Beyond Scratching the Surface

Modern scratchboard originated in the 19th century in Britain and France. As print material developed, scratchboard became popular for reproduction, replacing wood engraving, metal engraving, and linocut. The fine line of the medium made it possible to photographically reduce the image for reproduction without losing quality, thus making it possible for newspaper printing. From the 1930s through the 1950s, scratchboards became the preferred medical, scientific, and product illustration technique due to the detail that could be achieved. Most recently, scratchboard is for editorial magazine illustrations, ads, graphic novels, and fine art illustrations.

Joe Watkins, a unique artist in the world of scratchboard, approaches his work in a distinct manner. Unlike most drawing media, where the artist adds mid-tones and shadows, Joe works by adding highlights to the images. This approach is a natural transition for Joe from his illustrator roots into the works of Fine Art. His upbringing in the small rural town of Lehi, Utah, surrounded by the vast horizons of majestic mountains, expansive deserts, and the abundance of wildlife of the American West, greatly influenced his creativity. Joe says, "My artistic style was strongly influenced by the great illustrators of the late 1800s and early 1900s, such as N.C. Wyeth, J.C. Leyendecker, and Maxfield Parrish. Later in my career, wildlife artists Robert Bateman, Daniel Smith, Frank Mc Carthy, and Greg Beecham became my foundational knowledge."

Joe's journey in the world of illustration began as a draftsman. His career took a significant turn when he joined the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Era, where he became an illustrator, draftsman, and photographer. Despite his demanding 21-year career with the Air Force, Joe lived for 16 years overseas, working with NATO while producing artwork for the military’s top brass, diplomats, and political figures, all while nurturing his passion for fine art on the side. After retiring from the military, Joe worked for a few years in an ad agency before setting his sights on making a living as a full-time fine artist. His determination and passion for his art led him to build his reputation through the art festival circuit and attain several gallery representations.

Today, Joe works from his two studios, one in Green Valley, Arizona, in the winters and Thayne, Wyoming, in the summers. Both locations are prime for Joe's subject matter, wildlife in their natural habitat. He is a signature member of the International Scratchboard Society and the Artists for Conservation. Joe enjoys the locality of clients and collectors through his representation with Turquoise Tortoise Art Gallery, Tubac, Arizona; Going to the Sun Art Gallery, Whitefish, Montana; Staphano’s Gallery West, Virginia City, Montana; Western Skies Fine Art, Afton, Wyoming, Expressions Art Gallery, Sheridan, Wyoming and the Two Old Crows Art Gallery, Pagosa Spring, Colorado. Joe's work is sold through the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Pheasants Forever, and the Rocky Mountain Mule Deer Foundation, to name a few.

Artist Joe Watkins’s work is also featured in the coffee table books Artists of the West and The Best of Worldwide Wildlife & Animal Artists. Joe's work is an exemplary example of transforming the medium of scratchboard from a classic art form into modern fine art masterpieces for the benefit wildlife preservation.

Email: jwatkinsart@yahoo.com

Website: www.jwatkinsart.faso.com