West Windsor artist Mukti Belahal will show her work at the Plainsboro Public Library starting July 2. The exhibition, which will run through August 27, is entitled “Inks” and will feature work in two media: alcohol ink and acrylic fluid art

A graphic designer by profession, Belahal says the urge to paint with colors on blank canvas has always been a part of her life. Her favorite medium is oil, but she also works with pastels, watercolor, and acrylic paint, in addition to inks. An avid photographer, she often incorporates subjects snapped on nature walks into her artwork. She says her style ranges from realistic to abstract, depending on the demands of the subject.

The show at Plainsboro Library will feature all abstract pieces. Belahal says she enjoys fluid art because she can “let loose” and allow the paint to create its own design. “Every medium has its own character,” she notes. Sometimes, as in realistic work, the artist has to control every brush stroke. The 40-plus pieces in the Plainsboro Library show are examples of more relaxed attention.

Belahal explains, “Fluid art is when you combine different acrylic paints together. The colors react with each other to create vibrant and stunning designs. Alcohol ink, on the other hand, has an unpredictable nature that contrasts with the solid tones of fluid art. Its vibrancy and translucent color radiate uniqueness.”

Belahal has shown her work in several regional galleries and has had several solo exhibitions at area libraries, including the Cherry Hill Library, Princeton Public Library, and West Windsor Public Library. She has participated in juried shows at the West Windsor Arts Center Gallery.

The Plainsboro Library is located at 9 Van Doren St., Plainsboro, NJ.