How do I get started with alcohol ink? A beginners guide

How times have changed. Can you believe that it has been almost two years since my first blog post on getting started with alcohol ink?!

First, let me start by apologizing because, WTF, it was not a helpful blog post. I had no clue what I was doing. But, hey, that's learning, and if we don't take opportunities to fail, are we really learning anything anyway?

In the spirit of growth, I am here to update you on how to get started with alcohol ink with a list of materials, groups, basic info, and dang it, some motivation because working with inks can be FRUSTRATING! It is a succinct list to keep things simple; so if you have questions, comment below or connect with me over email.

Helpful Tools/Groups/Resources

Join the Abstract Alcohol Ink Artists group on Facebook – this group is a great place to ask questions and share your work.

Watch Videos: I am a huge believer in visual learning.

Start by browsing my YouTube Channel and find other artists as well!

Sign up for my Newsletter and use my Supply List here

Materials for your first ink session

• Non-porous substrate (what you paint on) – synthetic paper, porcelain tile, canvas. My favorites are included on the supply list.

• A couple of inks – you do not need every color! Inks are just like regular paint; you can mix them to create a variety of colors (don't be afraid of mixing). Read about my favorite brands here.

• A bottle of Isopropyl Alcohol (91% or higher)

• A squeeze bottle or eye dropper to dispense the Isopropyl Alcohol.

• A hairdryer, air blaster, hot airbrush, airbrush, or something to move the inks around. It's best to avoid using your breath or a straw because inks can be toxic to our lungs like any other paint medium.

• Paint brushes, silicone brushes, pipettes, ceramic palettes - all optional!

• Mask and rubber gloves - highly suggest!

Motivational Support

• Remember to breathe; this is supposed to be fun! Don't get overwhelmed by the options, what others are doing, or what your work looks like right now.

• Play! Inks are fun. It is the one art medium that I have found to be the most playful, peaceful, and fluid. Embrace it.

• Working with alcohol ink is 50% luck and 50% technique.

• Often, less is more. Don't overwork the art.

• BUT… don't be afraid to layer the inks!

• A color wheel and basic color theory is your friend. Use it. Not sure about color theory – I have a course that walks you through color theory and also some basics of how to paint with alcohol ink

When you're ready, don't forget to join and post your work to the Abstract Alcohol Ink Artists group on Facebook.

If you're looking for more details and ways to stay connected, subscribe to my Newsletter – you will also receive a FREE copy of my Essential Alcohol Ink Materials Guide!

Have fun, and let's meet up again!

xo Mandy

* many of the links above are affiliate links