Play with ink

Welcome in elements of risk and accident in this ink-blowing activity and try making it into a mindful practice.

What you need

Paper | Ink (or paint), mixed with a little water | Paper straws | Pipettes or spoons to drop ink onto paper

You can play with ink by:

• mixing ink or liquid paint with a little water and washing up liquid

• dropping a small amount of this mixture onto your paper

• using a straw to gently blow the ink across the page

• watching how it behaves: allow rivers of ink to run, divide, pool and move in unpredictable ways

Train your busy mind to concentrate on one point of focus

Closely observe the movement of ink and wonder at the shapes it makes

Bring an attitude of openness to what’s emerging on the page, without trying to control or judge

Each time your mind wanders, bring your attention back to the breath as you exhale

Experiment teaching resource

Bring lessons from the art studio into the classroom using art from our artists and collection.

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Try these two simple techniques and experiment with using chalk to make colourful abstract prints.

Fiona Rae's experiments

Fiona Raw explains how turning away from colour has had an invigorating effect on her work.