Naturalist Illustration with Scratchboard

Start the course by getting to know Julia Rouaux, who explains how nature and art had always been a part of her life in separate ways until they merged into her professional career. She also shows you some of her most cherished books and prints that have been an inspiration to her since childhood.

Next, learn about how naturalist illustration began as a discipline and how it differs from scientific illustration. Discover why the scratchboard technique is one of Julia's favorites and all the creative possibilities it has to offer. Then, review the basic tools and materials used in scratchboarding, learn how to make a homemade board, and practice different strokes with some scratching exercises.

In the next unit, explore what types of information sources are available and do some research on the species you've chosen. Follow Julia's sketching process and make a few sketches of your own. Use several reference images for a more dynamic approach to help you create a unique, personal design.

Now you're ready to take on the final project. First, transfer your sketch to the board and focus on the most prominent aspects to give yourself a starting point. Then, scratch off layers to create volume and textures. Finally, add the finishing touches to bring your illustration to life.

Julia wraps up the course by showing you how to protect your scratchboard art and gives you some advice on how to digitize it. She also shares some tricks she uses to retouch her images in Photoshop.