Featured Artist Linda Eader

 Artist Linda Eader’s nature-inspired paintings burst with color and vibrancy. Enjoy this collection, and view more of her artwork on her website.

 

 

The Inspiration for my alcohol ink paintings is all around me. Whether I’m simply walking through my neighborhood, relaxing by the ocean or cruising on the Intracoastal Waterway near my home, the artistic stimulation here in Florida is unending. My alcohol ink creations come alive through a combination of abstraction with realism and intense color.

 

 

My interest in art was never encouraged during childhood. As an adult, I worked in the life insurance field to pay the bills. I couldn’t financially afford to pursue a full-time art career.

 

 

In my spare time I taught myself by studying art books and pursuing a few local art classes in pencil, oil and watercolor. Eventually, I taught some classes myself and did commission work. After moving to Florida, I gave up art altogether to pursue other endeavors.

 

 

Apparently, however, I’ve loved art longer than I can even remember! After recovering from a debilitating accident a few years ago, I found my first grade report card in a box at my parent’s Ohio home. I was surprised that my teacher had written “exceptional art ability” on it all those years ago. I knew in my soul that I had to get back to my art and heal.

 

 

It was then that I discovered alcohol inks. I love their vivid color and luminosity. Alcohol ink is a highly addictive medium—it’s all about color, color, color!

 

 

I typically paint on yupo paper, nara paper or ceramic tile. I have no plan of composition or color when starting a painting and no predetermined subject.

 

 

I start by creating an abstract background. Then I move the inks instinctively with canned air or the air from my airbrush, or just simply tilting the painting to let the inks flow. I love this free, no-pressure playtime where I can just focus on color and texture.

 

 

Once I have developed a pleasingly expressive background, I decide what subject matter best compliments that background. I draw that subject on the background and complete it with a brush. Now I have satisfied both my need for the freedom and the creativity of abstract and also my need for perfection and detail all in one painting. It’s a perfect combination for my art style! Fellow artists call me the “queen of alcohol ink.”

 

 

Getting back to my art was a good call. Within a short time, I sold many originals and won several awards. I was the featured artist in a local magazine and was honored to display my work in several solo gallery shows. My goal is to share my interpretation of my local paradise and honor the personality and spirit of animals with my God given talent. Yes, my art has taken on a new priority, a  colorful new beginning!

 

Artist Linda Eader invites you to follow her on Instagram and Facebook.