Marcy Ferro - The Paint Pouring Workshop

B efore you learn some of the fun techniques, Ill cover the basics of acrylic pouring. Here youll learn the theory and practical application of everything you need to know to get started with acrylic pouring, including materials, any necessary tools, setting up your work space, paint mixing, and more. Refer back to this section as often as needed to see the different paint pouring supplies you can use, check out mixing recipes and color combinations, and ensure you get the right consistency for your paint mixtures.

WHAT IS PAINT POURING?

Paint pouring, also known as acrylic pouring or fluid painting, is a method of abstract painting using the fluidity of paint to create free-flowing, marbleized artwork. Most acrylic paints are not fluid enough for pouring, so a large part of the paint pouring process involves mixing your paints until they reach a consistency that allows movement. Acrylic pouring can create many different effects, particularly cells, which are unique to fluid painting and often a desired effect. Cells are organic, roundish shapes created in the paint by air bubbles or differences in paint densities. For best results, a pouring medium is usually added to your acrylic paints with a small amount of water. You can also use various additives with the acrylic paint to create different effects and looks.

While acrylic pouring is currently a very popular painting technique, it has been around for quite some time. It is thought to have been created by Mexican artist David Siqueiros in the 1930s. Many artists throughout history, from Jackson Pollock to Stanley William Hayter, have used various forms of fluid painting, resulting in many of the pouring techniques we have today. Acrylic pouring is relaxing and fun and continues to spark creativity in artists of all types.

MATERIALS

There are many possible materials you can use for paint pouring, but keep it simple when youre first starting out and add to your toolbox as you go along. Most materials can be found at your local art store, though some items, such as silicone, may need to be purchased online.

Quick Start Guide

While this section covers a wide variety of materials you can use, you may just want to skip all that and start painting right away. Here is the most simplified materials list. It contains things you probably already have, so feel free to skip the theory and jump right to Mixing Your Paint (.)

Canvas, wood board, or tile

Any acrylic paint

Any liquid glue

Water

Gloves

Containers for mixing and pouring paint

Stir sticks

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is a fast-drying, water-based paint that can be used for a wide variety of art projects. There are many types and brands of acrylic paints that you can use for acrylic pouring, each with their own unique qualities. As a general rule, any acrylic paint will work, though some are better than others. To save money, I recommend starting out with craft paints during your initial practice paint pours, then graduating to artist-quality paints. Once youve practiced using different brands and types of acrylic paint, you will notice a vast difference in brightness and color between higher quality paints for artists and lower quality paints.

When youre first starting, I recommend using primary colorsblue, yellow, and redalong with white and black. With the basic colors, you can mix almost any other color youd like. You will usually go through white and black the most quickly, so its beneficial to purchase those colors in larger quantities.

The type of acrylic paint you use is your personal preference. You dont have to use only one kind of paint, even within the same painting. You can mix and match as many types as you want. Here are some examples of types of paint that you may see. (The labels on the paints will generally specify the type on the front of the container.)

Fluid or High-Flow Paints

These acrylic paints are highly pigmented and fluid, meaning they are more liquid and flow more easily. They are great for acrylic pouring, as their colors are bright and bold, and their consistency greatly eliminates the need to add water or another thinning agent. Due to their high quality, they can be more costly.