Layering Techniques
Liquid Ink and Markers

For the backgrounds in my "Ocean Worlds" series, I started the bottom layer using traditional bottles of liquid alcohol inks which I moved around by holding an airbrush gun in my left hand and a heat blower in my right hand.  This technique allowed me to push the inks bidirectionally into more precise positions and formations. 

On the middle layers, I experimented with art nibs, an alcohol ink blender pen, and various tools to create splatter effects.

The top layer detail was achieved by using alcohol ink marker pens.  The pens were dual tip for medium and fine point precision while also allowing for blending without applying more alcohol to the ink

I completed two different works, Coral Garden and Mermaids, and then I decided to crop scenes from each to achieve more focused compositions with congruent backgrounds.  I chose a circle shape to further emphasize ocean life existing in its own world.