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Patience is Needed: The world of fluid art often requires patience. Allow your creations to evolve naturally, and don't rush the process. Patience not only improves the outcome but also enhances your overall artistic experience.
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Consistency in Mixing Matters: Achieving the right consistency in your paint and pouring medium mixture is crucial. Experiment with ratios of paint color to pouring medium until you find the correct thickness that when mixed together flows at the rate you need for the technique you are attempting, this thickness will vary from technique to technique because sometimes you'll want thicker paints so the colors are more separate with crisp lines (ex. ring pour technique) and some times you want thinner paints so they mix more (.ex. straight pour).
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Invest in Quality Materials: Quality materials make a significant difference. Invest in med-high-grade paints (at a minimum student grade avoid craft paints for now), pouring mediums and canvases can be on the cheaper side in the beginning but the paint is super important as the cheaper paints tend to not have much pigment (color) added to the base and they have tons of fillers, so they will react differently than better quality paints. To elevate the quality of your artwork once you have a technique mastered upgrade your paints to artist grade and also upgrade your canvas to gallery wrapped without staples showing. This investment pays off in terms of color brilliance and durability as well as looking more professional. The Frames are sturdy thick wood and very nice. No need to frame them at all.
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Understanding Color Interaction: Colors can behave differently when mixed, so take the time to understand color theory. Experiment with color combinations to predict how they'll interact on the canvas, creating harmonious and visually striking compositions. Also look into the opacity (how transparent your paint colors are) On the higher grade paints this info appears on the label with either a circle or square that's either hollow, half filled or solid filled in, this will be near the color name on most popular brands. (We can delve into this later)
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Embrace Mistakes as Opportunities: Mistakes are not failures but opportunities for learning. They are experiences that will be helpful as you go. Don't be afraid to experiment and learn from unexpected outcomes. Some of the most stunning effects in fluid art arise from spontaneous and unplanned events. Remember it's just paint and you can add layers after it's dry, even rewet or change later, so don't sweat the small stuff.
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Experiment with Pouring Techniques: Fluid art is diverse, offering various pouring techniques like the flip cup, dirty pour, and swipe. Experiment with different methods to discover your preferred style and create unique, personalized pieces. Don't be afraid to do your own thing.
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Mindful Surface Preparation: Properly prepare your painting surface. Ensure it's level and tape up the back with painter's or masking tape to protect it from drips. This makes for a nicer presentation if you decide to sell it one day in a magnificent art show. A well-prepared surface contributes to the longevity and vibrancy of your artwork.
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Protect your work space: Put down plastic (cut open a large trash bag, tape it down to table or put down parchment or foil) This makes for easier clean up later.
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Spin out to stretch design: Instead of manually stretching the paint by tilting back and forth which can muddy your colors by overmixing, consider centrifugal force where once you spin the cake spinner your design stretches evenly from the center out. This also helps with getting enough paint off the canvas so your design stays put and reduces the chance of cracking paint.
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Do not Invest in a Torch or Heat Gun: Although many will say that Incorporating a torch or heat gun can enhance your fluid art experience. It helps eliminate bubbles, encourages cell formation. (This is only true if you add oil to your paint which creates a very distinct kind of cell, think of oil and water not mixing, same thing. The heat makes the oil rise to the top like spaghetti water) Not only is the fire dangerous (yes, I am a worry wart) but it's not needed. Once you learn to mix your paints correctly for the technique you are attempting, the cells will develop naturally. No need to add a messy oil that's a pain to get rid of later and can mess with the adherence of your paints and curing and don't even think of resin or varnish covering that oil easily.
Embarking on the journey of fluid art is a thrilling adventure filled with discovery. There are no rules so try everything until you find your own style. Armed with these tips, beginners can navigate the challenges and joys of this expressive medium.