The Art of Paint Pouring

Tips, techniques, and step-by-step instructions for creating colorful poured art in acrylic

Amanda VanEver

• Publisher: Walter Foster
• Year: 2019
• ISBN:
  9781633227385
• Topic: Kunst
• Subtopic: Kunsttechniken

"VanEver starts with the basics and proceeds to demonstrate 11 acrylic pouring techniques, yielding striking visual textures and abstract patterns." — Artists Magazine Featuring easy step-by-step projects, practical tips, and beautiful art from an established paint-pouring expert, this book helps artists of any skill level make colorful, textured art by pouring acrylic paint onto a canvas. There are many techniques for making poured art, and this book details them all. You will learn to swipe, pour, and more using the many how-to projects provided in this book. Also included are chapters on the following:

• Tools and materials, including affordable options for items that will help you create poured art
• Basic color theory and how to choose paint colors that will create pleasing mixtures
• Eye-catching full-page artwork
• Tips for creating the paint consistency that you want
• Instructions for keeping your work area clean, even while working with a potentially messy technique

Written and illustrated by a well-recognized paint-pouring artist, The Art of Paint Pouring is a comprehensive reference that eliminates the need to search online for multiple videos that you would continually have to pause and re-watch. If you are new to paint pouring, you will love the beginners' tips and instructions that allow anyone to master this contemporary craft. Start creating stunning works of poured art with The Art of Paint Pouring. Also from the Fluid Art series, refresh your paint-pouring skills and learn new techniques with: The Art of Paint Pouring: Swipe, Swirl & Spin and The Art of Paint Marbling.

Painting Projects

Dirty Pour

The dirty pour is the very first paint pouring technique I tried, and it is one of the easiest to learn. Simply add your paints to individual containers, pour them into a single cup, and then pour the mixture onto your canvas.

TOOLS & MATERIALS:

• Freezer paper

• Canvas

• Cups

• Pouring medium

• Wooden stir sticks

• Water

Optional tools for creating cells:

• Liquid silicone or dimethicone

• Kitchen or butane torch

STEP 1

Lay a sheet of freezer paper over your working surface. You can also use a plastic bag, newspaper, or a tablecloth—anything that keeps your working area clean of paint.

Rest your canvas on top of cups. I used four—one for each corner of the canvas. Elevating your canvas allows the excess paint to run off the sides.

USE A LEVEL TO CHECK THAT YOUR CANVAS IS COMPLETELY HORIZONTAL IF YOU PLAN TO LEAVE IT ON THE CUPS TO DRY.

STEP 2

Add each paint color to a separate cup. Then add your pouring medium following a ratio of about 2 parts pouring medium to 1 part paint.

I used Sargent Art Gloss Medium, which is white but dries clear. Your paint will appear lighter while wet and then darken once dry, without any discoloration from the pouring medium.

STEP 3

Use stir sticks to mix the paint and medium, ensuring that there are no lumps. Lumps in the paint will be visible when you pour it onto the canvas.

Then slowly add water until the paint mixture reaches a consistency that’s ideal for pouring. I like to add water 1 tablespoon at a time and mix until well-blended, aiming for a thickness similar to honey or heavy cream....