Flip Cup and Drag Without Much of a Drag

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.

6 thoughts on “Flip Cup and Drag Without Much of a Drag”

  1. I actually loved the music! I’m not sure why you felt this was a painting to be washed over. I loved the bright blue spot created in the larger section and the feathery bits in the white part as well. The colours were lovely and it had a gentle organic feel. Thanks for sharing your work.

  2. Margaret Joseph

    I really enjoyed your video and the end result! What a shame to wash over it – I would have been SO happy to have a result like this. My very best wishes for your heart op on the 14th. Hope all goes well and that you will soon be back sharing your expertise with the group.

    1. I liked it. I’m a newbie and I look forward to your online lessons. Thank you.

  3. Karen Rodriguez

    I loved the music also! And actually it made me feel better when a pro picks up the cup to fast. I know that mistakes are very common!

    1. Hi, I forgot to ask a question that I’ve been wanting to for a while! I have a HUGE canvas I got from a flea market, I don’t like the painting on it, I bought itfor the canvas, do u know what or if the old paint can somehow be removed?? Also, it has areas where the paint is actually lifted up off the canvas a bit. Any input would be greatly appreciated..thank u!! Karen

  4. Well,…………since the problem with the neighbor making noise happened, and then you did not do the flip/movement the way you wanted to demonstrate—seems like you would have repeated this video to get everything exactly as you had planned. ????

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