Do you remember the first time you painted? The pure joy of smushing paint about? The miracle of watching colors interact? The visceral thrill of seeing just what the stuff would do?
Sometimes, as we gain skills and get more “serious” about art, it’s easy to get caught up in outcomes and we forget just how fun paint can be as a material. But don’t you find that playfulness is often where you best “serious” discoveries occur?
Pouring with acrylics can take just about anyone back to that immediate delight of handling pure color. Here is a video to show you a basic technique with pouring :
But you ought to know there is SO MUCH more it can do! For instance, have you seen Brazilian painter Beatriz Milhazes’ exuberant canvas collaged with layers of acrylic sheets in eyepopping colors and forms?
I created this piece using pouring medium and string gel combined. See my post here for video with details on how I did it.
Here is list of materials that I used that will help you get started:
Happy Painting!
Responses to “Remember How Much Fun Paint Can Be?”
Kris Choy
Thanks Michele!
that’s really a cool method for making an underpainting .
hope you have a wonderful year .
Michele Theberge
Hi Kris! Great idea! It can be used in so many ways! Hope you try it!
Sue Sullivan
I love your video, Michele. It’s so fun! And I agree. As we get further in our practice it can be easy to get overly serious, which not only takes away the joy but also much of the creativity.
Michele Theberge
I know, Sue. I think that’s the balance we have to learn as artists. It’s a fun challenge, perhaps easier for some than others – to keep the light playful attitude at the same time being dedicated to making the best work we can.
Sandhya
This is so amazing!!! I totally love it…Thank you for sharing it…
Michele Theberge
Wow, Sandhya! Thanks! I am so glad you love it. 🙂
Cheryl Ann Morgan
Love the unpredictability of final outcome with this. No way you can get too precious! Also, similar effect of a resin coating without the high toxic exposure. Thanks, Michele! Here’s to an artful New Year.
Michele Theberge
Yes, Cheryl Ann! You hit the nail on the head. It is about allowing oneself to lose control a bit, isn’t it? Artful New Year to you, too!
Betsey
That does look like fun! Do they have matte pouring mediums as well?
ChicagoHawksGal
Can you transfer photos on top of the dried painting? I would love to collage on top of the initial and subsequent layers. Have used matte medium to do photo transfers onto wood and canvas, and would love to try it on top of dried pouring medium (with colors) as well. Thanks, and great inspiration video!
Michele Theberge
for sure! Whatever you did on top of matte medium should work on pouring medium. Please share images here! Just found out today that you could do that by clicking the little picture icon in the lower left corner of this comment box. Would love to see what you are up to! And I’m also interested in this being a community forum where we can all see each others work and share with not just me but all the artists who read this blog. : )
ChicagoHawksGal
Thanks for the reply Michelle! I am so looking forward to experimenting with these new mediums, and for sure I will post a photo of the completed project!
Michele Theberge
That would be great!
Penny McCoy
This looks like so much fun. Will experiment and get back to yo Michelle.
Thank you
Nita gk
Thank you so much
Sandy Bostwick
What are you pouring on? Is that a canvas I could buy at the craft store? Do you have to prepare it with something before you start? Not an artist, but I think I could try this!
Michele Theberge
Yes! Canvas works for small scale pours! You can also pour on wood panels and scraps of plywood with a smooth veneer that you gesso. But I think buying some small canvases will be easiest for you. Have fun!
Elizabeth Ballestero
Muy precioso todo. Me encantaría aprender esa técnica. Si puede incluir tutoriales. Y cómo logró verlos en español. No se inglés. Gracias
Nora
excellent work
Nora
excellent
valery
Dear Michele, awesome ! Is there any possibility to work with matte medium ? Have you ever tried ?
Wendy
Hi. I was just wondering what the pouring medium is? Thank you
Leann
What is the acrylic paint/medium ratio?
Sabina
Hi Michele , Amazing work ! I would love to try it . Could you list the names of the medium and paints used ? Please and Thankyou .
Monica Garcia
Have you tried pouring this on glass?
Amy
Great Video
Do I use liq.medium Mat or glossy and
Any Acrylic paint is ok
Pnina salu
Can you give the list of material that you are using in the video?
Michele Theberge
I added a list of materials to the end of the post. Thanks for the question!
Pao
loved the pouring technique, thanks for sharing! xoxo
Michele Theberge
So glad you like it!! xoxo
Krish Chester
I just did my 2nd acrylic ink art piece with liquidtex pouring medium… unfortunately now that is dry and vertical I can see a couple of spots that are not covered evenly. Can I pour another clear coat on top or is it too late. I really love my art and hope there is a way I can make it work. Please help
Michele Theberge
Yes, you can pour right over it.
Kath
Thanks for sharing this great technique. I can’t wait to try it!
Michele Theberge
Cool! Hope you love it as much as I do!!
Joelma Fernandes
Beatifull , but can you please help what is name of the product that you use for make the paint só Shine. Thank you
Michele Theberge
Hi! I put the names of everything in the post with links to find them. Liquitex Pouring Medium. 🙂
Michele Theberge
https://goo.gl/rGWYEE
Joyce
What did you use for the clear?
Michele Theberge
Liquitex Pouring Medium the names of all the supplies are right above with links to find them! 🙂
https://goo.gl/rGWYEE
Jose vann leeuwen
The ink you used, is that oil or water based?
Can I use other brands.
Michele Theberge
All of the materials in the video are acrylic, or water-based. I prefer Liquitex for their archival quality, but there are many other brands that create fluid acrylic paint and inks. If you come across any you love, be sure to share with us!
Claudia Nakayama
Dear Michele,
Thanks for your video. Could you please explain me how Beatriz Milhazes does her collages using the pouring medium?
Thanks a lot,
Claudia
Michele Theberge
Hi Claudia,
Thanks for your question. It’s hard to know specifically about any artist’s studio process. However, here is an interview where she explains a little bit about it. I encourage you to experiment with your own materials and see what happens!
Nancy
I have floetrol . I find liquitex right at the moment very expensive. You mixed all your paint you used with the liquitex ? I really want to try this painting !!!! It is gorgeous!!