Oh darn it. Things went wrong with this one. Wrong with the painting and wrong with the video. I had intended to recreate the #NovemberPouringChallenge flip cup and drag video but it didn’t quite work out.
First, just as I had everything set up and ready to start filming, along came the whirr, grind, slashing noise from my neighbour as he started up his power tools. He uses one of those electric strimmers to cut down the tall grass and then a leaf blower. For hours and hours it seems. So annoying. So the audio on this video was horrible and I’ve removed the chat and replaced it with music. So be warned, turn off your speakers if you don’t like music.
And then there was the flip and drag itself. Started out OK but then I lifted the cup too far, broke the seal and all the paints came out in a big gush – so very much a flip cup and barely any dragging.
The challenge rules for the #NovemberPouringChallenge:
Technique = flip cup and drag with negative space
Background = white or black
Colors = Purple, yellow, metallic blue plus two colors of our choice
Materials used in this painting:
Art Alternatives acrylics in titanium white, gold and magenta
Craft Smart paint in Sapphire Blue Metallic
Blick Student Acrylics in purple and chrome yellow
Floetrol
Treadmill belt silicone oil
Canvas from economy pack
8oz squeeze bottles
2oz mini shot glass for the flip cup
Recipe for this painting:
All paints were mixed approx 2 parts paint, 1 part Floetrol plus water as needed to consistency. A couple of drops of the silicone oil in each color except the background white
Hmm, that didn’t come out as intended. The parts in the white where I dragged the empty cup over the paint after it all leaked out where probably my favorite parts of this painting! I was so disappointed that I messed it up that I didn’t even take any photos of this one. It was scraped and washed and I’ll use that canvas again. Sigh – we all have days like this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the flip cup drag technique work in acrylic pouring?
It involves flipping a cup of layered paints onto the canvas and gently dragging it to create unique patterns.
2. Can I do a flip cup drag without creating much drag?
Yes, by carefully lifting and slightly tilting the cup, you can minimize the drag.
3. Can silicone oil be used to create cells in this technique?
Yes, adding silicone oil to your paint mixtures can help create cells.
4. How long does it take for a flip cup drag painting to dry?
It typically takes 24-72 hours for the painting to dry completely.
5. Can I use different colors in a flip cup drag?
Absolutely, you can experiment with various color combinations to achieve desired effects.
6. How to seal a painting created with the flip cup drag technique?
Use a clear, non-yellowing sealant to protect your artwork.
7. Is the flip cup drag technique suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s a versatile and beginner-friendly technique.
After being told in high school that she was so bad at art that she should switch to another subject, Deby didn’t paint again for 35 years. Then a stroke released a new wave of creativity and she began exploring with dot painting, abstract and eventually acrylic pouring, and at last the joy of working with color returned. You don’t need ‘talent’ to be an acrylic pouring artist – just enthusiasm, some basic instruction, and a willingness to try, fail and try again. Paint along with her and learn from her many mistakes, and you’ll soon make great art together.