In this workshop, artist Ashley Mahlberg shares with us how to build abstract, organic art using ink + alcohol. When applied to the cradle board with air or heat, the ink dances across the surface creating beautiful movement. When colors are blended together, the result is playful yet sophisticated as the inks bump up against and spread into one another.  Fluid art is known for its vibrant and bold colors, Ashley shares how to apply these brightly hued inks and also how to tame their final look with shading, contrast and motion.

A key component of this workshop is the richly pigmented alcohol inks that are applied using drops and sprays of additional isopropyl alcohol. A heat gun helps to quickly move the pigment around the surface and a paintbrush allows for more expertly placed dots and shading. By choosing gesso ‘blocks’, this diptych becomes free standing art built as a pair or set for the home. Beautiful on a shelf, mantle or table, its free standing nature means you can move them around as art objects or hang on a wall. They’re beautiful in a collage! Ashley is an abstract artist and graphic designer residing in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, son and two pups. Passionate about sharing her love of the Washington coast, her paintings mimic organic forms, flow and dynamic color palettes found in her everyday surroundings.

• A detailed, digital workshop by Ashley Mahlberg
• A live & recorded Maker Chat Q&A with our artist
• Tools and materials from artisan suppliers, curated for you, by Ashley

The tools & materials included in this kit:

• Marine blue & kelly green alcohol ink
• Gold alcohol ink as a rich accent color
• Two extra deep gesso cradle boards to create a diptych set
• A heat gun
• Isopropyl alcohol
• A round paintbrush
• A paint palette
• A pipette, stir stick, painter’s tape & other supplies to get started in fluid art

SAFETY WARNING: Working with alcohol inks and other materials in this class can be dangerous if proper safety procedures are not followed. Materials are flammable and let off toxic fumes. Failure to follow safety procedures may result in serious injury or death. For your safety, you should use caution, care, and good judgment when following procedures in this class. Consider your own skill level and safety precautions associated with the various tools and materials shown. Research safety procedures and personal protection equipment before starting this class. The Crafter’s Box and Ashley Mahlberg of Inkreel Studio cannot assume responsibility for any damage to property or injury as a result of misuse of the information provided.

Happy making!