Where I Learned to do Alcohol Ink
I have been doing Alcohol Ink Art for 15 years. I had been doing Mixed Media with pressed flowers and watercolor but wanted to learn something new. I took an Alcohol Ink Class for the first time in Chicago in 2008 from Cathy Taylor. Cathy has written a book called “Pigments of Your Imagination – Creating with Alcohol Inks”. At that class, I fell in love with Alcohol Inks and Cathy’s easy style of teaching. Her book has become my “go to” book for when I need some inspiration for my art.
Shortly after discovering Cathy Taylor and Alcohol Inks, I purchased a DVD by June Rollins and learned even more about alcohol ink – especially landscapes. I still remember her use of coffee stirrers to move the alcohol ink.
Next, I took a course from Karen Walker where I learned about masking and lifting my art to leave white (negative space) or to correct something. She is more detailed in her art than some other artists. Several other artists I have learned from are Sheryl Williams, Sandy Sandy and Alexis Bonavitacola. Each has a slightly different style of instruction and art.
Currently, I search YouTube to watch tutorials and although sometimes I do not learn anything new, it helps me refresh what I already know. Watching people instruct on YouTube has inspired me to video my own instruction. I am currently taking a class on how to film my art Filming Your Art For Creatives — Artist & E-Course Designer by Alexis Bonavitacola. Soon I will be on YouTube for you to watch!
One of the secrets of art is to constantly take classes and learn from others. Although, I teach art, I am constantly learning a new idea or a tip from one of my teachers – the highest compliment you can give to them.
"All you need to paint is a few tools, a little instruction and a vision in your mind."
BOB ROSS