If you’re reading this blog, if you’re on this website in general then there’s one thing that I’m certain of—you love art. Art is subjective, of course, something that we as acrylic pouring artists know probably too well. There are some very famous paintings out there that I simply don’t understand, but I can’t deny that they’re art. But I digress, and that’s not the point of this post.
Something that I love to do—other than create art—is study. And while most people might not think these things go hand in hand, I hope those people are reading this blog because studying improves everything. There are so many things we can learn from different art styles that can make you a better artist. So here are a few art styles and lessons I’ve learned from my studies!
Abstract
I know what you’re thinking, “abstract, right? Duh!” but there’s still a lot that can be learned from studying some of the greats of this source style. Because pouring is caught somewhere between acrylic painting and abstract art I’ve found it important to study its history. Abstract art is a lot more deliberate than I originally thought. A lot of the time my pours are just exercises in chaos and while that may be the feeling an abstract piece conveys there’s a lot more planning that goes with. Careful planning of color and composition are taking into account as they should be with pouring.
Surrealism
Some find surrealism a bit disturbing, but I personally find it fascinating. Dali and Kahlo, to name a few of the greats, taught me to test my own boundaries and also to trust my gut. And maybe more than anything, art is weird. There’s so much expression and emotion in the strangeness of their creations that it just makes them all the more powerful. Surrealism is a real lesson is accepting that not everyone is going to like what you create, but that doesn’t make it any less valid.
Impressionism
A lot of my personal favorites come from the impressionist movement. Some of them even look like acrylic pours! The dreamy colors that blend and become something so much bigger is what inspired me to give this crazy pouring stuff a try. What I think I love most about surrealism is the complexity of it and how it can be muted pastels, crisp and clean whites, or bold bursts of color but still maintain that uncanny imaginative look.
I am still a student of art as much as a participant of creating it, and can’t wait to see what else is coming from these experiences.
PS Koz is new to the acrylic pouring game but she’s diving right in and has no intentions of looking back! A student of the universe, there is nothing this artist loves more than learning and trying new things. Her other hobbies include reading, foreign language, and salsa dancing.
Loved your post. I love the way you think. Would love to see what you are creating
I pour abstract paintings wherein faces can be seen. Unfortunately I didn’t write down the “recipes” I used and find I now cannot reproduce other works. I actually sold two paintings (with ‘faces’) at a recent art fair so know I am on the right track to pour more. The ones I have produced lately ( I think – maybe?) that the paint mix has been too thin and runny thus I end up with yuk. Today I am deliberately going to make the paint mix thick so I can better control the flow and also use more white for open spaces. Wish me luck. Ps I have tried different mediums using glue all, Floetrol, isopropyl and commercially produced mediums as well as a drop of silicone or coconut milk and the heat torch BUT rarely, if ever, do I get ‘cells’. ????
Interesting article which I assume is aimed at pourers since it is published on this AP website. Therefore, I must correct you on one point, PS Koz. Pourers would never think: “abstract, right? Duh!” because we all know that our art is exactly that – abstract!
I am ready to unsubscribe from this as way too many ads to put up with….You didn’t used to have it like this.
ik heb ook alles geprobeerd en krijg ook haast nooit cellen. Acryl is ok met lijm en meduim maar helaas geen cellen en dat wil ik nu juist wel.
Hoe kan ik dat oplossen?
Bedankt
Claire België
Ik gebruik Coconut Milk -het lijkt niet op melk, maar het is echt een heel goed idee om dit te proberen. Ik maak ook mijn paints niet te dun als ik veel cells wil hebben. Ik hoop dat dit een beetje helpt.