Alcohol inks are vibrant, fast drying and highly intense. They’re combined with isopropyl alcohol for blending and movement, which is what create the unique shapes and textures.
Inks are usually used on a non-pourouse surface, like treated canvas, synthetic paper or glass. It allows the ink to move, and blend without being absorbed.
I use tools like an air puffer or hairdryer, as well as other smaller tools to move the ink and alcohol around the page. This lets me create a variety of shapes and colors combinations that are unique to each piece of art.
You never know what the inks will do!
What the process looks like
STEP 1:
I pick a few colors to drop onto the page. Sometimes I start with alcohol so the colors start to blend right away, and sometimes I don’t.
STEP 2:
I love adding metalic tones in brass, silver and copper to many of my pieces. It gives a suttle richness and can be broken up and moved around….very fun!!
STEP 3:
At this point I’ll often add in another color. And then I start blending with an air puffer, like I did here, a paint brush, hair dryer or just by lifting and moving the page around.