Clayboard Victorian Girl (and crow)

Here is a sort of process for this piece. I sketched out the original 5x7 drawing on a piece of scrap paper and when I was satisfied with the result, I covered the back with lead and trimmed it down to size.

The original sketch

sketch transferred

Then I laid it on the clayboard and drew on the scrap paper with purple pencil (to see where I’d drawn before). Then, I started with the trees.

closeup of the trees. See how I laid down the ink, then scratched away to create more leaves? i like this part :)

Then I filled in the shaped of the roof decoration and scratched the vertical lines away.

Trees and roofline

With the roof done, I did the woman. Loose flowing lines indicate a fine white shirt blowin gin the wind, and a billowing black skirt creates more movement and interest.

The girl and the crow! I wish I had a crow friend

I add the crow, and study a Franklin Booth drawing for the clouds. I’m happy with them! The lines are thicker than I want, but I am working very small, so, tradeoffs.

Done!

And done! I cleaned up with an eraser, scanned it in, and cleaned it up even more in Procreate. I love how dark the areas can get on clayboard, as opposed to just ink on paper.

Clayboard is fun! You should try it!