As with many of my pieces, there was an idea. But then it turned into something else -  something better. In January, I was lucky enough to take a workshop from an artist I completely admire, Kippi Lee. I was taking this workshop no matter what. I had to take a late flight into San Diego. Then a two-and-a-half hour drive through desert mountains into Palm Desert. The moon was big, so I could still make out the landscape. But the moment I started my descent into Palm Desert was pure magic. The lights of the cities and home twinkled in the distance, reminding me I wasn’t alone. The anticipation for the next day built up. This is a tribute to that pilgrimage and the next part of my journey as an artist. 

The desert, sea and forest have always been inspiration for me. And as I sit here, I crave an adventure. I need to see something new and feel the breeze on my face. I need to blast the music, sing along and set my heart free. As we are all becoming stir crazy with this pandemic, I look at my walls and imagine myself in the places they represent. I love that art has that affect people in that way.

To view this piece, click here.

Stay safe & healthy. Let’s plan an adventure soon!

XO

Jen

Welcome to jenmarie ink!

It wasn’t but a couple of months ago when I started playing with alcohol inks. It came from the need to de-stress from work and life. I had entered a season where life would be full of change. And no one in my house is good at that.

Work was abnormally busy and stressful. My son was about to graduate from high school and his sister will be in three years. Before we know it we will be empty nesters. And while I look forward to having an extra room for a studio/office, the idea of an empty home is overwhelming. And overwhelming is the perfect word for my life now.

I always take on too much. “No” is not a word I frequently use. I am not free with my feelings even though they apparently show on my face according to those that know me. But I think they are liars! LOL

Finding alcohol inks also came from the want of a statement piece for my newly re-done dining room and living room. I knew what I wanted and set to scouring Pinterest and other social media. I finally found myself gravitating to these flowing, deep pieces. I found that they just spoke to me. As I continued my research, I thought to myself, “I can do this.” So I headed to Hobby Lobby and purchased a Brea Reese black, metallic gold and a blending solution. I also bought a pad of Legion Yupo paper. It sat at home for a couple of weeks as I was scared to even start.

I filled my spare time watching artists like Marissa Recker of Astuary Art, Ashley Mahlberg of inkreel and Kippi Leonard of Kiplee Art. Since then I have found a supportive, and creative social community.

Finally, I sat down and and made a color swatch and as the ink flowed across the “paper”, I was hooked. The pigments ebbing and flowing with a push of air. And here we are.

I hope that you stay a moment and enjoy the art. Check out the calendar for upcoming events.