Paint Pouring

Mastering Fluid Art

Rick Cheadle

• Publisher: Racehorse
• Year: 2019
• Print ISBN: 9781631582998
• eBook ISBN: 9781631583001
• Topic: Art
• Subtopic: Art Techniques

Paint Pouring is a form of abstract art that uses acrylic paints with a runny (fluid) consistency. The acrylic paints react with each other when combined to make interesting and visually organic motifs. Fluid acrylics can be used on many types of substrates through various techniques such as pouring, dripping, swirling, glazing, dipping, and more to create dazzling and masterful effects. This book provides everything you will need to become a paint pouring artist. Learn to:

• Set up your paint pouring studio on a budget
• Complete your supply list
• Discover a variety of techniques
• Properly handle and care for your art
• Establish appropriate mixing ratios
• Achieve correct paint density
• And many other lessons crucial to the craft This new art form is fun for all ages. Become a fluid art master today.

CHAPTER 1

A Very Brief History of Fluid Artists

David Alfaro Siqueiros (December 29, 1896 – January 6, 1974)

Siqueiros was a Mexican muralist who conceived a style of painting in the 1930s referred to as an accidental painting, in which he was able to create a variety of unexpected shapes and textures. He did this by layering different paints that had varying densities. Siqueiros introduced the use of nontraditional art materials (commercial art paints, industrial paints), techniques (using industrial paint sprayers, house paint brushes, spilled paint), and substrates (sides of commercial buildings, for example) to create his art. He was an early influence on American abstract artist Jackson Pollack.

“The artist must paint as he would speak. I don’t want people to speculate what I mean, I want them to understand.”

—DAVID ALFARO SIQUEIROS

Paul Jenkins (July 12, 1923 – June 9, 2012)

Jenkins was an American abstract expressionist painter who started paint pouring in the late 1950s. Paul Jenkins was an influential artist in the New York School as well as a vital presence in the development of abstract expressionism. I was fortunate enough to own one of his paintings (since sold) titled Phenomena Jade Winds Walking. He has been my major source of inspiration in my fluid painting art.

This is the first painting I owned by Paul Jenkins, Phenomena Jade Winds Walking, on a 6’ x 10’ canvas from 1977, pictured here (it was in my dining room). The canvas was so large I had to rent a U-Haul to transport it! Paul Jenkins often painted on large canvases like this. His dirty-pour “cups” were often made in full-size trash cans!

“I try to paint like a crapshooter throwing dice, utilizing past experience and my knowledge of the odds, it’s a big gamble, and that’s why I love it.”

–PAUL JENKINS

Other Artist Recommendations:

Helen Frankenthaler

Morris Louis

Jules Olitski

James Brooks

Sam Gilliam

Larry Poons

CHAPTER 2

Set Up Your Studio

First, We Must Talk Safety!

There are hazards involved with anything in life, and most problems can be avoided with a little knowledge and common sense. This is also true when it comes to creating art.

Most products you purchase for your paint-pouring endeavor will include instructions and safety recommendations. Read the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) thoroughly for the products you’re using and follow these guidelines with great care.

Always use caution when using anything caustic and when using any type of flame. Never heat isopropyl alcohol and be careful not to burn your canvas, paint, or workspace. Off-gassing (the release of volatile organic compounds [VOCs] or other chemicals) is also hazardous. The silicone and all the stuff used in paint pouring wasn’t made to be heated up, so use caution! Remember: Always work in a well-ventilated area.

Workplace essentials include the following:

• Safety glasses

• Protective clothing

• Latex gloves

• Respirator

• CO₂ (carbon monoxide) alarm

• Fire extinguisher

Prep Your Studio

Having the right tools and using the best materials you can afford is essential to your success as a fluid artist. If you plan on selling your work, it is especially important to use archival materials. This book will provide you with many alternatives. It is up to you to explore your options and decide what works best for you.

You can get as fancy and elaborate as you want with your workspace and tools. In the following sections, I have listed most of the items that I currently use or have used in the past. You can choose one item or all the items in each category, but remember that these are just recommendations. Eventually, you will start to get the feel for things and customize your paint pouring toolkit to your own personal style.

Work Surface

For your work surface, you will need the following:

• Sturdy and level table

• Drop cloth, plastic sheeting, or shower liner

• Shallow tub or bin with a lip to catch paint runoff (line bottom with freezer paper or Yupo paper or foam board to catch the paint runoff and make “paint skins”)

• Rack (or cake turntable) to place your substrate on for painting

Alternative Set-Ups

Next, we will discuss inexpensive paint pouring setups. The left side of the photo below c...

Table of contents

• Front Cover
• Half-Title Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Foreword
• Author’s Note
• Chapter 1 A Very Brief History of Fluid Artists
• Chapter 2 Set Up Your Studio
• Chapter 3 Prepare Your Paints
• Chapter 4 Know the Basic Techniques
• Chapter 5 After the Pour
• Chapter 6 Other Techniques
• Chapter 7 Paint Pouring on Furniture
• Chapter 8 Protecting Your Art
• Chapter 9 Selling and Pricing Your Art
• Chapter 10 Resin Finish
• Glossary of Terms
• FAQs
• The Last Word
• Past Projects
• About Rick Cheadle