Shirley White is a self-taught abstract artist living in Nanaimo, BC who uses fluid alcohol ink and mixed media to create captivating paintings rich with colours and textures. Her journey began with the sudden changes that took place in the world in 2020. Her explorations into different mediums led her to fall in love with the colours, flow, and interpretive expression that alcohol ink offers. Shirley draws from a range of inspirations using the freedom of creativity and expression this medium offers conforming only to the limits of her imagination. She has been mentored by some amazingly talented international artists who have helped her to explore and develop her own personal techniques and styles. Shirley’s paintings have been seen in local art exhibits in Nanaimo, Ladysmith, and Port Alberni as well as in many Vancouver Island art festivals.

A concentrated alcohol based ink is the base with 99% isopropyl alcohol added to the inks on the paper to make the inks flow. As the inks are moved with various methods, the alcohol evaporates leaving the dried ink behind. The ink can be re-activated and moved again by adding more alcohol.

Shirley loves to explore the myriad of ways you can shape alcohol ink and embellish it with brush work, gel pens, acrylic paint and other artistic tools to produce many unique and original paintings. There are many methods and tools that can be used with this medium and Shirley has explored many and found her favorites. There is so much more experimenting to do though, and her art is forever growing and changing.

Shirley has many creations to share with you and hopes that one can find its way into your home to give you as much joy in viewing it as she has had in creating it. If there is something specific that you would like, she can also do a special project just for you. Just send an email and she will contact you to get the details.