Fluid Art. The essence of the drawing technique: liquid acrylic of different colors in turn or at the same time is poured onto the canvas and mixed already on it, forming a beautiful abstract drawing. By changing the density and colors used, each time you get a unique work of art in the style of abstraction. Acrylic paintings on canvas are an exciting activity, which we offer to get to know better.
Features of Fluid Art
It does not require any special skills or training from the artist. Even if you have never painted with paints, you will definitely get an original completed work.
Over time, having gained experience, you will discover new color combinations, principles of pouring paints, and the paintings will turn out even more extraordinary.
You don’t need a lot of materials – for the first painting you will need acrylic paint, thinner (conditioner), canvas and plastic cups.
Does not require much time. You can create a simple job in a few minutes!
The fascinating process of flowing colors calms and immerses in an interesting creative process.
Which colors to choose?
Different types of acrylic paints are suitable for this technique, however, how long your painting will retain a beautiful attractive appearance directly depends on their quality. Beginners will have enough inexpensive paints of domestic production for their first works. If you really want to get something good, or even sell paintings, it makes sense to spend money on imported paints with a richer quality pigment, or use ready-made kits for Fluid Art. Remember, the cheaper the paint, the more faded colors, incorrect mixing of colors, etc.
What can I paint with liquid acrylic on?
The basis for drawing is called a tablet. It can be any surface: canvas, plywood, MDF, LHDF, wooden blank for a tray, cup holder. The main thing is that it should be primed with acrylic primer. Our catalog presents tablets and blanks for every taste – from the smallest for training to large bases of unusual shape. Tablets and blanks for Fluid Art in the catalog
Liquids and additives. Why do I need an air conditioner Fluid Art
When working in the Fluid Art technique, it is extremely important to give the paints oil properties and improve the spreadability. Initially, water was used, but it is not suitable, because it worsens the density of the paint and its adhesion to the surface. Another diluent is PVA glue, but it significantly reduces the brightness of the color, the drawing looks very pale and ugly.
Conditioner
An air conditioner was developed especially for Fluid Art. It is very convenient to work with him, since he:
makes the paint less viscous and more plastic and fluid;
retains the full saturation and brilliance of color;
prevents the acrylic from cracking when drying;
provides good adhesion of the paint to the canvas or other surface, and also helps to create a clear, beautiful drawing.
Many artists use mixtures of conditioner, PVA glue and water, but it is not so easy to find the right ratio without experience. The basic rule: no more than 30% of the total volume of water. You can also make your own recipe over time, but at first it is better to dilute the paint with conditioner.
Silicone
Another important material for Fluid Art is silicone. It is he who allows you to create a characteristic decor in the drawing – elegant rounded cells, as well as control their size and quantity.
Medium
Mediums reduce the intensity of the color of paints without changing their consistency (density and properties). At the same time, the medium further increases the properties of the fluidity of paints, to create more oblong currents of the same color. To get cells and bubbles, you need to add silicone to the medium. There is also a medium “Bubbles” on sale with the right silicone content.
How to work with silicone?
Silicone is added directly to a cup with a paint of the same color mixed with a diluent. You only need two or three drops at 1 time. Stir the mixture with a wooden spatula. The longer you do this, the smaller the cells get. A lot also depends on the viscosity of silicone: the lower it is, the larger the size and the more vague the contours. High viscosity gives clear outlines and rich color.
Be sure to think in advance about the specific color of each plot, whether it will have cells or not, and if so, which ones. However, you can immediately add silicone to the drawing using a pipette.
After distributing the paint on the base, it is necessary to walk over the cells with a gas burner so that the silicone rises to the surface of the paint layer. Work very carefully, do not bring the flame to a distance of less than 10 cm to the acrylic.
How to prepare the basis for drawing?
Be sure to cover the base with acrylic primer, otherwise the acrylic will soak into it and lose its brightness. Before starting the process, position the tablet as evenly as possible, preferably so that it lies on four supports of the same height, for example, on glasses. If you do not want the acrylic paint to flow down to certain places of the base – just seal these places with masking tape and plastic wrap. You can also cut and paste some drawing or shapes that will not get paint.
Methods and techniques of Fluid Art drawing
So you have set the table, put on an apron and gloves and are ready to get creative.
First, choose the colors — usually the main colors are used in the work, as setting the color tone: white, black and metallic (silver, gold, etc.), to give clarity and contrast. And also three colors different in tone (dark, light, medium) to create a drawing idea.
There are many different techniques, but for novice artists the most optimal are:
Puddle Pour
Dirty Pour
Flip Cup
How long does the painting dry with liquid acrylic?
To dry your work, place it in a box with a lid (the main thing is to protect the surface from dust) on a flat surface in a dry, dust–free room. Complete drying of acrylic paints takes place within 7-14 days. But the complete curing of the painting takes place after 72 hours (3 days), and from that moment it can be coated with varnish or resin.
How to make a finishing coating?
Acrylic varnish and epoxy resin coating will help to make the painting more durable, protect it from dust and fading. As a result, the image will acquire depth, brilliance, color saturation. You can apply a protective layer only when the work is completely dry.
Acrylic varnish is an ideal option for beginners, as it dries for only a few hours, is easily applied with a brush or from a spray can and does not form bubbles.
Epoxy coating is a solution for professionals, as it is much more difficult to work with than varnish, but the coating is similar to glass and makes the picture more attractive and with a volume effect. The resin dries up to 24 hours, gains strength within 72 hours.
