Please introduce yourself.
Hi, I’m Ann Ranlett, a scratchboard artist.
Tell us about your favorite art medium.
Scratchboard is not very well known, but it’s a wonderful medium which allows for an incredible level of detail. It’s that detail that I love. I’m a bio-nerd & detail freak and scratchboard is the perfect medium for creating the style of art that makes my science brain happy. My short description of scratchboard is: “drawing white with a knife”. I use a commercially prepared board (Ampersand brand), scratching through the top layer of black with an X-acto knife to reveal the white clay below. Using a variety of stroke widths and lengths creates textures and values. After I complete the scratching, I can add color or shades of grey with watercolor and/or ink.
Who/what is your biggest artistic influences?
Animals are my biggest influences, they’re my favorite subject and an important part of my life. I also credit my parents for fostering my love of animals and supporting my artistic endeavors!
What motivates you to create?
I want to express my view of the world in a creative way, in a technique that speaks to me.
When is your favorite time of day to create?
I’m a hard-core night owl, even though I can work on my art during the day, I prefer nighttime, when my husband has gone to bed & the dogs are settled down.
Does art help you in other areas of your life?
It does. It has given me an “eye” for my surroundings – making me more aware of the interest and beauty in the little things. It has also made me appreciate the business aspect of being a professional artist.
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Read Ann’s previous interview here.
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