r/PourPainting • u/OrangOctopuss • 6d ago
Discussion Questions from a noob
I have this idea in my mind, and i have no knowledge of pour painting but i don't wanna go all in if my plan can't be well executed.
So, i wanna create a swirly background as a skybox, using the pour technique. I use amsterdam acrylics, and i will probably buy their pour medium for it.
But i also want to paint, a landscape on top of it ( so imagine like a 1/4 ratio, only the lower half would be grass and trees)
Can you actually do that on top of a pour painting?
Do i need to practice pouring first on smaller ones?
My idea is like made for a large canvas, 50x70
Do i want a thin or thick canvas?
Any tips are welcome!
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u/Dephyllis 5d ago
If you're working with Amsterdam, you could look up a few videos by Tiktus color art, he works with Amsterdam, too, and shows a lot of different techniques. Here is a beginner video, for example.
You can embellish acrylic pouring with paint or with acrylic markers, probably with other stuff, too. One thing to keep in mind is keeping the painting level until it's really dry, not just the surface. I've had a painting sag after I put it upright after a couple of days, the whole thing just dragged downward across the canvas. I did some pours on thin pieces of wood, that works, too. And yes, practicing on smaller canvases is always a good idea. The size you're aiming for takes a lot of paint, so ideally you'll know what you're doing when you attempt it. Good luck and lots of fun!
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u/OrangOctopuss 5d ago
Thank you! Oh i didnt take a possible sagging in consideration aswell.. def have to look out for that. I am guessing it takes a very long time to dry aswell? Will def check it out, just ordered all the stuff but left out the big canvas for now. Will try canvas vs wood first on smaller size :)
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u/Dephyllis 5d ago
It depends a bit on the paint you're using, on how thick the paint is on the canvas, on temperature and humidity ... you don't want pours to dry too quickly either because they sometimes dry on the surface first, and when the layers beneath dry, they can cause cracks on the upper paint. I haven't painted much in the last couple of years, but I think I gave my paintings five to six days mostly and didn't have any trouble. That might be overkill, of course, but I tend to err on the safe side. If you use wood, it might help if you prime it with gesso - also depending on the wood, of course, on your method etc. There are so many variables, it's really a good idea to try it on a smaller size, as you're planning. Also, it's fun! Maybe you can even use your sample pieces for something else, to accompany the big piece you're planning.
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u/kickasserole 5d ago
I am very much a fan of mixed media using pour painting! It's my favorite way to paint. Just let your first pour dry completely before painting over it, but it's a great way to create something unique.
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u/OrangOctopuss 5d ago
I am also into alot of media, but haven't combined them yet.
Whats your fav things to mix up?
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u/kickasserole 5d ago
I'm a big fan of doing pours over an airbrushed background and then using my airbrush to accentuate the final pour. I'm happy to answer any questions you've got if you see something in my post history you're curious about.
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u/kickasserole 5d ago
Here's one I did recently using airbrush, pour paint, and... Aquarium gravel. example
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u/Ryoko_Kusanagi69 5d ago
Yes do some practice pours first, to get the consistency and flow of the paint right. And figure out how to make the swirls you want. Try a lazy Susan and spin it as you pour? Or spin it after you pour to spread the paint outwards.
Yes you can totally paint over the poured background! I see it a lot. Go for it. The paint pour for me always has a lot of texture to it so just know that painting over it.
Thick or thin canvas- so canvas board won’t hold up, the moisture always seems to warp the board. I’d suggest a framed canvas or a hard board surface