I’m feeling in both a sparkly and swipey mood today so I’ll be combining my favorite way of painting (the swipe) with my current favorite paints (the Color Shift Paints) to do a painting that I know is going to make me happy. I’ve done swipe paintings and other pours in the past which have included the color shift paints, but this time, I’ll use ALL color shift paints.
Have you tried the Color Shift Paints before? They have an iridescence to them, a bit like the sheen and color changing qualities you get on something like a Paua shell. Depending on the light and the direction you look at them, you can see different shimmering colors. The top of the bottles show an example of how the paints change in the light – I really love the Purple Flash that changes to an electric blue. This time I will use all Color Shift Paints for the colors and then swipe with a Mars Black. There is a black/gold color shift paint but I don’t have them one – maybe you could try it and let me know how it turns out.
Materials used in this painting:
Color Shift paints – purple, blue, pink
Blick Student Acrylics – Mars Black
Art Alternatives Acrylic Paint – Gold (my favorite gold)
8oz squeeze bottles
Small paint mixing pots with lids
Floetrol
Treadmill silicone
Economy canvas
Polycrylic gloss finish
Kitchen towel to swipe
Yeeee! It’s gorgeous! I knew it would be. Every time I’ve used these paints I’ve had a wonderful painting, and every one has sold. Check out my Etsy store to see if this one is still available. The paper towel swiping seems pretty foolproof too and creates a flat, total swipe across the whole surface, if that’s the look you are going for today. I hope you will check out these paints, and do come share your paintings with us in the Facebook chat group.
Enjoy the slideshow with photos of this pour, both wet and dry, and close ups of the details.
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.
I’ll have to try this paper towel and color shift idea. Looks,like a fun experiment. Thanks for the idea.
These look great. I love playing with iridescent and interference paints. This is without a doubt the ultimate resource for acrylic pouring! I love coming past to see what has been created.
This is beautiful
Deby,
Absolutely loved both of these videos. How long did you wait before you applied the polycrylic
gloss finish?
Thank you. I like to leave it a month. That was recommended to me by Minwax.
I have tried swiping before and not been happy with the results. I think I just did not have a light enough touch. However, when you mentioned a wet paper towel I decided to try again. I actually used a baby wipe and I had amazing result.
I’m so happy for you. Are you in our facebook chat group? I’d love to take a look. Please add it and tag me.
Just Fantastic-have to try this! Thank you so much Deby!
Beautiful! I went to the store and purchased the color shift paints and will try it today. You didn’t mention adding any silicone to the paints, but silicone is listed in the materials used. Did you use silicone with the color shift paints. If so, about how many drops?
I’m new to acrylic painting and love your guide and your videos!! Thank you
Did I not mention it in the video? Yes I used 2 drops per color. I hope you love them as much as I do.
Deby your videos are my favorites- so inspiring! I already have these colors and cannot wait to try one! Do you prep your canvas first, or just go for it? Thanks!!
I try to buy triple primed canvases because I’m always in too much of a hurry to paint – so no, I rarely prep the canvas before pouring.
Do you add 2 drops of silicone per teaspon of paint? I would like to know the proportion.
There is no set formula that everyone has to follow or will work perfectly for everyone. You might also want to vary the amounts and see what results you like best. You can see the volume of paint I have mixed in each color, but in this case its certainly a lot more than a teaspoon. I think once your paints are fully mixed with their medium and water, a good rule of thumb would be about 1-2 drops per fluid ounce of paint.
This one turned out beautiful. Can you order from Amazon? I ordered a full set of Color Shift and one of Dazzling Metallics from Decoart. I think the price were really good.
I think it looks beautiful! but I was wondering if I can use ordinary acrylic paints if I just want a matt look, and should anything be added to the paints if I can.
Suse, you can use ordinary acrylic paints, that is what I am using, nothing special about them. If you prefer the matte look, then you can use a matte finish sealer. I always use glossy, because that’s what I prefer but the shiny finish is optional.
Do you touch up the sides with the wet drippings.
That’s up to you! We typically recommend doing so to give the painting a flush look all around since the paint will naturally fall over at least 1 side of the canvas, in our experience.
Also, did you add the colour shift to the pouring medium ? Thanks. Love your work.
We recommend adding it straight to the pouring medium, but it would be interesting to try it the other way as well.
A very nice result from your swipe. I love colour shift paints and you showed it very clearly how to do it!
Would the bubbly look work with acrylics?
Hi, I’m very new to fluid art and this is stunning! Where did you add the pouring medium? Directly to the color paints?
Can you please share the exact recipe?
Thanks so much, I’d really love to try this technique.
Debra