Fluid Art - Intermediate Level

Hello Everybody,

Lot of attention being given to mixed media art these days, There are lot variants in it, Fluid art is among them Earlier i have posted basic Fluid art technique that are beginner friendly, here demonstrating intermediate techniques which i learnt. So let's get started !!

Step 1: Art Supplies

1) Canvas - 8" x 10 " - 2 nos

2) Few pre cut Mdf bases approx 4 - 5 inches

3) Acrylic colours - As per your requirement

4) Pouring Medium

5) Butane torch

6) Silicone oil (for creating cells)

7) Few paper cup and stirrers

8) Happy face :) for trying something new

Step 2: Acrylic Colour Consistency

Really need to put it out there, different colours even though acrylic fluid colours might have different consistency level, Hence it has to be bought to pouring level as shown in gif. This consistency can be achieved by adding Pouring medium. This consistency plays a major role in creating art pieces. will give sample at last for this.

Step 3: Cell Serum

Add few drops lets say 3-4 drops for 50 ml of fluid acrylic, silicone oil is the best for creating cells in your artwork.

Step 4: Base Coat

Always base coat your canvas or any form of base medium, so it aids easy movement of your poured acrylic colours.

Step 5: Flower Technique

For this technique cut the bottom of a bottle which has wavy curves like below, i had used a bottom of bottle with five flowing. So it will be similar to a flower with five petals, This seems easy but you should be careful while adding each colours alternately, as almost they should be equal, then only the final result appealing. As you keep adding colours at center obviously the earlier poured colours drips down evenly on five sides.

Step 6: Adding Layers

I have added five sets like, yellow, orange, Teal and red and repeated the pattern for five times. this repetation pattern is purely based on the size of the canvas you are usually. Finally poured little white as finishing touch. Once done gently remove the cup without distortion to avoid disturbing pattern. 2nd image is after taking out the cup. Empty center part with five petals, once you take the fluid will slightly moves towards center too..

So after a minute or two, put a tissue paper or cotton paper, it will look like image 3, now take it out by meeting the four edges of paper so the colours get merged at center forming flower.

Tada, your flower is ready.

Pro tip: Use round shape canvas for this style as it will be having less blank space on the sides

Step 7: Torch It

Now the magic happens as first and last of colour , yellow and red had silicone oil in them. once you torch it cells starts to appear.

First round of torching - First image

Second round of torching after few secs- Secong image

Step 8: Flower Technique in Flower Shaped Base

Even though i liked the result of previous, i felt it had more blank space in sides. So decided to do in smaller size like 5 inch base. This time with same bottle at center but different colours too. Started with Purple, Blue, Teal and white and repeated one more time. i.e., total two times.

This is pour white colour had the silicone oil in it.

Step 9: Flower Power

Similar to first one, put a tissue of cloth and gently remove it by holding four corners, and torch, This time i was able to take video of it.

Its ready

Step 10: Swipe Technique

Second Technique is also fun yet a tricky one. For this preferred shape is rectangle.

Cover 33 percent area some base colour either white or black (not mandatory) but its adds some extra essence of beauty in final result.

Step 11: Multi Colour

Since it added black on right side. My left side shall be white colour with silicone oil. Start lining up your vibrant colours as vertical stripes. I have gone in the pattern by Lavender, Blue, Teal, red, orange and yellow and almost all in equal width ( I said almost :P ) as mine is not perfect. Once you poured up strips slow and steady without overlapping. Fill the inbetween gaps using the stirrer. So its fuller and no small empty space left in between

Step 12: Swipe

As in the technique name, now is the part which determines finish of your art. Take a sturdy piece of sheet or cardboard and swipe from left to right, i.e., from white (which has silicone oil) towards black.

It will scare you little bit as it be just like mixing of colours. But once you torch it you'll see the beauty reveal.

Cells will be created revealing the colours in each section. Left sided was more white, so i tilted the canvas little to cover the area with colour, this is not part of technique you can leave as such also, but i did so that bottom also has its colours. Be very careful while doing this, as there is chance of your cell beauty getting disturbed. Do it little tilt, do not over do it. As you can the difference of cell size between image 2 and image 4

Step 13: Detailing

Finally I'm in love with this piece, as it very beautiful in my opinion, is it only me or you also see a peacock in this. if yes do mention it in comment section

Step 14: Thank You

Thank you for coming this far, hope you liked this instructable.

For trail you can start with small size bases to save paint, as these techniques requires lit bit of practice and patience to achieve the result you desire.

Kindly share your suggestions and thoughts in comment section.

see you on my next Instructable

Adios !!