Color, vibrance, brilliance. If there is one element that all of my handcrafted art pieces have in common, it would be color. With each ink piece I create, I endeavor to capture the splendor of nature all around me and then reflect that magnificence through the colors I use.
It is because of this that alcohol ink is such an incredible medium for me. Alcohol ink is created with a highly intense and extremely fast-drying liquid that leaves the colors long-lastingly vibrant. It’s a fluid painting technique that is both durable and waterproof, so your unique alcohol ink art will keep its brilliance for years. Unlike other paint mediums, alcohol ink’s base component (alcohol) means that you can take isopropyl alcohol and either erase or modify the piece.
Like the bright stained glass windows in ancient cathedrals, this medium perfectly reflects the jewel-tone colors. Because it moves like watercolor, you can not control every stroke — the magic happens when you allow the piece to almost form itself and tell its own story. Sometimes I just let my brush go with the movement of the ink and see what emerges. This means that every single one of these creations is incredibly different. Even if I wanted to replicate a piece, I would not be able to because of the fluidity and autonomy of the medium. I have learned to tightly control the ink enough to make a more detailed scene, but most of the time I simply lean into the abstraction and see what the ink wants to show me.
As you may know, my other two passions are stained glass and mosaics. The framed ink art combines these three mediums with my silly, quirky, funky birds. Each one is an original, so you will select the exact one you wish from the shop. I will be updating that inventory as items are sold and new bird scenes are created.
I also make glass cutting boards from my original designs which I copy and apply with heat to the back of a piece of tempered glass. These are practical and functional works of art for the kitchen. A great addition to your home or a special surprise for a foodie friend or a housewarming/birthday/wedding or hostess gift. If you are looking for a truly unique item, my handcrafted alcohol ink art collection is the perfect place to start! From my heart to my hands to your home,
Susan Watson
Cutting board “Western Pines”
Cutting board “Pink Poppy”
Cutting board “Long-Legged Blackbirds
Cutting board “Herb Bundles Drying”
Framed art “Live Wire”
Cutting board “Lighthouse”
Framed art “Garden Song”
Framed art “Western BlueBird”
“This is a small sample of the designs which will appear in the Shop and Cart pages. I am in the process of working on them and hope to have them on line soon”
Cutting board “Red Mountain Storm”
Framed art “Mama’s Home”
Framed art “TipToe Bird”