How is it made?

Acrylic pouring is based on the concept of fluid dynamics. Different paints have different densities, and when layering paints with higher densities above those with lower densities, the heavier paints on top will sink over the colors below, creating the amazing effects you see in this art medium.

I use a specific technique called Shelee Style, named after the founder of the style, Shelee Carruthers. Her techniques utilize a combination of acrylic house paints, varnishes, and paints/pigments, layered with three specific parts:

• a pillow, or bottom layer of plain paint that exists to help move the layers of pigment on top;

• a pigment/paint layer, on top of the pillow;

• and a top layer, called a cell activator, which is what sinks over the pigments to create the amazing shapes we call “cells”

Shelee’s style of acrylic pouring art is created by moving the cell activator over the pigments/paints. The manipulation of the cell activator and the specific way it is moved is determined by the effect the artist would like to make.

Within this technique there are different styles. I almost exclusively use the “bloom” style, but also sometimes like to add “swipes” and “pseudo swipes”. I will update the journal to thoroughly show the differences in these types of styles and the effects they make.

A bloom layered with white pillow paint, several layers of pigments and paints, and a black cell activator. This is a ceramic tile measuring approx. 6" across.

The same bloom after blowing the cell activator over the paint below. As the black is the heaviest of the colors here, it sinks through the lighter colors to create cells.

This webpage is a great resource to learn more about the history and science of this art form. Take a look to learn more!

https://www.fluidartprojects.com/the-science-behind-acrylic-flow-painting/