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Pigments of Your Imagination: Creating with Alcohol Inks
Discover magic! Join the vibrant, prismatic world of luminous alcohol inks. Mercurial, versatile, inexpensive, and wildly colorful, alcohol inks are one of the newest mediums to hit the art community. This essential guide for working with alcohol inks has been greatly expanded, with new tips and techniques and more than 50 additional works from guest artists in an inspiring gallery. Discover how to choose which inks to use for each project and how to experiment with a wide variety of fascinating techniques and tools. Learn how to work on a variety of surfaces, including paper, glass, metal, fabric, and plastic, through detailed, step-by-step demos. Perfect for all levels, from the beginning craftsperson to the professional artist, Pigments of Your Imagination offers a broad insight into the expansive world of alcohol inks. Explore the limits of your artistic ingenuity, and jump-start your creativity!
- GenresArtNonfictionCrafts
200 pages, Spiral-bound
First published March 28, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 3, 2015
"Pigments of Your Imagination" is an art technique book on how to use alcohol inks. This book clearly explained how to make your own unique art by getting to know how the ink can be used and manipulated. The step-by-step pictures were clear, and the captions contained enough information that even a beginner can understand what to do. The author favors a "loose, playful" art style, but one of the guest artists did explain how you can do more detailed, realistic flowers.
The book covered what alcohol inks are and the supplies you'll need. In terms of specialized equipment, you could get away with just the inks though she did suggest some special paper. She also used common art supplies like a round brush, masking fluid, and acrylic gloss medium. She provided a series of step-by-step projects that have you try out different ways to apply the inks and different tools (like a drinking straw) that you can use to get certain effects. She continued with projects using wax paper, stencils, glues and pastes, laminate, masking fluid, and more to create raised textures or reserve white areas.
She then had projects on how to apply the techniques we've learned to create specific types of art: landscapes, seascapes, dreamscapes, and cityscapes; and then detailed to abstract flowers and some animals. She had projects on how to create batik, madras, marbled, and swirl effects for paper and fabric, as well as a "tie-dye" pattern and stamping patterns for fabric. It ended with projects involving acrylic skins, aluminum, ceramic tiles, mixed media collage, marbled papers, and simple monoprinting. She also included a gallery showing a variety of ink art.
This book make me feel confident that I could do the projects and that it'll be fun, too. Most art books don't leave me feeling that way, so I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in learning the basic techniques for using alcohol inks.
I received this book as a free ebook review copy from the publisher, through NetGalley.
The book covered what alcohol inks are and the supplies you'll need. In terms of specialized equipment, you could get away with just the inks though she did suggest some special paper. She also used common art supplies like a round brush, masking fluid, and acrylic gloss medium. She provided a series of step-by-step projects that have you try out different ways to apply the inks and different tools (like a drinking straw) that you can use to get certain effects. She continued with projects using wax paper, stencils, glues and pastes, laminate, masking fluid, and more to create raised textures or reserve white areas.
She then had projects on how to apply the techniques we've learned to create specific types of art: landscapes, seascapes, dreamscapes, and cityscapes; and then detailed to abstract flowers and some animals. She had projects on how to create batik, madras, marbled, and swirl effects for paper and fabric, as well as a "tie-dye" pattern and stamping patterns for fabric. It ended with projects involving acrylic skins, aluminum, ceramic tiles, mixed media collage, marbled papers, and simple monoprinting. She also included a gallery showing a variety of ink art.
This book make me feel confident that I could do the projects and that it'll be fun, too. Most art books don't leave me feeling that way, so I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in learning the basic techniques for using alcohol inks.
I received this book as a free ebook review copy from the publisher, through NetGalley.
March 9, 2015
Wow!!! This book blew my mind.
I love alcohol inks, but have not had the courage to play with them. The clear instructions and the stunning photos in this edition make me want to put life on hold while I go play.
The work is varied, so will suit many styles. The ideas are fresh and the inspiration is boutinful.
I received a digital copy of this from NetGallery ine exchange for my fair and honest review...but rest assured, I will be buying myself a copy when it is published.
Rich and gorgeous!!!
I love alcohol inks, but have not had the courage to play with them. The clear instructions and the stunning photos in this edition make me want to put life on hold while I go play.
The work is varied, so will suit many styles. The ideas are fresh and the inspiration is boutinful.
I received a digital copy of this from NetGallery ine exchange for my fair and honest review...but rest assured, I will be buying myself a copy when it is published.
Rich and gorgeous!!!
August 29, 2019
This is an absolutely gorgeous book full of ideas and inspiration to use with alcohol inks. This is definitely one of my favorite art books that I've read this year, and I've read a lot. It's really creative with all kinds of ideas and techniques to try. I absolutely love it.
March 25, 2015
This is really a lovely book! I received an e-copy for a fair and honest review for netgalley, and although it lacked the facility of a printed edition, the layout was easy to follow in order to test its usefulness.
At first, I had the impression that this book was sponsored by the manufacturers of Yupo paper, as it's predominantly mentioned in the supplies. (Yupo is not yet available in my area.) Further reading encouraged me to experiment with other materials, and the results are also intriguing. It'll probably be some time before I'm willing to publicly reveal my progress—the reader should enter in good faith knowing that the glorious photographs of Taylor's and others' works weren't their first attempts, therefore we mustn't expect a masterpiece on the first go. I'm not sure that I will continue with this media, but I'm grateful these additions to my toolkit.
This guide applies to the craftsperson who likes to follow step-by-step instruction as well as the artist who's looking for new techniques and applications.
At first, I had the impression that this book was sponsored by the manufacturers of Yupo paper, as it's predominantly mentioned in the supplies. (Yupo is not yet available in my area.) Further reading encouraged me to experiment with other materials, and the results are also intriguing. It'll probably be some time before I'm willing to publicly reveal my progress—the reader should enter in good faith knowing that the glorious photographs of Taylor's and others' works weren't their first attempts, therefore we mustn't expect a masterpiece on the first go. I'm not sure that I will continue with this media, but I'm grateful these additions to my toolkit.
This guide applies to the craftsperson who likes to follow step-by-step instruction as well as the artist who's looking for new techniques and applications.
February 21, 2015
This is an educational art book that you can read just for the art. Taylor gives detailed explanations of the various techniques that she has developed to use alcohol inks in the creation of artwork. There is a degree of randomness and unpredictability in using alcohol inks that is reflected in the appearance of the paintings. Techniques for controlling and emphasizing that randomness are also included.
No expense was spared in the inclusion of the images of the work, all through the stages of development as well as the finished work. The colors are spectacularly attractive; you can see the most intimate details of the artwork.
This is a book that can be used in art classes as well as for self-study. It would be the perfect text for a community education course offered by a community college or an art shop.
This book was made available for free for review purposes and this review appears on Amazon.
No expense was spared in the inclusion of the images of the work, all through the stages of development as well as the finished work. The colors are spectacularly attractive; you can see the most intimate details of the artwork.
This is a book that can be used in art classes as well as for self-study. It would be the perfect text for a community education course offered by a community college or an art shop.
This book was made available for free for review purposes and this review appears on Amazon.
December 26, 2014
I just started working with alcohol inks and am a true beginner. This book was very helpful as it showed different techniques using different mediums to create a wide array of special effects, finishes, etc.
I like the glossary as it explains the different purposes for different mediums and supplies/materials. I do plan to purchase Yupo paper as I was not aware that a special paper needed to be used with these inks.
There are also profiles on the contributing artists and a shopping directory. The book is short but loaded with information. It will be great to refer to when needed. Great resource!
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review purposes through the publisher. I was not required to write a review nor was I required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I like the glossary as it explains the different purposes for different mediums and supplies/materials. I do plan to purchase Yupo paper as I was not aware that a special paper needed to be used with these inks.
There are also profiles on the contributing artists and a shopping directory. The book is short but loaded with information. It will be great to refer to when needed. Great resource!
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review purposes through the publisher. I was not required to write a review nor was I required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 28, 2015
I am constantly looking for new and creative things I can do, so when I was able to get this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for a review it was a no brainer. I had seen alcohol ink creation on Pinterest in the past, but I had really no idea how creative the medium really is. I had not painted anything in a really long time, and after going through the book I am ready to get started again. First off this book is stunning just to look at, and sprinkled throughout are quotes from famous painters. Each chapter has easy to follow instructions along with a list of items you will need for each of the different projects, you might already have most of the things you will need at home. I love how vibrant the Alcohol inks are and I can't wait to experiment with different textures and techniques.
March 17, 2015
Pigments of Your Imagination" is an outstanding and innovative art technique book on how to use alcohol inks. It clearly explains how to make your own unique art by getting to know how the ink can be used and manipulated. There are step-by-step pictures on how to do it and even a beginner can understand what to do. She also gets other artists to share instructions on their work. Before now the only use that I had seen of these inks was with gourds so this book opened up a whole new world for me. It is amazing the results that one can get from every day objects (example a straw etc). This is one of the best books that I have seen in a long time that discusses a specific art form. I highly recommend this book!
October 17, 2016
This is a great book if you want ideas on how you can use alcohol inks a lot of the techniques can be used for beginners or inspiration for more advanced users.This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
March 13, 2015
A fantastic book full of great ideas and fabulous colors. "Pigments of Your Imagination" by Cathy Taylor provides a whirlwind tour of the world of alcohol inks and a variety of applications and tools. Cathy includes a brief history of the medium, its acceptance in the art world, and artists and their works. The book is packed with fun experimentation, ideas, and beautiful results. If color moves you, you must read the book!
April 3, 2016
- in addition to having easy-to-understand instructions, this book is nicely organized - I loved the section on finding your muse and filling your workspace with inspiring objects - there are so many tools, methods and ideas in this book you will be entertained for at least a year - there is so much to learn and try, like creating texture with glue, purell and tar gel, reserving shapes with laminate to make images and a whole section filled with mega exciting tips from alcohol ink artists
July 15, 2017
An excellent book on paint techniques and materials for those wanting to try alcohol inks. There is a wide range of examples, from various artists, and there is great inspiration here for artists at all levels. I've been wanting to try inks for a while, but didn't really know how to get started, but here is everything I needed to know and more that I couldn't even imagine! This is really a book you want a hard copy of!
Review of a digital copy from the publisher.
Review of a digital copy from the publisher.
May 2, 2015
A great book on making art with alcohol inks. The techniques are well-illustrated (in color) as well as well-described and stepped out, so you can see how to do each step.
The book includes a gallery of artists works.
There are several different techniques, each different and interesting. This is the perfect book for someone who loves intense colors as well as abstract art.
The book includes a gallery of artists works.
There are several different techniques, each different and interesting. This is the perfect book for someone who loves intense colors as well as abstract art.
September 7, 2017
I really liked the gallery of images in the back of the book, as well as step by step instructions.
March 5, 2018
Lots of ideas! A great resource! The only thing I wish it touched on a bit more, are ways to seal/varnish/protect your completed artworks.
November 28, 2018
A very useful book. I got some great ideas for a craft program I taught.
January 11, 2019
Fantastic book on alcohol art techniques!!
December 17, 2019
Lots of great ideas. I am going to have to pull out my alcohol inks tonight and try out some of the projects!
December 23, 2019
Great book for idea generation and examples of various alcohol ink techniques, very expansive and love the examples provided, gorgeous artwork!
January 4, 2020
Great book, beautiful illustrations and easy to follow techniques. Great resources in the back too!
November 29, 2021
I've been experimenting with alcohol inks for a while and will be using many of these techniques! I appreciated how many of the materials were easily accessible.
December 28, 2021
Just what I was looking for. A basic book on alcohol inks and their uses and instructions for introducing yourself to the medium. Lots of pictures and some step by step exercises.
December 6, 2017
Wonderful book that shows how to use alcohol inks. There are not a lot of books on the market for this medium yet but this one covers a lot of information and techniques on how to use alcohol inks. It has beautiful step by step techniques includes It is very inspiring.
July 30, 2018
Love the design of the book. The pictures are beautifully done. Isn’t amazing what colors and layouts can come from so many pigments. I would love to have this book for my coffee table.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews