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Mauricio Lemus

"I've had a liking for art from the time I was able to think. My formation in art began while I was in high school in Plano, Texas. There, I studied various artistic techniques. I also took a course in graphite drawing in the Casa de la Cultura in Leon, Guanajuato and another in painting with Concepción Pombo de Amuchástegui at the COPORI.

"In the scratchboard technique, the principles of sketching and drawing I've learned are essential as a basis for the work. On the other hand, line, contrast, textures and finishes with this technique have been empirical for me, as none of my teachers work in this medium.

"My experience and portfolio also include the use of oils, pastels, charcoal, graphite and the airbrush. However scratchboard is my passion due to several factors. It is not a widely known technique. Its contrast offers an incomparable vivacity, clarity of line, fineness in its expression of textures, and the versatility of motifs that can be used with this medium. Scratchboard can be combined with airbrush, transparent acrylics and India ink, but it is the contrast of black and white that captivates me and makes this my favorite technique."

Scratchboard begins with a sheet of cardboard covered with white clay, then covered with a layer of India ink. The artist etches his design into the ink by scratching and gouging to reveal the clay beneath.