Acrylic Paint Pouring
When I think back to my memories of painting as a child, I usually picture me sitting on the floor with plenty of newspaper sheets, a piece of paper and a variety of vibrant colors to choose from. My finished pieces were usually a mix of different colors splattered over the paper. A unique style of painting is gaining popularity that resembles in a way my childhood memories of painting. Artists are creating contemporary pieces by pouring acrylic paint directly onto the canvas, creating unique effects. Aside from being a lot of fun, pouring paint can create a marble effect, allow for vibrant and saturated color, and smooth edges.
Although it looks easy, to create these pieces can be a difficult task. Preparation is key in pouring paint onto canvas. Along with a clean work space, it is best to have a designated area to dry your creation, as paint- poured pieces can take a long time to dry. Your workspace also needs to be level, as any elevation can cause the paint to move in an undesired way. Your type of canvas also changes the outcome. A stretched, absorbent canvas will have different results than one that is sealed and resistant to water. You should test determine what look you want and decide which type is best. The viscosity of the paint is also important. It is easier to use thinner paints as they spread better, however you can use water to thin out your paint to the desired consistency.
Some supplies you’ll most likely need are acrylic paint, medium of choice, plastic cup, heat source, and silicone spray. The silicone spray and heat source (such as hair dryer) help create cells in the painting :
After your work area is prepared, spray silicone spray on select colors. Add the colors into one cup, or keep them separate containers if you prefer. Once the paint is ready, quickly flip the cup over onto the canvas. You could also place the canvas over the cup, press them together and flip the entire collection, and then quickly lift the cup from the canvas. The paint will flow over the canvas, tilt the canvas to increase paint flow in certain areas. Then use your heat source to create more cells in the painting as you wish. Then let it dry on a flat surface, this could take a couple of days. Once the paint is spread on the canvas as you want it to be, don’t use a heat source to speed up the drying process as this will disturb the paint; let it air dry.
Other techniques used to create effects such as cells include adding isopropyl alcohol to the paint, using paints of different viscosities, adding paint in layers, and adding more water in the paint to create a watercolor effect (called wash pour).
Acrylic paint pouring can be a lot of fun, as well as a unique method of creating abstract and contemporary pieces. There are many ways to experiment with paint pouring in color choices, canvas types, additional ingredients, and pouring mediums. The possibilities and creativity are endless.
https://www.artistsnetwork.com/art-mediums/acrylic/tips-tricks-pouring-acrylic-paint/
http://www.justpaint.org/understanding-the-techniques-of-pouring-acrylics/
I prefer this type of painting on large canvases, so a fairly large space is needed. I have seen some really interesting things done, from more abstract and colourful concepts to more symmetrical and geometric things. If you’d like to leave a comment on my blog The Soul of Art.