!!!!! Mr Poe is divine!!! Hugs, Melissa