The editors at AcrylicPouring.com asked if I would consider participating in their bimonthly painting swap and make a video about it. (Registration for the June swap is open until May 31.)
The idea of making a painting for a person I’d never met sounded fun, but it was also a little intimidating. What if the person I swapped with didn’t like my painting? What if I got a really bad cold and didn’t have time to make a painting to swap? What if? What if?
I quickly realized I was being a little silly and I could “What if” forever. The swap is simple, fun and easy. So I stepped up and hit the “Register” button.
Supplies I Used
- Paint by Apple Barrel in 4 colors: Bright Blue, Black, Teal Treat, and White.
- Emerald Green paint by Folk Art
- Silicone—Spot On TreadMill belt lubricant
- Zinsser Paint Booster (a.k.a., Zinsser Flow Control Additive)
- Water (In Atlanta, I use the water right out of the faucet, but you may need to use bottled water.)
- 10×10 inch canvas
The idea is simple: You sign up with the guys at Acrylic Pouring, you send them five bucks, and they send you the name and address of another person who likes to pour. Then you each make a painting for the other person and mail it. Easy peasy!
I may be oversimplifying things a bit, but it really wasn’t difficult to do. And I have to admit, it was fun getting a big envelope in the mail containing an original painting from another lover of acrylic pouring.
Basically, after hitting “Register,” you click on a link that takes you to PayPal, where you make a $5 payment. After that, you are directed to another screen where you enter your mailing address and your preferences for paintings—for me, I said that I love blue and turquoise and really don’t like neon.
A few days later you get an email from the AP folks that has the name of your swap buddy, their address, and their preferences. From there you can be as chatty as you like—email your swap buddy and let them know that you have their contact information and you’ll be starting on their painting soon.
My swap buddy was really nice, and it turns out we both love blues and turquoise. With that in mind, she made me a beautiful painting that now hangs proudly in my studio. Below is a photo of the painting my swap partner made for me. I love it!
The total cost of the swap was about 10 dollars for me ($5 to join and $5 to mail my painting). It was definitely worth the money. Not only did I get to share my art with someone else, but I also got an envelope in the mail that wasn’t a bill—it was a beautiful painting! So there is no need to hesitate or be nervous. Just hit the button and join the next swap!
Here is the painting I made for my swap partner:
I cover all this in the video, but below is the general swap information from Acrylic Pouring:
JUNE 2018 swap details
WHAT/SIZE: Every participant will make, send and receive a small painting as part of the swap. We suggest commonly available canvas sizes such as 8 x 10 inch or 10 x 10 inches, on a stretched canvas. The style is makers choice and can be anything that displays your creative point of view, but should it be an acrylic pouring style painting. It is encouraged that you take your swap partner’s preferences into account if they have given colors that they like or don’t like.
WHEN: Sign Ups start NOW and will close on May 31, 2018.
WHERE: Everywhere! This swap is open to everyone. Each participant will be paired with a partner in their general area to keep shipping costs low. For those not in the US, we will do our best to match you with a painter in your own country. If you are willing to ship internationally you can say so when you sign up.
WHO: All acrylic pour painters are welcome! Please remember when joining any swap, your partner may have a different skill level. We offer helpful hints, technique-based tutorials, and videos to help you succeed.
Because of our community atmosphere, you are able to get help and ask questions along the way via the Facebook group.
PRICE: $5 per SWAP
And here’s how it will work:
The June Swap is open for sign ups until May 31, 2018. Once signed up, you will be directed to a quick questionnaire to help us pair you with the perfect painting buddy. Then it’s time for us to get to work partnering you with the perfect swap partner.
While waiting for your swap partner’s information, you can start to gather your materials and consider the style of painting you will make for your partner. Swap partner information will be emailed by June 1, 2018. It is encouraged that you reach out to your partner after receiving their information to find out more “fun facts” about them.
All paintings are to be mailed by June 30, 2018.
Remember to take pride in your work by doing your best work, and finishing and presenting your painting nicely. Also, please think about how the person receiving this special package will feel when opening.
Including a small treat or a notecard, is totally encouraged and will be much appreciated by your partner! After the swap, each participant is invited to share what they have received/exchanged on our community page for all to enjoy.
Why should you be part of the painting swap?
Who doesn’t love a handmade gift?! By joining the Swap, you will not only be exchanging paintings but you will be partnered with a painting buddy who shares your passion and understands your need for more paint and the joys of creating with color. Basically, someone who “gets it”!
We welcome you to join our Facebook group, where you can upload pictures, ask questions, and meet other members. You can also share your work over on Instagram. We’ll be using the hashtag #acrylicpouring. You can follow us on Instagram here.
Come join the fun with our Acrylic Pouring Painting Swap!
Still have a few questions? Check out our Swap FAQ’s page here.
Steve Shaw is an artist and teacher living in Atlanta, Georgia. His days are spent in the classroom teaching his students the basics of art and self-expression. In the evenings and weekends, he paints. Steve has shown his work in several galleries in the Southeast and has illustrated three children’s books. Recently Steve has discovered acrylic pour painting and is putting all his other projects on hold while he journeys down this artistic road.
To see more, follow him on Instagram, visit his website, watch his videos on his YouTube Channel and purchase his paintings at Etsy.com.