Hi everyone, thanks for tuning in for my newest blog!
I’ve been working on something new to me where you blow your paints outward using full force. I love the look of this project , it is an abstract flower. You can leave it as is when you’re done or you can add a stem and leaves if you wish. Of course, it’s up to you and what suits your tastes!
Supplies I Used:
- Acrylic paint in white and five colors of your choice
- 11×14 canvas
- Aluminum tray
Let’s Get Started!
Okay, let’s get your old sweatshirt or apron on! I always cover up with an old sweatshirt, after a few years of covering my clothes with paint I always leave my sweatshirt in my paint area and it goes on every time. For this project you may also want to pull your hair back if you have long hair. Choose all your favorite colors and mix a lot of your white again. Get that white really mixed up good and keep thinning with your water. You’re not going to use a ton of color so just drop quarter size colors in your cup maybe five colors.
Grab a canvas, I used 11×14 size canvas, make sure it’s set level. I like to set cups up in an aluminum tray and set my canvas on that so the drippings will end up in the tray. Also make sure other paintings are moved away for this project, you’re going to be blowing paint and you don’t want to blow paint onto your other work!
Get Pouring
Now, pour a puddle of white in the center of your canvas around the size of a tennis ball or a little bigger. Next, take your five colors in your layers of color cup and pour that in the center, let’s say the size of a golf ball. If you want the colors to spread you can pour them in a bit of a circular motion. Pour a white drop in the center of your colors and flood the whole outside of your canvas with white. You can use your finger or a brush to cover the sides of your canvas at this step.
Next, you are going to blow through your mouth as hard as you can. Fast ,almost like a sneeze or blowing out birthday candles! I pick up my canvas and put my ear towards the canvas so I can get as close as I can because you’re going to blow outwards from the center white drop. You’re going to try to blow that white outwards over some of the color and you may have to blow that spot twice. Remember, you’re not blowing down your going to blow outwards towards the edge of your canvas. If you have a hard time or feel like you’re going to pass out take a few breaths between each attempt.
Finishing Touches
If you do this right you will only need about eight hard breaths. I do take breaks in between, no big rush! If your paints are not moving they are probably too thick. If you love the look you can then lightly torch your painting to pop the air bubbles and create cells. Don’t get your torch too close or use it too much or your paints will burn and crack. Also for safety make sure your torch is completely turned off, turn it off really tight! 
Now, If you want your flower to stretch out you can tilt your canvas to get the look you like and make sure you have a good flat level surface for drying. If you don’t like the look just scrape the paint off and retry. I’d rather waste the paint than a canvas! And don’t feel it’s bad if mistakes happen. I learn from my mistakes all the time! No big deal, just keep trying.
I hope you enjoy learning a new technique and have fun painting, thanks again for visiting me!
FAQ’s about Air Manipulation
1.What is air manipulation in acrylic pouring?
Air manipulation involves using air movement, like blowing, to manipulate the flow and mix of the paints.
2.Is a specific type of paint required for air manipulation?
Fluid acrylics or thinned down acrylic paints are usually used for this technique as they flow easily.
3.Can I use a hairdryer for air manipulation?
Yes, a hairdryer can be a great tool for creating interesting effects with air manipulation.
4.How do I create a flower pattern using air manipulation?
By carefully directing the flow of air, you can manipulate the paint to form petal-like patterns.
5. Is it easier to manipulate thinner or thicker paint?
Thinner paint is generally easier to manipulate using air.
6. Can I manipulate paint on a dry canvas?
Yes, but manipulating paint on a wet canvas can create more interesting effects.
I saw an acrylic pouring painting on the internet and couldn’t stop thinking about it. I was in awe, I could hardly wait to buy the supplies and give it a try. I have loved learning this technique of painting. I love the bright colors and seeing how colors mix. Its a surprise every time.