1990s Abstract Covered Well Scratchboard Drawing by Michele Beaulieu Maria Naquaiya, Framed

Description

This is a RARE, Hard-To-Find, Like-NEW, MINT Condition, Signed, Matted and Framed "Scratchboard Scratch Board Etching Rural Covered Wishing Water … more This is a RARE, Hard-To-Find, Like-NEW, MINT Condition, Signed, Matted and Framed "Scratchboard Scratch Board Etching Rural Covered Wishing Water Well Landscape Scene Picture" an Original by Scratchboard Artist Michele Beaulieu. My friends brother purchased this simple Scratchboard Picture at a Crafts Show in Oregon, directly from the Artist Michele Beaulieu (also known as Marie Naquaiya); it has hung in his foyer for over 20 years. Recently married, his wife is busy redecorating his house and this Scratch Board Drawing does not go with her decor. It is in MINT Condition with NO rips, tears, marks, stains, odors or other damage. Professionally Matted with a textured cloth Matt and framed with a Tortoise Shell colored Wood Frame by Michele Beaulieu, there is a metal hinge on the back so it can easily be hung for display. Framed, it measures approximately 5 inches wide and approximately 4 inches tall, with the center opening of the Matt measuring approximately 2 3/4 inches wide and approximately 1 1/2 inches tall; the back is Stamped "Original Scratch Board By Beaulieu".

The scratchboard technique is a meticulous process in which India ink baked on China clay is removed by scratching the surface with engravers' tools. The painstaking process does not allow for any errors. This picture is hand scratch and signed "Beaulieu" on the bottom right below the grass. A peaceful scene, the covered well seems to sit atop a grassy hill and has always reminded me of the Nursery Rhyme Jack & Jill went up a hill to fetch a pail of water.

Artist Michele Beaulieu (aka Marie Naquaiya) uses the technique or medium called scratchboard to create her art. Scratchboard is just what it says - the image is scratched away from a black surface to reveal white underneath. It is a reverse drawing technique which is the opposite of pen and ink. As this is a type of etching technique, very very fine lines and a great deal of detail can be achieved. When working with scratchboard, you use metal or fiberglass tools, blades, knives, brushes or needles to remove the black ink; you just have to think of the drawing in reverse which in the beginning can be a little difficult. Michele uses the name Naquaiya to reflect her Canadian and Native Algonquin heritage; the Naquaiya name is traced back to the Algonquin Indians of Three Rivers area in Canada from around 1852. Michele's parents came from Quebec, and she has always respected that history and culture, feeling more closely associated with her ancestral heritage than our modern culture. Michele (Naquaiya) keeps her shapes simple, using strong highlights and working the background with intricacy. High contrast is really important in producing an image that stands out across a room and high detail is a feature that she has always loved because of her background in textiles. Designed to bring people in closer and makes them want to see more, this quiet, still picture manages to be quite vibrant. It is IDEAL for display in any room at home or the office. less