Learn how to make abstract art with alcohol ink. Watch as I create Peony Pair, a 9" x 12" alcohol ink on vellum piece -- using my Alcoholic Ink technique.
IMPORTANT: THERE ARE HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS TO USING ALCOHOL AND ALCOHOL INK. AS I EXPLAIN IN THIS AND OTHER VIDEOS ABOUT THE TECHNIQUE DEMONSTRATED HERE, OUTDOORS IS THE PREFERRED PLACE TO DO THIS TECHNIQUE. FAILING THAT, INDOOR CONSIDERATIONS ARE ADEQUATE VENTILATION, PROPER USE AND STORAGE OF THE PRODUCTS (THEY ARE FLAMMABLE), AND POTENTIAL HEALTH RISKS TO OTHERS IN YOUR HOME, INCLUDING PETS. IT IS ADVISABLE TO WEAR PROTECTIVE BREATHING GEAR (VENTILATOR).
Vapour from alcohol can be very harmful. It is incredibly important to understand the health implications and the associated risks to those (people and animals) who live in the same space. Additionally, the vapour (fumes) are highly flammable -- meaning they can catch fire very easily. I cannot underscore the need for proper safety measures enough.
Yes, ventilation is incredibly important with this technique. I've had my studio door open for the past few weeks while I work (and continue to run the air vents as well, just to be safe).
Could you link to your blowdryer? It seems like it is blowing way more gentle than my blowdryer is, which makes it very difficult to control the colors.
Oh I love your techniques with the lazy Susan, hair dryer and my favourite is tinting the alcohol wash! What a brilliant idea! Thank you. This is beautiful...just love it!
I had to come back and view this for the third time. It's lovely to watch and the end product is stunning. Thank you so much for sharing these videos with us.
This is really gorgeous, thank you for your great tutorial. Managing to stop greens from blending with pinks & reds to create unwanted browns is an art which comes from long experience I'm sure so every tip on that for a beginner like me is greatly appreciated. I'll just keep on practicing ... & practicing ... :)
Oh my! How gorgeous. I see you are actually are using the Ranger Heat Tool with this technique I thought it was a hair dryer on low temp (LOL). Well guess I have to buy another one. I have a Wagner Embossing Tool that I think is just too hot for this. I can't wait to try. TU!
Thank you very much, Rosetta! I am not using a heat tool or a heat gun (both are much too hot for this technique). I'm using a hair dryer on low speed and low temp, which is what you rightly suspected. I explain this in my videos... Yes, your embossing tool (which is a type of heat gun) is much too hot for this technique.
Beautiful paintings! Can’t wait to see more! Thanks for your presentation. Can you also tell us about how you display your art work? Do you treat it like one would a watercolor?
Thank you, Ruth Ann! Most pieces destined for immediate display -- with a vellum or Yupo substate -- are mounted onto a piece of card stock using double-sided sheets of adhesive. From there, the piece is either mounted onto a mat and/or card base and some are framed.
Thank you very much, Stephanie! I've not used duralar, so can't comment on it specifically. My work on vellum has been framed, used in card-making, used in multi-media projects, and scanned for reproduction on other substrates.
Would you mind sharing what brand and style of hairdryer that is? I like how low the power appears to be. I have tried using a few and they blow too hard. This one looks great. Love your stylings with these AIs! Thank you.
Thank you very much, Patty! The hairdryer is probably 20 years old, at least. It was sitting in a drawer, never used, until I started using it for my work. The alcohol on my hands appears to have rubbed off most of the label, so I can't even give you a brand. It is a travel hairdryer with a low and high setting; I use the low setting in this video.
So clever and beautiful as I can't paint flowers :( what art paper were you using please I have the inks etc and can you use your blow dryer? Thankyou Glynis
Thanks, Glynis! I show and describe the vellum paper I use in the opening of this video. As well, I explain why I use a blow dryer (versus a heat gun, given that alcohol is flammable) and on what setting.
Thank you, Pam! There are many articles about protecting and sealing artwork, including that created on vellum, Yupo, etc. I highly recommend researching this to ensure you're getting the right information for your particular circumstance.
Hi Priscilla! It's a travel hairdryer I'm using and yes, an embossing heat gun is too hot. Not only will the substrate tend to warp or even melt (most synthetic papers include plastic), one runs the risk of fire because the alcohol inks, isopropyl alcohol, and blending solution are all flammable.
I bought some Vellum paper at our local hobby store but the ink soaked right through it. Is this because it wasn't heavy enough or just the wrong brand?
Hi Mary! I've not experienced that, so can only guess that you are on the right track. Perhaps it's not heavy enough. Note that the vellum I'm using here is 50 lb. I would not want to use a lighter weight than that. As for brand, I really am not sure this would affect the outcome. I hope you find something that works for you. (Have you tried Yupo?)
No, I don't make them for every ink color -- I don't necessary use a colored wash for each project using this technique either. You can use plain isopropyl alcohol if you wish.
Yes, it can be done that way Karyn. I don't have any rules for myself; if I feel like adding some ink to the wash to see what happens, I do it. I recommend experimenting and having fun with the process.
Hi Nancy, if you're referring to the first bottle that I show and describe at the beginning of the video, yes. The largest bottle (also shown at the outset of the video and described) is isopropyl alcohol without any die in it.
Thank you, Barbie! The hairdryer is probably 20 years old, at least. It was sitting in a drawer, never used, until I started using it for my work. The alcohol on my hands appears to have rubbed off most of the label, so I can't even give you a brand. It is a travel hairdryer with a low and high setting; I use the low setting in this video.
IMPORTANT: THERE ARE HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS TO USING ALCOHOL AND ALCOHOL INK. AS I EXPLAIN IN THIS AND OTHER VIDEOS ABOUT THE TECHNIQUE DEMONSTRATED HERE, OUTDOORS IS THE PREFERRED PLACE TO DO THIS TECHNIQUE. FAILING THAT, INDOOR CONSIDERATIONS ARE ADEQUATE VENTILATION, PROPER USE AND STORAGE OF THE PRODUCTS (THEY ARE FLAMMABLE), AND POTENTIAL HEALTH RISKS TO OTHERS IN YOUR HOME, INCLUDING PETS. IT IS ADVISABLE TO WEAR PROTECTIVE BREATHING GEAR (VENTILATOR).
Kathryn S'chuk really is it that serious??
Vapour from alcohol can be very harmful. It is incredibly important to understand the health implications and the associated risks to those (people and animals) who live in the same space. Additionally, the vapour (fumes) are highly flammable -- meaning they can catch fire very easily. I cannot underscore the need for proper safety measures enough.
That's good to know...'praps I'll have to wait for a cooler season to try this
Yes, ventilation is incredibly important with this technique. I've had my studio door open for the past few weeks while I work (and continue to run the air vents as well, just to be safe).
Could you link to your blowdryer? It seems like it is blowing way more gentle than my blowdryer is, which makes it very difficult to control the colors.
Gorgeous Kathryn! Thanks for sharing techniques ♡😉🌷💜🦋
Thank you for your feedback -- my pleasure to share. :)
Stunning artwork! 🎨🌹👌
Thank you, Penny!
Oh I love your techniques with the lazy Susan, hair dryer and my favourite is tinting the alcohol wash! What a brilliant idea! Thank you. This is beautiful...just love it!
Thanks very much, Alison! I really appreciate your feedback.
Stunning, thanku for a wonderful and informative tutorial x
I had to come back and view this for the third time. It's lovely to watch and the end product is stunning. Thank you so much for sharing these videos with us.
It's my absolute pleasure, Brenda, and I'm so grateful for your support and feedback. It's truly appreciated.
Beautiful! And thank you for the tutorial!
Thank you, Cindy! My pleasure.
It's so soft and beautiful.
Thank you, Elly!
This piece is quite beautiful! Peonies are my favorite flower, and nothing beats pink, of course! 🌺
Thank you! I appreciate your feedback
Absolutely, amazingly drop-dead gorgeous. Thank you.
Kathryn, you've made my day (albeit 2 years after your very kind comment -- please accept my sincere apologies for the very belated delay)! :)
Beautiful! And thank you for such great explanations on the creative process. I appreciate both the technical detail and your thought process! 💐💕👩🎨
Thank you, Jann -- and I really appreciate your feedback!
this is absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you, Ellen!
Beautiful colors and lovely flowers!
Thank you, Toni!
This is lovely. Thank you for a great tutorial!
Thank you, Cathy! My pleasure. :)
Thank you for a detailed, wonderfully-instructional video..... and for sharing your methods.
My pleasure, Debbie -- and thank you for the awesome feedback!
@@TheTallestOne selling Video on you tube How to paint realistic pictures with Alcohol Ink
@@patriciaholm854 are you asking me a question? I'm not selling anything here. :)
So beautiful!
Thank you, Rae Lynn!
Just gorgeous 💕.
Thank you! I appreciate your feedback. :)
This is gorgeous
Thanks Crystal!
This is really gorgeous, thank you for your great tutorial. Managing to stop greens from blending with pinks & reds to create unwanted browns is an art which comes from long experience I'm sure so every tip on that for a beginner like me is greatly appreciated. I'll just keep on practicing ... & practicing ... :)
Thank you, Susan, I really appreciate your feedback. I try to offer as many tips as possible, as part of my tutorial.
beautiful! thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Shellie!
Very beautiful
Thank you, Lorie!
Beautiful!
Thank you, Toni!
Beautiful!!
Thank you, Sheri!
beautiful!
Thank you!
świetny opis i wspaniały relaks podczas oglądania :)
jest paw i subskrypcja :)
Dziękuję, Teresa! Cieszę się, że podobał Ci się mój film i dziękuję za subskrypcję.
Cet magnifiquement superbe, bravo l'artiste👏👏❤️
Merci beaucoup, Christina!
My fav so far😁❤️😁
Mine too... so far. :)
Love it 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you, Carmen!
Oh my! How gorgeous. I see you are actually are using the Ranger Heat Tool with this technique I thought it was a hair dryer on low temp (LOL). Well guess I have to buy another one. I have a Wagner Embossing Tool that I think is just too hot for this. I can't wait to try. TU!
Thank you very much, Rosetta!
I am not using a heat tool or a heat gun (both are much too hot for this technique). I'm using a hair dryer on low speed and low temp, which is what you rightly suspected. I explain this in my videos... Yes, your embossing tool (which is a type of heat gun) is much too hot for this technique.
Amazing!
Thank you, Beth!
love it
Thank you, Susan! I appreciate your feedback.
Beautiful paintings! Can’t wait to see more! Thanks for your presentation. Can you also tell us about how you display your art work? Do you treat it like one would a watercolor?
Thank you, Ruth Ann! Most pieces destined for immediate display -- with a vellum or Yupo substate -- are mounted onto a piece of card stock using double-sided sheets of adhesive. From there, the piece is either mounted onto a mat and/or card base and some are framed.
I see a profile of a person with green hair smelling the flower. The person is to the right of the image. Thanks for sharing 😀
My pleasure! These images are so mesmerising; I love looking for facing and objects. :)
so gorgeous, do you frame this, mount it on wood or sell as is? Just wondering how I would sell my pieces if I use duralar. thanks
Thank you very much, Stephanie! I've not used duralar, so can't comment on it specifically. My work on vellum has been framed, used in card-making, used in multi-media projects, and scanned for reproduction on other substrates.
Would you mind sharing what brand and style of hairdryer that is? I like how low the power appears to be. I have tried using a few and they blow too hard. This one looks great. Love your stylings with these AIs! Thank you.
Thank you very much, Patty! The hairdryer is probably 20 years old, at least. It was sitting in a drawer, never used, until I started using it for my work. The alcohol on my hands appears to have rubbed off most of the label, so I can't even give you a brand. It is a travel hairdryer with a low and high setting; I use the low setting in this video.
It looks just like my Ranger Craft Heat Gun. Hobby Lobby and Michaels have store brands too. Love it.
AWESOME.....:)
Thank you, Rose!
Beautiful love ❤️
Thank you for your kind comment, Angela -- and please accept my apology for the belated response.
@@TheTallestOne oh no problem I been answering people from last year lately ugh 😩. ❤️❤️🙌
@@AngelasMixedMediaArtist Apparently, we had other things on our mind a year ago.
@@TheTallestOne it’s ok we can always make up ❤️🙌🥰
Thank you!
My pleasure, Elisabet -- and please accept my apology for the belated response.
So clever and beautiful as I can't paint flowers :( what art paper were you using please I have the inks etc and can you use your blow dryer? Thankyou Glynis
Thanks, Glynis! I show and describe the vellum paper I use in the opening of this video. As well, I explain why I use a blow dryer (versus a heat gun, given that alcohol is flammable) and on what setting.
Beautiful work. Do you exhibit your pieces?
Thanks very much, Lynne. I do not exhibit my work (yet) but have had some inquiries. I'll keep everyone posted if that becomes a reality. :)
Very lovely, but I am told that alchohol inks are not lightproof and need sealing with a uva varnish?
Thank you, Pam! There are many articles about protecting and sealing artwork, including that created on vellum, Yupo, etc. I highly recommend researching this to ensure you're getting the right information for your particular circumstance.
is that a hair dryer? I have a embossing heat gun and I have a feeling its way to hot for it.
Hi Priscilla! It's a travel hairdryer I'm using and yes, an embossing heat gun is too hot. Not only will the substrate tend to warp or even melt (most synthetic papers include plastic), one runs the risk of fire because the alcohol inks, isopropyl alcohol, and blending solution are all flammable.
It's 1500W and does not have a cool setting. It has a high and low setting and does not get extremely hot -- like a heat tool might.
What kind of vellum paper do you use? Thank You
I use a Canson 55 lb vellum paper, as pictured and described in my video.
I bought some Vellum paper at our local hobby store but the ink soaked right through it. Is this because it wasn't heavy enough or just the wrong brand?
Hi Mary! I've not experienced that, so can only guess that you are on the right track. Perhaps it's not heavy enough. Note that the vellum I'm using here is 50 lb. I would not want to use a lighter weight than that. As for brand, I really am not sure this would affect the outcome. I hope you find something that works for you. (Have you tried Yupo?)
Do you make ink washes for every ink color you have?
No, I don't make them for every ink color -- I don't necessary use a colored wash for each project using this technique either. You can use plain isopropyl alcohol if you wish.
Kathryn S'chuk so you make them up by the project colors you are wanting?
Yes, it can be done that way Karyn. I don't have any rules for myself; if I feel like adding some ink to the wash to see what happens, I do it. I recommend experimenting and having fun with the process.
What’s the purpose of adding drops of ink to your alcohol wash?
Hi Summer! It's not necessary to add ink to the alcohol wash; I just like to experiment. :)
What is a alcoholic wash composed of? Is it a blending solution?
Oh ok I just got my answer ...
It's isopropyl alcohol (91%) and in some cases, there is alcohol ink added.
Hi great video... what is alcohol wash is the name for the technique a name ot just alcohol ? Thanks
Thank you, Guillermo! Alcohol wash is the name I gave to the alcohol I use for this technique (sometimes with some ink in it).
is that what is in the larger bottle mixture?@@TheTallestOne
Hi Nancy, if you're referring to the first bottle that I show and describe at the beginning of the video, yes. The largest bottle (also shown at the outset of the video and described) is isopropyl alcohol without any die in it.
What are you blowing with?
Hi Marylou. I'm using a portable hair dryer on a Low speed setting.
Very pretty! What is the brand of dryer you are using? Thank you!
Thank you, Barbie! The hairdryer is probably 20 years old, at least. It was sitting in a drawer, never used, until I started using it for my work. The alcohol on my hands appears to have rubbed off most of the label, so I can't even give you a brand. It is a travel hairdryer with a low and high setting; I use the low setting in this video.
Kathryn S'chuk thank you for your reply! I thought it was a type of heat gun. I actually have a similar 20 year old hairdryer too, lol 🤗
Excellent! You do NOT want to use a heat gun with flammables like alcohol.
Perfect!
Why is it those old dryers keep on going but I have to replace my new ones every 2 years?
What is in the alcoholic wash?
There are a few drops of ink in this wash.
Do you use alcohol in your pour bottle?
Sorry, I see you use Alcohol 91% It is a beautiful piece. Thank you for sharing.
Yes, Marilyn. This is explained in the first minute of the video.