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Fluid Art
from deeply intense and vibrant…
…to subtle, detailed nuances
Fluid Art
What is it?
I am captivated by the interactions as pigments are layered onto a surface, the way the medium moves is what makes it “Fluid Art”. First, watching how the liquid flows into narrow spaces, then gently coaxing with a brush, with compressed air or with my breath. Sometimes the pigments move quickly when applied to a surface that likes to absorb liquids as with watercolor paper. Other times, to accomplish the composition, there is more intentional coaxing when using a surface that doesn’t like to absorb liquids as with synthetic paper.
Why Abstract Art?
Abstraction is a gateway and opens the imagination in the mind of the artist and the viewer. It can fill a canvas with many moods. Abstract art calls our soul at any given moment to reveal the depth of such a personal gesture by the artist. Abstract art breaks free from literal interpretations. It’s not about drawing the perfect tree or a precise landscape. It’s about expressing feelings, capturing energy, or exploring the unknown. It is open-ended and personal and invites the viewer to interpret and connect with the art in their own way.
“Wildflowers in a Field” C.S. Morrow (2018) Qor brand watercolors on Legion brand Yupo Paper.
Multi-Media Abstract Art with an Emphasis on Alcohol-Based Ink
One of the brands of ink I love to use is made by Copic. Pictured here are refill bottles for their markers. Copic has a detailed numerical coding system to describe each colors intensity. I use the ink straight out of the bottle when I want deeply intense colors or, for less color intensity, I dilute the pigment with isopropyl alcohol. Copic offers well over 350 shades of colors and I have about 150 of them. One of the tools I use to guide the ink in the composition is an airbrush.
Swatch First!
How do I decide what colors I want to use? Well, I refer to my swatches. I make these small samples of ink so I can easily compare colors and their respective intensities.
Some Commissions in their Forever Homes
The Full Spectrum !
Enlightened Chakras
Taste of the Caribbean -Printed on Canvas as a Triptych
Morning Greens
Taste of the Caribbean -Printed on Canvas as a Triptych
Commissions
A commissioned piece of art makes a very personal and unique gift for a loved one or a wonderful gem to keep for yourself. I can create a custom work of art to your specifications. Prices for custom works vary and depend on a variety of factors that include size, complexity, medium and time-frame. Please factor shipping time when considering commissioning a work do that it can arrive by your desired date.
Alcohol Ink Properties
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Some terms to describe what the inks are doing.
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Stability.
Stable: Color is retained after alcohol is added e.g Copic Various Inks BV 29
Unstable: Color is altered after adding alcohol, move away from the original color. e.g. Copic Various Inks R 22 -
Viscosity.
High: Ink spreads out quickly when applied to paper. e.g. Copic Various Inks R 81
Low: Ink spread out slowly and may not move at all until the alcohol is applied. e.g. Copic Various Inks B 99 -
Gel Texture.
Usually appears in all pastel colors. Can be in darker colors, but it’s less visually evident and can be removed with a Q- tip.
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Bleeds & Halos
A bleed is a secondary color that appears often at a texture and can be lifted off with alcohol e.g. Copic Various Inks G 16
Similar to bleeds, halos also involve the appearance of a secondary color or colors. They usually have fine lines that can be hard to remove unless you can fade the whole area out with more alcohol. e.g. Copic Various Inks B 39
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Staining
There is some staining present in all inks; however, it’s more apparent in pastels. e.g. Copic Various Inks B 44, RV 95
Being Safe With Alcohol Inks
Alcohol inks are volatile organic compounds known simply as VOCs and they give off toxic fumes. I protect myself by wearing a respirator, protective eyewear, and gloves and working in a well-ventilated room that also has an air filtration system.