The Ultimate Fluid Pouring & Painting Project Book: Inspiration and Techniques for Using Alcohol Inks, Acrylics, Resin, and More

By Jane Monteith

Discover and master theses fun, creative, and colorful methods with ten projects, including paintings, vases, mugs, cheeseboards, and more.

Fluid pouring and painting can result in beautiful, organic, and abstract designs that can be captured on special papers, canvas and board substrates, used to make gorgeous lampshades, poured into molds or dishes to create coasters, geodes, and agate slices, and can even be formed into vases, vessels, and bowls. Join mixed-media artist and international instructor Jane Monteith, a master of the fluid artforms and creator of the stunningly beautiful and popular paintings called MOD Minis, in this wildly popular new art form.

For both novice and experienced artists, this expressive book shares detailed, comprehensive techniques for working with high flow inks and acrylic paints. The Ultimate Fluid Pouring & Painting Project Book guides you through a variety of different fluid projects, from fluid-painted collage to resin-poured paints on different substrates. You will:

• Learn to use various tools and solutions to create beautiful colors and textures on paper.
• Learn how to work with resin and avoid common mistakes to produce a flawless finish.
• Gain an understanding of basic color theory and which color combinations go hand in hand to create elegant designs.
• Become knowledgeable on what types of products to use to create various effects.
• Understand how to seal and protect your work for years to come.

With these creative projects, you’ll be making your own beautiful fluid artwork in no time!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Nov 19, 2019
• ISBN: 9781631597640

Book preview

The Ultimate Fluid Pouring & Painting Project Book

THE ULTIMATE

Fluid Pouring & Painting

PROJECT BOOK

Inspiration and Techniques for Using Alcohol Inks, Acrylics, Resin, and More

Create Colorful Paintings, Resin Coasters, Agate Slices, Vases, Vessels & More

Jane Monteith

CONTENTS

An Invitation to Create

INTRODUCTION

What Is Fluid Art?

About Color

About Alcohol Inks

PROJECT 1

Alcohol Ink Abstract Paintings in Three Styles

PROJECT 2

Alcohol Ink and Resin Petri Molds

PROJECT 3

MOD Mini Alcohol Ink and Resin Collage

PROJECT 4

Alcohol Ink Double-Sided Lampshade

PROJECT 5

Geode/Agate Slice Coasters

PROJECT 6

Alcohol Ink Ceramic Coasters with Two Techniques

PROJECT 7

Fluid Ceramic Vessel and Mug with Two Techniques

PROJECT 8

Resin Pour Cheeseboards in Two Styles

PROJECT 9

Resin Vase

PROJECT 10

Acrylic Pours in Three Styles

PROJECT 11

Geode Resin Painting

PROJECT 12

Paper Marbling with Alcohol Ink

Resin FAQ/Troubleshooting

Resource Guide

Closing Remarks

About the Author

Acknowledgments

Index

AN INVITATION TO CREATE

I have been in love with art, creativity, and color for as long as I can remember. I immigrated from England to Canada when I was ten years old. Growing up, I incorporated creativity into all aspects of my life, but I didn’t truly begin exploring art as a paying career until my mid-thirties. I always believed an office job would be where I would stay.

Yet something or someone was always trying to pull me into a creative path and when a small window of opportunity opened, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue painting as a means of making a living. I started my own business and traveled around my province of Ontario, painting mascots and logos on vinyl crash mats in public and high school gyms with highly pigmented screening inks. I did this for more than a decade until I grew tired of the traveling and wished for a change.

As a self-taught artist, I began immersing myself in all forms of art, exploring new art mediums and experimenting with new techniques. It was at this time that I first stumbled across alcohol inks. They were the first fluid medium that I fell for. I loved the vibrant color and saturation of alcohol inks, because they reminded me of the bold colors of screening inks. It was then that I knew I had found my true love and I decided to passionately pursue everything fluid art had to offer. Since then, I’ve shared my love of fluid art with thousands through social media and my online art courses. This book walks you through some of my favorite fluid art projects, which I know will become your favorites too.

WE WERE BORN TO BE CREATIVE!

I believe that all of us are creative. Some of us just haven’t found the key to unlocking what creativity can offer. I believe it to be an important part of life, just like good nutrition and exercise are essential for overall well-being. When people incorporate creativity into their lives, good things happen. You begin to use another side of your brain that assists in other aspects of your daily routine. Creative activities can help reduce stress by putting your mind at ease, allowing you to think analytically (and visually) and make better decisions. Creativity can take us to a state of joy, help us express emotions, build confidence, and release hormones that make us happy. Exercising your sense of creativity can take you away to another world, where you leave behind the daily grind of work, negativity, and pressure. It is something everyone should explore. Fluid art is just one way you can begin exercising your creative muscle, all while creating some beautiful art along the way! So, carve out some time for yourself, won’t you? You won’t regret it. I can’t wait for you to get started.

—Jane

YOU CAN’T USE UP CREATIVITY. THE MORE YOU USE, THE MORE YOU HAVE. —Maya Angelou

INTRODUCTION

You’ve picked up this book, perhaps out of curiosity, the desire to learn a new art medium or new techniques, or just for some plain old fun. I’m so excited that you did! The projects and tips you’ll find on the following pages will satisfy all those things. This book is the ultimate guide dedicated to the art of fluid pouring and painting. It is an art form that has exploded over the past several years for reasons you’ll come to understand as you explore the pages of this book. And because, well, it’s so addictive! Many people fall in love with the colors, vibrancy, and random beauty that can be achieved with fluid art.

Different products and tools can be used to create beautiful paintings and décor in a variety of styles. In this book you will find inspiring photos, step-by-step project techniques and instruction, and tips to help you create satisfying art that you will want to keep and display or give to your family and friends. These projects are ideal for beginners or longtime practicing artists. No prerequisites are needed. You don’t need an art degree, tons of experience creating art, or knowledge about the art world in order to begin. All you need is some patience and the willingness to learn. You’ll be having too much fun to even realize you’re learning a new art form.

BEFORE WE BEGIN…

Before diving into the projects, I would like to share a few things about what you can expect to find in this book. Aside from pure inspiration, I share many resources, tips, tricks, and suggestions.

While creating is fun, there can sometimes be an element of frustration that can leave you wondering what you did wrong. I often get requests through my Instagram account from people who want to fix an issue or know why it happened in the first place. There are many common problems that can occur, so I have included a resin troubleshooting section to help you prevent or remedy these issues.

After testing and experimenting with a lot of products, I have come to rely on specific brands that I trust to consistently provide great results. These brands may or may not be accessible to you, depending on where you live. Fortunately, there are numerous other products on the market that do the same thing and I do my best to list alternative materials for each project. To ensure you find exactly what you need, I’ve included a resource list at the back of the book.

Lastly, I would like to point out that some of the materials and products used in this book should only be used in a well-ventilated area. Wearing a mask and gloves, especially if you’re prone to allergies