Deep Under the Sea Blue Starburst Swipe

Did you see the original rainbow starburst swipe painting? It created quite a stir in the groups and I was so delighted to see so many people being inspired to give it a try themselves. Today I am using a much simpler color palette and creating a similar effect in all blues.

As a keen scuba diver, there is almost nothing more beautiful than being in the warm, clear water of the Caribbean, admiring the fish and the coral reef and then looking up towards the rays of sunshine filtering down through the water. In the center, the sunlight looks bright white and the rays filter outwards from the center, though the clear water. As you look up, the water looks lighter in the center and then gradually darkens until its a rich deep blue on the outside of your vision. It’s magical. I wanted to recreate that image in this pour.

Materials used in this painting:
12-inch canvas
Art Alternatives paints in white and ultramarine blue,
Blick Student Acrylics paints in black and cobalt blue
Sargent Art Turquoise
Apple Barrel paint in Cloudless
Floetrol
Treadmill belt silicone
8oz squeeze bottles
4 oz cups with lids
UV-Resistant clear gloss spray finish
Recipe for the paints:
All paints were mixed approx 1 part Floetrol to 2 parts paint, plus water added as needed for the pouring consistency. 1-2 drops of silicone oil per tablespoon of original paint.

Video Tutorial: Deep Sea Blue Starburst

Well, as usual, it didn’t turn out exactly the plan. That very light blue went a bit crazy and tried to take over, but I was able to recover by adding some other paints on top and swiping again. I think the end result still looks good and still much like the photo I was trying to replicate.

As usual, enjoy a slideshow below with photos of this painting, both wet and dry, and close ups of the details.