Theo Nash
Alcohol ink is a vibrant, fast-drying, alcohol-based ink that can be used to create stunning paintings on a variety of non-porous surfaces. It is typically used to create abstract art, but it can also be used for more intricate pictures. In addition to alcohol ink, you will need a blending solution or 91% isopropyl alcohol and a canvas such as glossy cardstock, gloss paper, glass, or metal. Yupo paper is a popular choice for alcohol ink paintings, but normal paper can also be used. To get started, pour a few drops of ink onto your canvas and use a brush to spread the ink around. You can also apply a coat of blending solution first to create a wavy, wet effect. If you're using normal paper, you may want to place the paper on a recycled board to protect your work surface from stains.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paper type | Uncoated fine grain drawing papers with a smooth surface, around 200 gsm. Yupo paper is a popular choice, but Nara paper is a good alternative. Hahnemühle Nostalgie 190 gsm is also recommended. |
| Canvas options | Glossy cardstock, shrink film, gloss paper, glass, metal, primed wood, and ceramic. |
| Tools | Paintbrushes, canned air, cotton swabs, blender pens, cotton balls or felt applicators, hairdryer, sandpaper, gloves, face masks. |
| Techniques | Create an outline with a pen or pencil and fill it in with ink, or paint freehand for an abstract look. Use canned air to create a dissipated effect. Sand the primer for a smooth surface. |
| Ink properties | Alcohol ink is vibrant, fast-drying, semi-transparent, and waterproof. It can be layered and combined to create different effects. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right paper
When it comes to choosing the right paper for painting with alcohol ink, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to select a paper that can handle the characteristics of alcohol ink. Alcohol ink is a vibrant, fast-drying, alcohol-based, and waterproof ink. It is semi-transparent, allowing for layering and combining to create unique effects. Therefore, the paper chosen should complement these qualities.
A popular choice for painting with alcohol ink is Yupo paper, a synthetic paper that does not absorb the ink, allowing the ink to flow and create interesting effects. However, due to its thin nature, Yupo paper may need to be mounted on a stiffer surface for display. An alternative to Yupo paper is Nara paper, which can also be wiped clean.
If you prefer to work with natural papers, uncoated fine-grain drawing papers with smooth surfaces and a weight of around 200 gsm are recommended. Hahnemühle Nostalgie 190 gsm is an example of this type of paper. These papers allow the alcohol ink to be absorbed while creating whimsical shapes and gritty yet rich and soft textures.
It is worth noting that normal paper absorbs ink quickly, not allowing much time for the ink to move around and mix. Therefore, a non-porous surface is generally preferred when working with alcohol ink to achieve the desired effects. Additionally, it is advised to avoid coated, glossy, bleed-proof, or plastic papers, as they are not ideal for this technique.
Lastly, it is always a good idea to experiment with different papers to see how they interact with alcohol ink. This will help you determine which paper best suits your specific needs and artistic vision.
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$13.95 $17.95
Using a blending solution
Alcohol ink is an unpredictable and difficult-to-control medium. It is also highly concentrated, so it is recommended to start with a single drop and add more as you go. To help manipulate the ink flow, you can use a blending solution.
A blending solution is a mixture, usually consisting of isopropyl alcohol and other added ingredients. It is a vital tool for artists who want to expand their creative possibilities with alcohol inks. The solution is used to blend multiple colours smoothly, avoiding harsh lines and creating soft, gradient effects. It is also useful for cleaning up mistakes or unwanted ink marks on non-porous surfaces, as well as cleaning tools and surfaces.
You can buy a blending solution or make your own at home. If you are buying one, ensure your work surface is clean and dry, and shake the bottle gently before use. Apply the solution directly to your surface or mix it with alcohol inks on a palette.
When using a blending solution, it is important to remember that it will dilute and spread the ink, causing the colours to dry a little lighter than they would without it. The solution also slows down the drying time of alcohol inks, giving you more time to work on your designs and make adjustments.
To use a blending solution effectively, choose colours that blend well together and apply them in random lines on the page using a brush loaded with ink and the solution. You can also use a blow tool to create a soft, blended effect or to control the flow of the ink.
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Combining alcohol ink with other mediums
Alcohol inks can be used with other mediums like watercolours and acrylics. Alcohol ink artist and instructor, Denise Balcanoff, combines alcohol ink with watercolours and acrylics.
Alcohol inks can also be used with coloured pencils. This technique is used by Ulla Thynell, who applies the ink directly from the tube onto uncoated fine grain drawing papers with smooth surfaces, around 200 gsm. Thynell does not recommend using watercolour paper or coated, glossy, bleedproof, or plastic papers.
Alcohol inks can be used on a variety of non-porous surfaces, such as Nara paper, Yupo paper, glazed ceramic tiles, art boards, plastic acrylic blanks, and alcohol ink cardstock.
To create smooth washes with alcohol inks, pour a large amount of ink and rock the paper back and forth so that the ink is distributed evenly before the alcohol evaporates. Applying paint over a wet layer creates soft blends and gradients. For more defined shapes and sharper colour contrast, wait until the previous layer is dry.
To dilute and blend inks, as well as to clean up spills, use isopropyl alcohol or a blending solution. These function similarly to water in watercolour painting and help create interesting effects and designs.
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Creating an outline
Alcohol ink is a vibrant, fast-drying ink that can be used to create stunning paintings. It is a fluid medium that can be used in many different ways.
To create an outline for your painting, you can use a pen or pencil to draw directly onto your chosen canvas. Yupo paper is a popular choice for alcohol ink paintings as it is a non-porous surface that allows the ink to flow and create unique effects. However, it is thin and needs to be mounted on a stiff surface for display. Other options include glossy cardstock, gloss paper, glass, metal, primed wood, and ceramic.
If you are using Yupo paper or another thin paper, you may want to attach it to a board with risers to elevate it. This will allow any excess alcohol ink to drip off the canvas instead of pooling underneath and staining the backside. You can also protect your work surface by using a large recycled board underneath your paper. Keep several pieces of cardboard or scrap paper on hand to ensure you always have a clean, dry surface to place your painting on.
Before you begin painting, it is a good idea to understand how the ink mixes and interacts with itself and your chosen canvas. Drip different colours of ink onto a separate piece of paper and use a brush to mix them together. You can also apply a coat of blending solution or 91% isopropyl alcohol to see how it affects the drying time and appearance of the ink.
Once you are happy with your outline and have a basic understanding of how the ink behaves, you can start painting!
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Drying and displaying your artwork
Alcohol inks dry very quickly, as the alcohol base evaporates. However, there are a few different methods you can use to dry your artwork and prepare it for display.
Firstly, it's important to note that alcohol ink works best on a non-porous surface, such as Yupo paper, Nara paper, or even ceramic tiles. Normal paper will absorb the ink, so it's best to avoid this if you want to create unique effects by moving the ink around. If you do choose to work with paper, it's a good idea to keep several pieces of cardboard or scrap paper on hand to ensure you always have a dry, clean surface to work on.
To dry your artwork, you can simply let it air dry. However, if you want to create more complex effects, you can use tools like a hairdryer or an airbrush to move the inks around. These tools can help you spread the ink and create unique textures and designs.
Once your artwork is complete and dry, you may want to consider sealing it with varnish or resin to protect it. Spray varnish should be applied in light coats, maintaining a distance of about 10-12 cm from the artwork. After the varnish dries, you can repeat the process and apply a UV protection spray to prevent fading. For complete sealing, you can use both varnish and UV protection sprays. If you're using resin, make sure your artwork is completely dry before applying it.
It's important to display your artwork away from direct UV light to prevent fading. By following these steps, you can effectively dry and display your alcohol ink artwork, ensuring its longevity and enjoyment for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
Yupo paper is a popular choice for painting with alcohol ink. Hahnemühle Nostalgie 190 gsm is also a good option. Alcohol-based ink doesn't warp or bend the paper, so there's no need to tape it to a board.
Aside from the ink, you'll need a blending solution or 91% isopropyl alcohol, and a brush to apply the ink. You can also use canned air to create an abstract effect.
Pour a large amount of ink onto the paper and rock the paper back and forth so that the ink is distributed evenly before the alcohol evaporates.
Draw an outline with a pen or pencil on your paper, then pour some alcohol ink into a palette. Absorb the ink with a brush and fill in your drawing. Common subjects for alcohol ink paintings include flowers, mountains, and landscapes.
Paint freehand without planning out your painting. You can also try dripping the ink directly onto the paper and blowing it with canned air to create an abstract, dissipated effect.
