July Artist & Educator Of The Month: Kimberly Deene

We are very excited to bring attention to a new artist every month. Each Artist we highlight also teaches their craft in some way so we can all benefit from it. This month we interviewed Kimberly Deene. Let's dive in!

1) What kind of alcohol ink artist are you?

I started painting with alcohol ink in 2016, just before leaving a 30-year career in the insurance industry. From the very first moment I was completely entranced by this medium, which is like no other in its flow and organic nature. The inks are very fluid and I love to embrace that quality and move them with gravity and air, as opposed to using a brush.

2) What would you say are your specialties as an alcohol ink artist? What sets you apart?

Back in 2017, as I was experimenting with alcohol ink and developing my own style, I became intrigued with painting flowers and specifically blowing petals with air. I began experimenting and developing techniques for creating dimension in the center of my blooms. I can still remember how excited I felt when I figured this out, without realizing at the time that this specific look would become a signature style for my art.

3) Do you teach how to do this at all? How can we learn from you?

I have online, self-paced classes that teach my style of blown flowers with dimensional centers (two levels). I also teach special event Zoom classes, and private lessons. And I just recently launched a monthly membership group called Floral Synergy that is all about alcohol ink flowers with monthly tutorials, paint parties, guest artists, and more. I also taught small classes in my backyard “she-shed” studio in Raleigh, North Carolina prior to Covid. I hope to get back to doing this again very soon because I do miss the enjoyment of the in-person interactions.

Click here to see all of Kimberly's classes!

4) What advice for new alcohol ink artists would you offer?

Be patient with yourself and with the inks. Let the inks flow and shape organically at first so you can appreciate the unique idiosyncrasies of this medium. Allow yourself to play, experiment, and enjoy the process of creating.

Practice, practice, practice when trying a new technique. Continue to reactivate the inks with alcohol to transform your paintings. Don’t be afraid to make changes if you’re not completely satisfied. You may not always get the result you’re going for, but alcohol ink can sometimes surprise you with magical results.

5) What have you enjoyed most about using T-Rex Inks?

I absolutely love the gorgeous colors and the vibrancy of T-Rex inks! I use these inks very often when I’m demonstrating techniques and teaching online because the inks show up so beautifully not only in person, but also on camera.

Thanks so much Kimberly! 😊 Be sure to check out Kimberly's classes & shop, and follower her on Instagram @KimberlyDeeneDesigns to see her beautiful artworks and techniques in action!