Acrylic pouring:

I tried acrylic pouring for the first time, I asked my course mate to show me how to do this process and learned that by mixing one part acrylic paint and two parts PVA glue,  then adding water I am able to create a very runny and liquid acrylic pouring mixture. I also added silicone oil to the mixture to add more texture to the final work. For my first attempt I use a combination of Ultramarine and Cobalt blue, Purple and Teal. I then layered each colour into a paper cup and flipped it upside down onto a piece of water colour paper, I moved the paper around and even used a hairdryer to manipulate the paint around the paper before it got too dry. I really enjoyed this process, it was messy but fun and felt unorthodox and free compared to the more traditional processes such as painting and drawing. 

I think that the outcome for this first image is good, however, one thing that I would change are the colours that I used. Even though, once dry the colours and lines became more obvious I found the colours to be too similar to easily differentiate form each other. Despite this I do still like this first attempt, the lines and curves of the paint a smooth and fluid. They create motion and depth within the work along with the deep purples and blues. When I look at this image I am reminded of a galaxy and deep space, the paints swirling around each other seem almost etherial and I believe that this creates an otherworldly atmosphere within the work and although the scale oft the physical work is on the smaller side I think that the piece had a depth to it that seems to go forever. 

In terms of strengths, I think that the use of silicone oil had been successful within this image. The oil has created the cells that seem to spread and separate themselves from the rest of the work which I believe enhances the composition of the piece, it adds a new element to perceive and created a contrast to the smooth flowing lines. I also think that the technique of using a hairdryer to manipulate the paint has been successful. I have managed to create an even spread of paint over the entirety of the paper. 

For my second attempt I decide to learn from my mistakes and I used contrasting colours, pink, navy and teal. I also added more of each colour to every layer in the cup, this was very successful and the pour produced thicker blocks of colours that swirled and merged but were different to each other. I believe that the tones this time were less like a far away galaxy and far brighter and bolder. Where the first image was subtle this one is bold. The colours stand out and they're enticing, the striking pale teal clashes with the pink to create contrast and I just love how the how the lines within this work wiggle around and seems to have a mind of their own. When I look at this image I think that the pinks that have been used add a childlike element to the work, it feels like I'm looking at a 'potion' that I would have tried to make out of shampoos and conditioners when I was little. It's fun and lighthearted. One weakness I would consider for this piece would be th fact that the paint doesn't fully cover the paper. I didn't;t add enough paint for this pour and that's something that I would do differently in the future. 

I think that these experiments have been successful, I have learnt more about colour theory and how to combine complimentary ones and I would like to try out some more acrylic pouring in the future.