What Are Alcohol Inks Anyway?
When I tell people I’m an artist their most common reaction is “I had no idea!” To which I reply, “I guess I’m just full of secrets!” ;)
I’m coming to realize that I don’t talk about myself too much. In groups of people my tendency is to be the listener and observer first. And of course the question asker- I looove getting others to talk. I actually plan out what questions I want to ask people before heading into a social setting— anyone else do this?
However if you ask my closest friends or family about my personality they would probably say I’m warm and friendly and can be a little reserved until you really get to know me. And then once you know me, well then I can’t shut up. I’m an open book who often wears my heart on my sleeve. For better or worse.
OK you might be thinking this is nice and all… but what does this have to do with art and your paintings?? Stay with me :)
When I tell people I paint with Alcohol Inks they often ask, “What are those? I’m not familiar.” Let me tell you.
You pick your favorite booze- tequila or whisky is best in my opinion and get out your favorite pen and go to town… No no no, JK! Although that could make for an interesting form of art.
In all seriousness, I feel like alcohol inks match my personality. At first glance they are nice, but upon further examination there is so much more than meets the eye. The depth, the layers, the unique and fluid nature all align with my who I am.
After painting with various art mediums my whole life I happened to stumble upon alcohol inks (thanks Instagram Ads) and I took my first meditative alcohol ink class with Jenna Webb, and I found that painting with alcohol inks was like falling in love in Cinque Terra, Italy—Colorful, exciting, and intriguing!
Unlike the acrylic paints I had spent much of my life using, alcohol inks were fluid. They kept the rich colors that I love and forced me to let go of control; to surrender to process.
So what are alcohol inks??
Alcohol inks are highly concentrated, quick drying inks that create rich vibrant colors.
Some of my favorite colors come from the Jacquard Piñata Color Exciter Pack and Ranger Inks.
Alcohol inks are blended with isopropanol alcohol.
I use 91% isopropanol alcohol so it gets quite smelly. To protect against the fumes I have a respirator mask like this and make sure I have windows open and fans going.
Alcohol inks are manipulated with air, heat, gravity, or paint brushes.
Most of my paintings are created by blowing through a straw and small brush strokes. Occasionally I also like using a heat gun. Other artists like using a hair dryer to move the ink around. Here’s a quick time lapse video of me working on a piece.
Alcohol inks can be used on any non-porous surface.
I like to paint with alcohol inks on Yupo paper (which smooth and a little glossy similar to photo paper) or on canvas. Other alcohol ink artists have taken to tiles, glass, tumblers, etc.
The possibilities for how to paint with alcohol inks are endless!!!
Hope you learned something about me and alcohol inks. Now go to take a closer look at my paintings to see what secrets are hiding in them :)
Xoxo, Meghan
