"Pond Lilies" was created using a full color variation on conventional scratchboard techniques. I first painted simplified acrylic shapes on white clay board. Using a variety of scratching tools (X-Acto knives, scalpels, tattoo needles, steel wool, fiber glass brushes), I “scratched” through the acrylic paint to the white surface below. After one full layer of scratching, I alternated thinned washes of acrylic to tint the scratches with layers of traditional scratchboard techniques. Scratching creates highlights and adds detail and texture. Washes of acrylic add color and enhance contour and shadows. I like that this technique gives the viewer unique experiences close up vs. from a distance. Scratched textures, highlights and subtle color changes up close give way to an almost photorealistic appearance at a distance.