Alcohol Ink Basics: Learn how to do an Alcohol Ink Flower

Discover the captivating world of alcohol ink painting with this beginner-friendly class! Perfect for those curious about this vibrant and expressive medium, this course shares insights gained from the early stages of learning. Learn from my experiences – including common mistakes and effective techniques – to accelerate your artistic journey.

We'll explore how alcohol ink reacts to different paper types, including:

• Stone paper: A popular choice for its unique texture and vibrant results.
• Watercolor paper: A readily available and versatile option.
• Nara/Yupo paper: Experience the smooth, non-absorbent surface and its impact on ink flow.

Crucially, you'll learn how to effectively use 99% isopropyl alcohol to manipulate and enhance your alcohol ink artwork. The class culminates in creating a beautiful alcohol ink flower, demonstrating a range of techniques you'll master.

Protect your finished alcohol ink art! We'll cover the importance of varnishing with Kamar varnish (2-3 coats) followed by a UV protectant for long-lasting vibrancy. Important: Always apply Kamar varnish before UV protection to prevent damage. Alcohol ink is susceptible to fading due to low lightfastness, so protection is key.

Materials You'll Need:

• Stone paper or watercolor paper or Nara/Yupo paper (samples are helpful!)
• 2-4 colors of alcohol ink (consider color theory – avoid mixing colors like purple and yellow, which often result in brown. Blue and pink are a great starting point!)
• Green alcohol ink, white alcohol ink, and green metallic jelly roll pen (optional, for added depth)
• Compressed air or airbrush (for blending)
• Paper towels
• 99% isopropyl alcohol
• 2-3 small paintbrushes
• Green and black Sharpie

Pro Tip: For optimal learning, consider watching the class once to familiarize yourself with the techniques, then follow along a second time.