Exploring Nature with Alcohol Inks

As I’m sitting here with the most beautiful fall sunset outside my window, I wanted to share with you a bit about a new art medium I’ve been exploring: alcohol inks.  Last year, my friend allowed me to use some of her alcohol inks and it was so much fun!  We completely lost track of time as we were pouring inks onto paper, letting the colors drip and swirl, and watching it do its magic!  

I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist.  My art style used to be very photo-realistic.  Eventually, I didn’t like working in this style as much anymore as it felt I wasn’t putting much of myself into my art and that taking a beautiful photograph was much quicker! 

I started working on simplifying my illustrations over time, which to be honest, was also a result of being a new mom and having very little time for creative work.  

Working with alcohol inks has added yet another dimension to my creative explorations.  Its fluid nature is impossible to control so it’s a perfect medium if you want to loosen up your art.  

These art prints are inspired by the beautiful nature here in the Pacific Northwest.  Moving here from Holland, I was struck by the vast, open spaces in this area, the mountains, rivers so clear you could see right through to the rocks, as well as the many, many trees! If you’ve been following me on instagram where I post many of my nature photographs, you know I try to get outdoors with my family and enjoy nature as much as I can.  

Working in alcohol inks will not be a year-around medium for me as I prefer to work with these materials outdoors.  The fumes kind of get to me so since I live in the Pacific Northwest, this art medium will be one for summer only!

This summer, I created three alcohol ink paintings of which I made reproductions which are available in my etsy shop. If you like any of these art prints, please click on the image and you'll be able to check availability on that particular print.  As always, thank you so much for your support of my art!

Do these art prints remind you of a favorite place you’ve visited in nature?  What is your favorite nature area near where you live?

​Would love to hear from you in the comments! Thanks!

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