Fluid Art Class

 Fluid Art  is a form of abstract art that uses acrylic/tempera paints with a runny (fluid) consistency. When poured onto the canvas or surface, the imbalance of different paint densities creates interesting and visually stunning reactions.

The “Dutch Pour” technique involves layering and then blowing the paint across the canvas, creating beautiful images. Instead of having full coverage on the canvas, these leave a good amount of negative space.

Negative Space is the area around and between a subject. It appears in all drawings and paintings. Negative space is important because it can help us to draw accurately and can help with creating an interesting composition.

Floetrol is a water-based paint additive that helps improve the workability of paint and flow like oil. Its original purpose was to make interior and exterior emulsion and acrylic paints (including colored wood stains) work and flow more like oil-based paints and eliminate brush strokes.

Floetrol is a conditioner which enhances the qualities of the water based paint you’re using while also helping it to be thinner for easier application. Whilst it has a transparent white color, Floetrol maintains the qualities of the paint and will not affect the color of your artwork. Adding water to your acrylic pour will thin the paint you are using and break down the binder that holds the paint together. This can lead to the acrylic paint flaking off on the canvas over time.

The best ratio of Floetrol to acrylic paint will largely come down to experimentation and personal preferences. As a starting point, mix 1 part floetrol with 1 part acrylic paint. Stir slowly with a wooden stick until you reach a smooth consistency. When you lift the wooden stick out of the pouring mix, the paint should have a runny consistency.

Cells in acrylic pouring tend to form when there is a difference in density between the paint colors.  the number of cells that appear and the size of the cells are largely determined by the difference in the densities of the colors. Some paint pigments are denser than others. The main methods of achieving cells in your fluid painting include:

1. Varying density of the paint
2. Silicone additive
3. Using the torch method

Crazing in acrylic pouring is a term used to describe cracks or lines that appear in a fluid painting once dried. Crazing happens when the top layer of the acrylic pour painting dries faster than the underlying layer which is still wet. When this happens the top layer of the acrylic film will form a skin as it hardens and continues to stretch, and if it hardens too fast it will break. When it breaks it can leave cracks, ridges, bumps, holes and tears that produce unwanted textures in your painting.