Creating a Lava Flow With Acrylic Pouring

Last week I created a painting that reminded me of some pretty cool rocks and that gave me inspiration to build on what I already had. I’ve never re-poured on a canvas before, not even on one that I wasn’t super fond of, let alone one that I really loved. I was taking a real chance with this experiment.

I wanted to fill the white space from that last pour but I didn’t have enough of what I’d used before to clean it up, plus I wanted to make sure I wasn’t covering up the rings I’d managed on my first try. While the rings reminds me of copper, the black and grey swirls really reminded me of a cooled lava flow, when rock and ash are starting to settle. So what I wound up doing was playing off of that simple thought: liquid fire.

Supplies I Used:

• Folk Art in antique gold and rose gold

• Americana acrylic paint in alizarin crimson

• Plastic cups and straws

I wanted to keep that metallic theme with this follow up pour so it didn’t end up going flat. I dug up an old bottle of gold paint that had the strangest look to it, almost green in places, like it had oxidized from sitting for too long. I mixed my red with my rose gold so there would be sparkle everywhere and I didn’t mix it fully because I liked the way it swirled in the cup so much.

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I thought of doing this with a swipe but because of the borders of the first pour and my recent obsession I decided to go with more tree rings. I figured even if I do completely mess this one up I’ll at least have gotten some technique practice in! I loved the way my tiny puddle rings turned out, especially how different they all were. The old gold (the label is really worn down so unfortunately I don’t have a brand for you all, sorry!) had a really neat effect on everything that was going on, it was giving some really interesting and unexpected depth to the colors.

I wasn’t very invested in keeping the integrity of the rings intact this time so after a moment I started to tilt to cover the white up. Some of the red and gold started to go muddy, but because  this is a nature inspired piece I was actually glad to have some brown in the mix. Looking back now I might have outlined the old painting with more of that metallic to create a more gradual gradient but I do love the way the red pops against the rings. And maybe I would have added a bit of orange just for more of a magma feel, but there’s always room for improvement, next time!

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The juxtaposition of the colors is just what I wanted, it felt very much like a nature scene. Colors that you wouldn’t totally expect living together in one place and creating something truly interesting to behold. I am also interested in using this gold more in the future, it really put a sparkle in my eye.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lava Flow With Acrylic Pouring

1. What is the ‘lava flow’ technique in acrylic pouring?

 The ‘lava flow’ technique involves using specific colors and pouring techniques to create patterns and designs that resemble flowing lava.

2. Can I use silicone oil in this technique?

 Yes, silicone oil can be used to create cells and enhance the lava-like effect.

3. How can I achieve vibrant colors in a lava flow pour?

 Using highly pigmented paints and avoiding overmixing can help maintain color vibrancy.

4. Can I manipulate the flow after pouring?

 Yes, tilting the canvas or using a palette knife can help in manipulating the patterns.

5. How to seal a lava flow painting?

Using a clear, UV-resistant sealant is recommended to protect the artwork.

6.  How long does a lava flow pour take to dry?

 Depending on the thickness, it typically takes between 24 to 72 hours to dry completely.

7. Can beginners try the lava flow technique?

A7: Absolutely, beginners can experiment and practice this technique to achieve desired results.