An Alexandria artist has been tipped for great things after her stunning work using a pioneering art form attracted thousands of admirers on social media.

Jenna Ferguson is one of the first artists in Scotland to be recognised for her abstract creations using the relatively new medium of alcohol inks.

The process involves pouring the liquid on to a blank canvas and letting it run free or directing its flow by blowing through a straw to create colourfully intricate paintings.

The 32-year-old began posting videos and images of her work on Instagram in August and has already amassed almost 5,000 followers from as far afield as the USA and Australia.

Jenna, who is mother to 16-month-old Arya, told the Reporter: “For the last six years I’ve been working as an art therapist helping to support children who have gone through some sort of trauma in their lives.

“Often they find it difficult to open up so I help them express themselves through art using different mediums.

“I’ve always done painting using acrylic links privately. While I was on maternity leave I discovered alcohol inks and the whole process just clicked with me.

“On Instagram people had displayed their alcohol ink work and posted videos of their work. It looked relaxing and I asked my mum for some for my birthday. It was the best birthday present ever and it has had an incredible impact on my life.

“There is a good community of artists on Instragram and everyone has been really supportive. It has taken me by surprise how it has grown.”

The rising popularity of her artwork on social media has also opened up a number of opportunities for Jenna.

Her work has been featured on several big art accounts on Instagram and some of her videos have been viewed up to 30,000 times.

The attention on social media attracted the attention of Katy Barnfield, the owner of Regency Gallery and Framers in Cheltenham, who noticed her pieces online and asked to exhibit her work.

Now Katy has tipped demand for Jenna’s work to take off and she recently told international magazine Scotland Correspondent: “Alcohol ink art is doing really well in America. It is just starting to become popular here and it’s going to be huge. You can see it’s coming and I predict demand for Jenna’s work is going to go crackers.”

The Vale mum has also sold a few pieces privately and decided to get some prints made at Helensburgh gallery Picture It on the sea front, where owner Adolfo Arino also asked to show her work.

He said: “The colours and fluidity of Jenna’s work is fantastic. Every piece is unique and there is something for everyone as no two people see exactly the same thing is now working on a new series called Wee Woodland Glen, which is inspired by her love of walking.

She added: “I think art using alcohol ink will take off because seems to be big in places like the USA and Australia, but as far as I can see there are only a couple of artists in the UK.

“I’m just excited to see where it will lead. I’m hoping to do a range of things with my art using the designs in different ways.

“I am looking into scarves just now.”

Jenna will be giving away two piece of her work as part of an international giveaway involving 15 alcohol inks artists on Instagram.

If any local business or cafes would like to sell or exhibit Jenna’s work or any artists would like to collaborate email Jenna at jennafergusonart@yahoo.com.

She is also happy to be contacted to do commissioned original works of art to particular colour schemes. Jenna has also recently opened up an online shop at etsy.com/uk/shop/jennafergusonart