ANIMALS in Alcohol ink
Learn my process of painting animals using alcohol ink using Q-tips, markers and pens. Realism with Alcohol Ink isn't as challenging as you may think!
This course is designed for people who have worked with alcohol inks, but its not necessary have experience with realistic effects. I designed this course so beginners can accomplish these paintings. I will walk you through the step by step process to achieving this look. Each video session is intended to show you exactly what I am doing so there is no question on how I achieve my technique. I also have a private fb group for students of this class so that you have access to me and my advice as you paint.
Student Works from the BIG CATS section of class:
Your Instructor
Virginia Crowe
Artist • Personal Trainer • Menopause Coach
I’m Virginia Crowe, and my work sits at the intersection of creativity, strength, and healing. For more than two decades, I’ve helped women transform their bodies, their confidence, and their sense of self—first through fitness, then through art, and now through a holistic blend of all the above.
My wellness journey began in 2004 after navigating my own challenges with pregnancy weight gain. Becoming a personal trainer changed my life, and since then I’ve trained hundreds of women, owned my own gym, and managed large group training programs at Lifetime Athletic in Laguna Niguel. Today, I run a combined gym and art studio in Laguna Hills, where my Thrive By Design programs bring together fitness, nutrition, mindset, and creativity to help women feel strong, grounded, and deeply supported.
My creative path started unexpectedly—and out of necessity. In 2018, after leaving an abusive marriage, art became my lifeline. What began as simple drawings grew into painting, teaching, and eventually launching my online art classes and in-person art parties. Art became my therapy, my joy, and my way of reconnecting to myself. Today, it’s one of the most meaningful ways I help women express, release, and rediscover who they are.
As a certified menopause coach, I specialize in guiding women through the changes, confusion, and opportunities of midlife. My own menopause experience pushed me to combine everything I know—strength training, nutrition, mindset work, nervous system support, and creative healing—into accessible programs that help women understand their bodies and truly thrive during this transition.
When I’m not creating or coaching, you’ll find me out in nature with my incredible son, who has autism. He teaches me daily how to slow down, appreciate the small things, and live fully in the moment.
Whether you found me through art, fitness, menopause support, or the desire to combine all three—welcome. I’m here to help you feel empowered, understood, and inspired on your journey.
Learn more at www.thrivewithvirginia.com — and feel free to reach out anytime.
— Virginia Crowe
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