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At the balancing point of artistic surrender and control, a Dublin woman has created a collection of nature-inspired alcohol ink paintings currently highlighted at a solo exhibition in San Ramon.
Through one-of-a-kind pieces in “Nature’s Rhythm”, Rashmi Rao has allowed ink to flow organically while also guiding it to reflect nature’s movements, textures and patterns, she told the Pleasanton Weekly.
In addition to her current exhibit, the multidisciplinary artist has received regional acclaim by winning first place in the 2025 Livermore Art Association’s Spring Art Show in the watercolors category and honorable mention in the 13th annual Fresh Works exhibition at the Harrington Gallery in Pleasanton. Rao’s work was also featured in a solo display case during 2024 for the city of Lafayette as well as the annual ArtWalk in Livermore during 2023.
“I allow the inks to move, bloom and settle on their own — letting their natural flow guide the work,” Rao explained. ”At the same time, I gently shape and refine the forms as they develop, using their patterns to bring my deep visualizations to life.”
Rao first began exploring alcohol ink as a medium during October of 2023 for Inktober, a month-long challenge for artists to create one ink drawing everyday.
Previously, she had participated in personal versions of Inktober, creating works such as mandala line drawings on raw wood coasters, pen drawings, floral line drawings and botanical studies in healing herbs, roots and plants, she said.
“Alcohol inks felt like a natural next step in that ongoing exploration, allowing me to bring together my love for fluidity, line and organic forms in a completely new way,” Rao said.
Throughout October 2023, she created a 5×7 piece of artwork every day.
The result was 31 mini landscapes inspired by her travels, hikes, visualizations, aerial views of Earth, visits to state parks, an exhibit by artist Bruce Munro in Paso Robles, and meditative reflections on nature and memory, she said.
The landscapes now hang at the heart of the “Nature’s Rhythm” exhibit as a “narrative and statement piece”, she said.
Also as part of the exhibit, eight round “Anchoring Floating Orbs” reflect the rhythms of the universe and humans’ interconnectedness with it, she said.
Ten pieces draw from florals, underwater textures, and the intricate details found in organic forms. Another five paintings represent air, water, earth, fire and ether.
An additional series on display features miniature paintings inspired by views from her backyard and walks through Tri-Valley hills and the Pleasanton Ridge.
“From the earth’s cellular pulse to the vastness of the cosmos, each painting reflects the flowing rhythm of nature’s color, texture and light,” Rao said of her exhibit. “May this journey remind us of our quiet connection to all living things.”
On Thursday (Dec. 4) from 5-7 p.m., the center is set to host a Meet the Artist event wherein Rao will guide visitors on a tour of the exhibit and hold a Q&A and raffle.
“Nature’s Rhythm” opened Nov. 3 and is set to run through Dec. 18 at the Dougherty Station Community Arts Center in San Ramon.
