Painting with Alcohol Inks!

I promised to share the technique I used to create this ATC today but things got a little crazy here...we were working over at the building a bit longer than anticipated but fear not...it's here at last :)

A couple things before we begin...you will notice that I use a waterbrush filled with Ink Blending Solution to paint with. I suggest you keep two actually. I use a "good" waterbrush to paint with. By good I mean it's got a regulated flow of liquid to the brush. I like this type because you don't need much IBS on your brush to move the inks around. The second is a cheap waterbrush I bought in a multi pack at Hobby Lobby. It is not regulated and I keep it handy in case I make a mistake. If you do happen to get ink where you don't want it or apply too much, etc. simply swab it up with the 2nd brush. Works like a charm!

Supplies:

Adirondack Alcohol Inks- Ranger

Ink Blending Solution - Ranger

Archival Ink - Jet Black - Ranger

Transparency/Acetate

Rubber Stamp - Just For Fun

Waterbrush (filled with Ink Blending Solution)

Discarded lid or paint palette (for your inks)

Dry Cloth (for wiping off excess Ink Blending Solution)

Instructions:

1. Stamp your image onto the transparency using Archival Ink. Let dry. (Note - this ink dries very quickly on non-porous surfaces.

2. While your image is drying put a drop or two of the colors you will be using on your palette. I use an old butter lid. You will notice I don't clean it in between uses ~ the inks can be revitalized but just swirling a bit of Ink Blending Solution on them and I hate to waste good inks ;) If you're worried about the inks mixing you can use one of the sectioned paint tins.

3. This is VERY important...once your image has tried flip it over!! If you don't the second your brush hits the Archival Ink your image will be destroyed!!!

4. You want to start painting with a virtually dry brush. This will give you better control over the inks as they have a tendency to spread if too much Ink Blending Solution is used.

5. Start "painting" by simply picking up a bit of the Alcohol Ink on the tip of your brush and applying it to the desired section(s).

There is no set law on how to apply the colors....I like to apply the darkest color first and work lighter. I usually use 2-3 colors of ink per section. Other people apply only one color to each section resulting in a stained glass look. It's totally up to you on how you want the finished image to look.

Notice how several colors adds depth to the image. I used Pesto, Meadow & Lettuce on the leaves and Cranberry, Wild Plum & Currant on the flower.

6. Finish painting the image and let dry. I usually leave them sit for 5 minutes just to be sure but they are usually dry before then. Just depends on the room temp & humidity.

Flip it over to see what you've got....

You can use your image as is or mount it onto a piece of white cardstock which is what I did for this image. I like to attach it to the cardstock using a bit of Glossy Accents. It dries quickly and clear. It is now ready to use!

And now you know how to paint with Alcohol Inks! Hope you all give it a try...specially those of you that haven't removed your Alcohol Inks from their packaging....I won't name names but you know who you are ;P LOL!!