About the Instructor David J. Walsh brings a remarkable five-decade journey of artistic exploration to the gallery. Since retiring from the U.S. Army, David has devoted himself to his art, embracing each brushstroke and scratch as an opportunity for growth. While his portfolio spans acrylics, oils, and watercolors, his true passion lies in scratchboard and pastel. He views art as a lifelong journey of creativity, and his workshops are known for being encouraging, insightful, and technically rich.

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We are thrilled to welcome back gallery favorite David J. Walsh for an immersive exploration of one of his most passionate mediums: Scratchboard. Bringing over five decades of artistic experience and a distinctively patient teaching style, David will guide students through the intricate beauty of subtractive art.

What is Scratchboard? Scratchboard is a unique, subtractive art form that differs from traditional drawing or painting. Instead of adding dark lines to a white page, the artist starts with a board coated in black India ink and scratches away the surface to reveal the white clay layer beneath. This process allows for incredible precision, dramatic high-contrast lighting, and rich, realistic textures.

In this workshop, you will learn:

• The Tools of the Trade: How to handle scratch knives and abrasive tools to achieve different effects.

• Texturing Techniques: Mastering cross-hatching, stippling, and line work to create depth and volume.

• From Dark to Light: How to "draw with light" by removing darkness to reveal your subject.

• Composition & Transfer: How to properly transfer your reference image onto the board to begin your piece.

Whether you are a beginner looking to try a new medium or an experienced artist wanting to refine your detailed work, David’s approach views art as a journey of personal expression. Come prepared to experiment and leave with a stunning, textured piece of your own!