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
"Audrey's Meadow" was commissioned by a collector to be placed on a wall in their home that had been vacant for over 15 years.
Living room with three colorful abstract paintings on white wall, wooden sideboard, black TV, and decorative vase.
We Are All made of Stardust
Enlightened Chakras
Taste of the Caribbean -Printed on Canvas as a Triptych
Taste of the Caribbean -Printed on Canvas as a Triptych
Morning Greens
"Reflections" in it's forever home. Handmade porcelain shapes painted, mounted at a variety of heights, detailed in 18 ct gold. Composition is on a 20" x 20" canvas and framed in a plexiglass shadowbox
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.