Chris Ball

Chris Ball of Animal Artwork Studio

Specialising in the mystical art of the scratchboard, I am the award-winning artist behind Animal Artwork Studio. I am Staffordshire based with an Honours Degree in Illustration and decades of drawing experience.

Currently a member of the International Society of Scratchboard Artists and also the Association of Animal Artists who do great work raising awareness and funds for appropriate charities through exhibitions and auctions.

The core subject of my work is animals and wildlife with pet portraits being a key part of what I do. Obviously an accurate and recognizable likeness of the subject I’m drawing is important, with lots of lovely details, therefore I like to work from photos as reference.

Mainly working in black and white, with the occasional shot of colour, I place strong emphasis on the contrast of light and shade, the drama of deep shadows and bright highlights and for this, scratchboard is the perfect medium.

If you are looking for something out of the ordinary I may just have the answer.