The brilliance of acrylic pour painting is that it is accessible to everyone. Almost any age range can get in on the fun! I host a homeschool art club for teens and tweens and one of our meetings was based around pour painting. It was amazing how seriously the teens took to the project! Here is how I introduced the topic.
First, I sat the teens/tweens down in front of a TV and played different pour compilations on YouTube from various artists. (Olga Soby, Life is Kumquat and Tiktus Art all have good compilations of pour painting in various styles. You can also watch my videos! A flip cup or dirty pour is a good overall starting point.) I asked the teens to think about which technique they wanted to do as they watched.
Next, I directed them to a work space that was covered in plastic to contain the inevitable mess. I gave them each a manageable 10 X 10 canvas and then explained that I had premixed the paint with Floetrol (a paint additive used as pouring medium) and water. (A less toxic pouring medium alternative would be Elmer’s Glue All or School Glue and water at a 60/40 ratio.) Furthermore, I asked the group to think about color combinations before they began and to remember the color wheel. (This is a teachable moment for review.). I also asked them to pick a background color, usually white or black, that would work with their paint choices if their technique required a background base.
The teens took this VERY seriously and chose some more advanced pours like the double paint kiss and the double open cup pour. They also naturally combined techniques since they felt limited by just one after seeing so many. They added blowing through straws (Dutch pour) with other techniques and even used the gold leaf I set out. I was impressed by their work as first time acrylic pour painters and their works turned out amazing. (See below.)
So if you homeschool and need an art idea or if you just want to have fun with your kids, this pour painting project is one that the whole family can do!
What you need:
Acrylic paint (Liquitex) or premixed pour paints (easiest)
Flow Medium such as Floetrol, Liquitex Pouring Medium or Elmer’s Glue and Water
Cups or bottles to put paint in
Note on mixing pour paint: Liquitex basics is mixed in a 1:3 ratio of paint to pour medium. If it is thick add more pour medium or water. The consistency should be like chocolate syrup or warm honey. Craft paints need less pour medium and more paint usually 1:1. If the paint is too thick it will will not flow well. Please see other posts for pouring ideas, materials, techniques, and explanation of pour mediums.
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