Do you like acrylics?

Lately I indulged myself in experimenting with another medium, one that is still strange for me, Acrylics! This time, I got my inspiration from a fellow friend who also paint with acrylics and pushed me to try it.Also, in my Instagram , my feed is flooded everyday with all these gorgeous, vivid and exceptionally creative artwork done with Acrylic pouring. This technique is unknown to me since I am working more with Aquarelle, or watercolors and as a self-taught artist, where I don’t have a formal learning about art, it’s just all in my mind and my own creative drive. I did some research , look into some other artist’s works and observe. Watching video tutorials really help especially about the technicalities of mixing paints. This process reminds me of my previous work where I also mixed many powder coatings  in different shades to create designs. I just realized that colors, chemistry and creativity revolves continuously in my life.I am all about colors and that’s why I’m so happy that I finally be able to share all the bits and pieces I’ve been learning so far from painting.

Soon ,I saw myself hauling and hoarding for acrylic supplies and stuff. I got tubes and pots of  pots of the primary colors, more whites and blacks, and some metallics. This time, I wanted to paint on canvas so I got canvasses of different sizes to try on. I am super excited for this new adventure of creativity.

At first the idea of using acrylics intimidated me, but then I give it a go. It’s not that easy to get the paints and supplies that I specifically needed. I’ve searched many art shops here locally but I can’t find almost everything.When you are just a beginner, you can  try on student’s grade paints first  and small canvas,  or if you can get it online, it all depends on your budget and preferences.

 

Just look at these magical colors, all stunning! 

I love the pouring process where you see crazy patterns, cells developing and the sheer shine of the paint forming into a myriad of beautiful artwork. Gravity knows its way!

Acrylic pouring is simply mixing different acrylic colors and pouring it directly on the canvas, rather than using a brush or other painting technique. This involves using a medium like an acrylic medium to make the paint more fluid and flow easily to create patterns which called  “cells”. There is a chemistry behind this process but I can’t tell you more since I am just starting. I find the whole process so challenging. In watercolor, I am in control of my brush and the degree of strokes I wanted to make, but this time, I let the time, gravity and the chemistry do the creative part. The thing is, the agitation and the flow of paints during the mixing part is also something that you need to master.

You think acrylic pouring is easy? I don’t think so…

Pouring is a great way to smooth out unwanted texture, get marbleized effects, rich colored glazes, and add some fun to many painting process. Although pouring is a relatively simple technique, ( as people say it) ,  it is not always easy.

 

Acrylics is a water-based paint so the ratio of mixing with water depends on the amount that you need to use for a painting. Normally, and as per experience, I don’t dilute the paint not more than 30% of the paint or else it will lose its binding properties.

 

Colors and acrylics are always a marvel to watch!

What I’ve enjoyed much is the “pouring part“. I did the swipe method where I poured the paint and swipe it all over the canvas to cover all areas, then adding paints as the flow goes, and the other one is the  “dirty pour“. This time, you mixed all the paint in one cup and pour it on top of the canvas one time and let it flow to create patterns. The thing with acrylic pouring painting, the idea that you squeezed in your mind is solidify only when the painting dries. You don’t have a control over the course of the flow. That is why every artwork is unique. Yes, patterns maybe duplicated with similar parameters but it’s never the same as the other. To master repetition, you need time. This is one thing I have learned while doing the Acrylic pouring painting ; learning to paint with time on my side. If you rush, then you miss out on its essence.

 

Over the next days, I will be sharing more of my paintings with you .Stay tuned. Meanwhile, please don’t forget to check out my Page for some artworks that I am doing while I squeeze time to paint.My artworks are available for purchase if you want to have one and I can also accept commissions. Just drop me a mail at justbluedutch@gmail.com.

What about you, have you ever tried Acrylic painting?

Oh did I tell you its getting chilly over here! Sweater season is definitely back. It is almost Fall season here in Germany, my favorite season as it brings the fire in the skies with the lovely colors and the different shades of trees. Soon my whole neighborhood will be transformed once again into another world.

What are the first signs of Autumn do you have in your area ( if you are having one..)?