Meet Water + Ink Studios

How did you get started with your art?

I got started painting in 2005. My husband spent 4 years fighting for disability through social security and in 2005 we finally obtained it. That meant a check for four years worth of disability. He wanted art supplies to keep him busy. I asked him if he minded if I got some watercolors because I was interested in learning them. He said to go for it. I ordered watercolors, paper, brushes and some books. I taught myself watercolors and four months later did my first fine art show. My style changed about ten years ago. (There’s a blog article on this on my website)

Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part of the process is watching the pigment in the water travel and mix with other colors.

We can definitely see some clear themes in your work, but where does your inspiration come from?

Nature inspires me to create. I enjoy painting animals and flowers, with a particular focus on endangered animals as well as sea life.

What’s a typical day like for you in the studio?

A typical day in the studio includes me getting up at 630-ish, working on a sketch or making a list for the day. At 7:20 I leave to take my boys to work/school, run any errands I need to and return home to work on the painting or to knock out my list of todos. Which could include augmented reality work for my paintings, or coloring book, inventory and ordering, or sublimating some of the merch I have.

Do you have a favorite piece you have created thus far?

My favorite item that I created is an animated augmented reality piece. A painting that comes to life with an animation after scanning a QR code.

Very Cool! What do you enjoy most about in-person events now that things are picking up again.

I missed talking to people the most at in person events.

Us too. What will you be bringing to Jackalope this September since you are driving out from California?!

I will be bringing some pretty cool original paintings to Olde Town Arvada as well as hand sublimated items like magnets, keychains, coffee mugs, puzzles, tumblers, coasters and stickers, greeting cards and of course Fine Art Prints. I will also be bringing Augmented Reality Art that has embedded videos and/or animations.

Anything special you’d like to share?

I do custom work both painting as well as augmented reality. So think about the wildest thing you’d like to see and let me create it!

Where to see more of Water + Ink Studios:

Website | www.waterplusink.com

Instagram | @waterplusink