Chase McClough

I create abstract and impressionistic paintings using alcohol inks on synthetic paper and textured canvases. I am a lifetime artist but new to transforming my art into a focused passion and a small business. I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and have worked for over 20 years as a researcher, teacher, and psychotherapist.  As an artist, I approach painting using many of the same skills I’ve developed as a therapist because, as I see it, a good therapist is both a scientist and an intuitive, interpersonal artist and an effective artist is both a skilled technician and an societal empath. My work, thus, reflects my desire to move and inspire others, embolden viewers’ imagination, and promote self-determination.  

I work primarily with alcohol inks which are fluid, unpredictable, and involve chemical reactions that are amazing to capture.  I work with inks in a give-and-take fashion. I like to first follow the ink's lead, allowing naturally occurring reactions, shapes, and lines to unfold as the isopropyl alcohol evaporates and leaves pigment behind.  I work with a low voltage blower and clear blending fluids. Once I am happy with the forms and color gradients, I then add controlled evaporation lines and shading to enhance the ink's natural expression. I go back and forth between these steps while I am painting, giving space for the inks to naturally react to one another and applying my own controls, until the image(s) and overall composition coalesce.

Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/chasemfluidart