After the unexpected success of my last pour with the Apple Barrel paints and the Sargent Art Acrylic Gloss, I needed to test out my new formula and see if it would work with other brands of paint too. Today, I’m trying the Artist’s Loft paints from Michaels.
In this painting I used:
- Artist’s Loft in Turquoise, Brilliant Magenta and Metallic Purple
- Sargent Art Acrylic Gloss as a pouring medium
- 99% alcohol
- Some Art Alternatives Gold I already had mixed from a previous pour, containing Floetrol
My recipe was paint, plus the pouring medium at about 25-30% of the volume of the paint used, 99% alcohol as needed to thin the paint to the right consistency. The purple was much thinner out of the tube and didn’t need to be thinned much at all. The other too were much thicker and I added around 2ml of alcohol to each one to get them thin enough to pour. Let’s take a look and see what happened –>
Well, wasn’t that different? Absolutely nothing like the last coffee-colored pour that I did. No cells, but did you see the way those paints broke apart and sat on top of each other like little pieces of metallic leaf? OK I could understand that of the purple which was a metallic, but even the turquoise and magenta gave similar effects. Combined with the gold, it really is a stunning combination of colors and this goes right to the top of my favorite ever paintings even though it doesn’t have any cells at all.
So now I need to experiment further. Why did this recipe give awesome cells with Apple Barrel and no cells at all and an entirely different effect with Artists Loft paints? What if I tried another brand. Tomorrow, I’ll be trying this same combo but with Liquitex Basics. Stay tuned – cells or no cells. What do you think?
As usual, you can check out the slideshow for more pictures of this painting, both wet and dry, and closeups of all those shiny metallic details. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Artist Loft Acrylic Pouring
1. What is the magic formula being tested in the article?
The magic formula refers to a specific mix of ingredients used in acrylic pouring to achieve optimal flow and effect.
2. Is Artist’s Loft paint suitable for beginners?
Yes, Artist’s Loft is a budget-friendly option that is suitable for artists at all levels.
3. Can I modify the magic formula?
Yes, artists often modify formulas based on their preference and the desired outcome.
4. How long does Artist’s Loft paint take to dry?
It can vary but typically takes between 24 to 72 hours to dry fully.
5. Can I mix Artist’s Loft paint with other brands?
Yes, it can generally be mixed with other brands of acrylic paint.
6. Do I need to use a pouring medium with Artist’s Loft paint?
A pouring medium can help achieve a better consistency and flow.
7. How do I prevent cracks from forming as the paint dries?
Ensuring the paint is not too thick and is evenly spread can help prevent cracking.
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.
Great info!