Alcohol Ink Painting with Creative Whispers of the Heart

© Debra Jason. All rights reserved.

Have you ever seen or heard about alcohol ink paintings and have wondered about how it is done or about the person behind this beautiful artwork? Debra creates stunning paintings, mugs, jigsaw puzzles, masks and so much more using her beautiful alcohol ink techniques. She shares more about how she creates as well as several tips for new entrepreneurs and how to grow your business through her bestselling book Millionaire Marketing on a Shoestring Budget™ .

You can find more of her work on her Etsy Shop and behind the scenes as well as her latest projects on her Instagram profile.

She also recently did a guest post with us about Marketing Art in Turbulent Times talking to you more about how marketing can and should still be done despite hard times. Debra also offers a free report and has a number of awesome marketing tips she's refined over her years as an entrepreneur.

By Michele of VAMICreations and Debra of Creative Whispers of the Heart

© Debra Jason. All rights reserved.

What gave you the idea/inspiration to start Creative Whispers of the Heart?

You might say Creative Whispers of the Heart happened by accident. In 2018 I learned about alcohol ink painting. I purchased some inks and tried my hand at it, but didn’t like the results. I judged myself too harshly so I tucked the paints away.

Fast forward to March 2020. With stay-at-home orders in place, due to COVID-19, I decided to pull the alcohol inks out again. This time, I decided I wouldn’t judge the results. I would just play and experiment with colors and techniques.

When I began posting photos of my work on my Facebook wall, someone reached out asking if I was selling my work. Then, someone asked if I was making notecards out of my paintings. As more and more people expressed interest in my art, I decided I should create a web page where folks could go to look at and/or purchase my creations. Then, a fellow artist encouraged me to make prints of my work available through Fine Art America. And, some of my creative colleagues encouraged me to start an Etsy shop. When I decided to do take action on those things, I realized I needed a name. Hence, Creative Whispers of the Heart was born.

How did you get started painting?

© Debra Jason. All rights reserved.

It depends how far back in time you want to go. I developed a strong interest in art back in high school. I say I got an “A for effort” in those classes because I really enjoyed art and creative expression. In the 70s, I actually started out as an art major in college. However, I changed my major because I felt I really couldn’t draw a person, landscape, still life, etc. I was an abstract artist. Alcohol inks are perfect for creating abstract art.

What’s your favorite thing to paint?

Alcohol inks have a mind of their own. Therefore, when I sit down to paint, it’s rare that I think about painting something very specific. At times, when I have done that - sat down thinking “I’ll paint the ocean and the sand,” the inks take on their own direction. Sometimes it may look like what I had in mind before starting out, other times, not so much.

How do you choose the colors and paints you work with?

My medium is alcohol ink. I haven’t painted with any other medium since starting Creative Whispers of the Heart. I choose colors based on how I’m feeling that day. Or, sometimes I might have a theme in mind, like love, in which case I may choose red, purple, pink or a combination of all three. If I’m thinking of the ocean, it may be various shades of blue.  Other times, I look at the selection in front of me and choose colors I may not have used in a while.

© Debra Jason. All rights reserved.

What would you tell a new painter for encouragement?

Don’t judge yourself. Do your best to avoid the ailment I call “comparisonitis.’ There’s bound to be artists who you think are better than you. However, you have your own unique style, talent and skills. There’s only one you.

© Debra Jason. All rights reserved.

What is something you’re passionate about and why?

To me, life is about relationships. I’m passionate about connecting with people as well as connecting people with other people. My friends have often said that I’m the “glue that holds them together.” My family and friends are high priorities in my life. I also love singing and dancing. Two fun tidbits of info about me: I sang in a community chorus backing up a popular Colorado acapella group (Face Vocal Band) at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre. I was also the judge’s choice award winner (dancing a side-by-side Charleston number) at a fundraising event for the YWCA of Boulder County called “Dancing with Boulder Stars.”

What is the most common question you get asked about being a painter?

“Are those watercolors you’re using?” OR “How do you do that?”

If you have one (or several) things to share with a woman entrepreneur, what would it be? What would you encourage her about?

She should read my book, Millionaire Marketing on a Shoestring Budget™ . In there, I share my entrepreneurial journey about how I started a business from scratch and what I did to gain exposure and visibility as a freelance direct response copywriter.

One thing I’ll share here is that, when you start a business that you’re passionate about, believe in yourself. When I first started my copywriting business and people asked me, “Are you good at what you do?” I didn’t hesitate with an answer, I said “Yes.” I wasn’t being cocky or arrogant, I was confident.

© Debra Jason. All rights reserved.

Remind yourself that you’re good at what you do – good at helping people, inspiring them, etc. Get clear and then excited about doing what you do (from chapter 19 of my book).

Also, be consistent and persistent. The highest level of success comes from conviction, commitment and persistence (page 30 of my book). Now is the time to let your light shine.

How has COVID changed or impacted your vision/strategy?

It’s because of COVID that I began to paint with alcohol inks again. I’m now looking at the possibility of shifting my copywriting/speaking business toward dedicating more time to Creative Whispers of the Heart.

What is something that has helped you get through, during this global pandemic? Something that is encouraging or a positive thing for you?

Not to be redundant, but as mentioned throughout, painting with alcohol inks has been the silver lining of the pandemic for me. It has been meditative as an art form. What started out as a creative way to spend my time has turned into a way to inspire and uplift others. The positive feedback I receive from them has encouraged me to continue pursuing this creative endeavor.

Having a close network of family, friends and business colleagues has also helped me during the pandemic. And, getting out in nature, taking long walks and soaking up the beauty that surrounds me here in Colorado helps one remember that it’s important to be grateful – even for the little things.

© Debra Jason. All rights reserved.

Fun question – if you could meet one person in history or present, who would it be and why?

It would be my mother. I was 30 years old when she passed onto the spirit world (cancer). I often wonder what advice she would have given me in certain life situations I’ve experienced. And of course, I wonder if she would be proud of me and where my life journey has led me.

What is your dream for Creative Whispers of the Heart to be (where do you see Creative Whispers of the Heart in 5+ years)?

This artistic journey is new to me so I must admit, I have not given a lot of thought to where I might be with it in five years. Perhaps it will be creating a thriving art business - having my art in the homes of people around the world (right now, one of my pieces is in France). And, ultimately providing others with vibrancy and joy when they look upon my creations.

© Debra Jason. All rights reserved.

Thank you for joining us for this interview with Debra of Creative Whispers of the Heart and thank you Debra for doing the interview with us!!! I’d love to hear from you about what you’ve gotten from Debra and showing your piece of art done by her! Please let me know by commenting below or sending me an email. I’d also love to hear from you about what types of resources you want more information on as well as Makers you would like to nominate for a Maker Feature/interview! Please email me or leave a comment on this article!  Looking forward to hearing from you and have a great day!