When I started in 2017 there were around half a dozen methods, these days there's over 90, and more get made all the time. Experimenting is part of this Art form, and what makes it fun!
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Choose something simple to start with and practice until you feel confident, then expand. I started with flip cups and dirty pours, and still encourage people to do those as a good place to start.
- You don't need additives to start, but do need a medium. A medium could be glue and water, floetrol, flow medium or pouring medium. There's a range for a variety of budgets and methods. Some people use just water, but that depends on the quality of the paint, most paint likes to "hold hands" with something or it falls apart, and that's where using a medium helps.
Consistency is key!
No matter what you are using, the consistency of your mix makes that painting work. Many usually aim for "melted ice cream/ melted honey". This differs with different methods. Due to the heat where I live in Brisbane Australia, I usually have a slightly thicker mix as I've had paintings keep moving and the pattern literally falls off the canvas overnight if it's too thin.
Additives create different effects. You can try silicone, dimethicone, rainex, dish soap, treadmill oil, wd-40, witch hazel, bubble blowing mix and more.
Heat for cells. To get extra cells heat can help. Options include torches, hair dryers and heat guns. Do your research, keep flame extinguishers nearby and ventilate well for possible toxins.
The quality of paint and your environment also have a factor. Paint with higher pigment (Artist and Professional quality) is more expensive and has a different density, providing different results. My recommendation is don't go "too" cheap as the paint can fall apart.
Waste. Don’t tip your leftover paints down the sink, store them for later use, make another painting, dip rocks into it, or let it dry to be used as paint skins. If you were to pour it down the sink it can impact both the environment and your plumbing.
Dry isn't cured. Dry can be anywhere from a few days to a week depending on your environment. Curing can take 3-4 weeks, dry is touch dry and moveable, cured is dry and hardened from the top surface right through to what you have painted on.
Finishing is up to you. You can use spray, varnish, resin or nothing. Please check safety requirements of whatever you use and use respirators and ventilate well, your safety matters.
I do regular lives on my Facebook page if you want to see what I get up to Magenta Quinn - Artist
Let’s have fun!
Magenta Quinn - Artist. BFA