CREATE CELLS WITH SILICONE OIL
Acrylic pouring is a painting technique that has gained increasing popularity in recent years, thanks to its ability to generate spectacular and unique abstract effects.
This technique involves pouring diluted acrylic paints onto a surface (such as a canvas) and manipulating them to create fluid and intricate designs.
Among the different variations of this technique, one of the most fascinating, especially for those approaching this type of art, is the one that involves the use of silicone oil to create the so-called "cells".
MADE WITH THE 'FLIP CUP' TECHNIQUE
What is Acrylic Pouring?
Acrylic pouring is based on the fluidity of acrylic colors. These are mixed with a medium, such as pouring medium, which reduces their viscosity without compromising color saturation.
Once the desired consistency is achieved, the colors are poured onto the canvas, and through various manipulation methods (like tilting the canvas or using tools to "blow" the paint), fascinating abstract designs are formed.
The most intriguing aspect of this technique is its unpredictability: each artwork is unique and unrepeatable. However, although the final result is partly dictated by chance, there are specific techniques to achieve certain effects, such as creating cells.
The Importance of Cells in Acrylic Pouring
Cells are small circular or oval areas that naturally form when different acrylic colors, of different densities, interact with each other.
These structures resemble bubbles or cells, and they contribute to giving depth and visual interest to the artwork.
The use of silicone oil helps in cell formation.
This material has the ability to create a "separation" effect between the acrylic colors, generating the typical circular structures seen in acrylic pouring artworks.
As anticipated, there are different types of cells and not all of them are created using silicone, but rather through the reaction of specific products and colors such as in the pearl pour technique (we will discuss these cells in another article).
How to Use Silicone Oil to Create Perfect Cells
Choice of Materials: Before starting, it is important to have the right materials available. In addition to acrylic colors and pouring medium, silicone oil is essential.
There are various types of silicone oil, but the liquid form is the most used for acrylic pouring.
My advice is to use a silicone oil specifically designed for acrylic pouring which, thanks to its characteristics such as purity (not being a natural oil, it does not degrade), consistency, and ease of application, will guarantee the creation of always perfect cells.
Let's see some of them:
Efco Silicone Oil
My favorite! Easy-to-use applicator and excellent results.
You can purchase it here:
https://amzn.to/4gbD2kM
Silicone Oil Pebeo
Perfect for beginners! Adding this oil to colors is extremely easy thanks to its dropper applicator... and the price is super competitive!
You can purchase it here:
https://amzn.to/47fy2Yh
GOYA Silicone Oil
It is slightly denser than others and creates perfect cells!
You can purchase it here:
https://amzn.to/3MvEAbF
Silicone Oil Mont Marte
Easy-to-use applicator and optimal results. It's a bit more expensive compared to others.
You can purchase it here:
https://amzn.to/3XvTy83
Adding silicone oil to the colors:
After mixing the acrylic colors with the chosen pouring medium and obtaining a fluid and uniform consistency suitable for the chosen technique, you can proceed with adding the silicone oil.
It is important not to overdo it: normally, 2-3 drops per color are sufficient.
My rule is: 1 drop for every 50 ml of color
This dosage is more than enough and will ensure the appearance of hundreds of cells.
After pouring the paint, tilt the canvas in different directions to allow the paint to spread and mix. This movement helps to reveal and expand the cells created by the silicone oil.
Techniques for creating cells with silicone:
There are several methods for pouring paint on the canvas, including the "dirty pour" (where all colors are mixed in a single container and then poured together) or the "flip cup" (where the paint is poured into a cup that is then flipped onto the canvas). During this phase, the silicone oil starts to separate the colors, forming cells.
Watch the Tutorial FLIP CUP:
Another very easy technique that allows you to obtain many cells is the "swipe" technique, where one color is dragged over the others creating a sort of lattice.
Watch the SWIPE Tutorial
There are many other techniques for creating cells with silicone, such as the beautiful “chameleon” technique, where silicone oil is not added to the colors but is instead applied to the color after it has been spread on the canvas, using a toothpick or other tools such as a comb.
This way, the cells are placed exactly where you want them to be.
Acrylic pouring is a technique that offers endless creative possibilities. The use of silicone oil to create cells adds an additional level of complexity and beauty to the final work, making it unique and captivating. With a little practice and experimentation, you can achieve surprising results that capture attention and stimulate the imagination.
If you are an artist or a fan of abstract art, acrylic pouring with silicone oil is definitely a technique to try. Not only will it allow you to express your creativity freely and spontaneously, but it will also surprise you with its unexpected and wonderful effects.
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