Elena Rossi
Creating cells in paintings is an intriguing art form that involves intricate patterns and organic shapes. Cells are formed when lower-density colours rise to the surface through higher-density colours, mimicking biological cell formations. Artists can create cells using various techniques, such as adding pouring medium, silicone oil, or Floetrol to their acrylic paint mix. The choice of additives depends on the desired cell size and the artist's preference for including silicone, which may reduce the archival quality of the artwork. Mastering the art of cell creation involves experimentation with different ratios, additives, and techniques such as swiping, tilting, and blowing to manipulate the paint and create unique patterns.
Techniques to Create Cells when Painting
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blowing technique | Gently spread the cell activator across the surface without blowing down. |
| Blowing technique tools | A flat-faced hair dryer or a dryer without an attachment. |
| Tilting technique | Tilt the panel until the design comes back to the centre. |
| Swiping technique | Swipe the painting in places or totally to get the cells to appear. |
| Spinning technique | Give the panel a couple of spins, pausing anytime to check on it. |
| Additives | Silicone oil, isopropyl alcohol, floetrol, dimethicone, and other lubricants. |
| Base layer | A thick layer of latex house paint. |
| Acrylic paint | Mix with powdered pigments and a pouring medium. |
| Pouring medium | Combine with acrylic paints. |
| Heat | Use a butane torch or a heat gun. |
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What You'll Learn
- Use additives like silicone oil or Floetrol to change paint density and create cells
- Blowing on the paint through a straw or with a hair dryer can create cells
- Using a butane torch can help control where cells are placed
- Using paints with different pigment densities can create natural cells
- Swiping the paint with a tool like a paint knife can create more cells
Use additives like silicone oil or Floetrol to change paint density and create cells
Silicone oil is a popular additive used to create cells in acrylic pour paintings. It is a predictable, neutral, durable, and easy-to-manipulate lubricant that does not affect the colour of the paint. When added to water-based paints, silicone oil helps create layers and sliding effects, resulting in the formation of cells.
To use silicone oil, it is recommended to spray it into a separate container and then add it to the paint using a dropper to avoid making a mess. You can also use treadmill silicone oil, available at local DIY stores, or pure liquid silicone oil to achieve similar results.
Another additive that can help create cells in fluid acrylic paintings is Floetrol. It is a proprietary product designed to improve paint flow for water-based paints. When used as a pouring medium with acrylic paints, Floetrol can help control the weight and texture of the paint, affecting cell formation and overall pouring effects.
Artists can experiment with different quantities of Floetrol, typically ranging from 10% to 25% of the total paint volume, to achieve the desired consistency and cell formation. However, using excessive Floetrol may thin the paint too much, affecting the desired effects, especially for techniques requiring thicker paint.
Additionally, combining Floetrol with silicone oil may interfere with cell formation, as the thinner consistency provided by Floetrol can reduce the ability of silicone to create bold, natural cells. Artists often skip Floetrol when aiming for large, defined cells and mix silicone oil directly into their paint.
To summarise, both silicone oil and Floetrol are effective additives for creating cells in fluid acrylic paintings. While silicone oil creates layers and sliding effects, Floetrol helps control the weight and texture of the paint, influencing cell formation. Artists can experiment with different quantities and combinations of these additives to achieve the desired cell effects in their paintings.
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Blowing on the paint through a straw or with a hair dryer can create cells
Blowing on paint through a straw or with a hair dryer is a popular method for creating cells when painting. This technique involves using air to move the paint and create new cell patterns. When blowing through a straw, the painter should aim to gently spread the cell activator across the surface without blowing directly downwards. This method can create intricate and random cell patterns that captivate and amaze audiences.
One recipe that works well for creating cells through blowing is a ratio of half a cup of paint to one cup of pouring medium, with a dash of water and a few drops of silicone oil. However, silicone oil is optional, and cells can be created without it. Blowing on the paint with this mixture will result in the collision of layers, forming unique and colourful cell patterns.
Another method for creating cells is by using a hair dryer. A flat-faced hair dryer, such as the Yiiho dryer, is recommended for this technique. The hair dryer is used to gently spread the cell activator across the surface, followed by using breath to spread out large, concentrated areas. This technique can be combined with using a palette knife in circular motions to add detail and create beautiful patterns.
It is important to note that the use of silicone as an additive is a debated topic in acrylic pouring. While it can create cells and bring amazing colour combinations, it may reduce the archival quality and lifespan of the artwork. It can also cause unwanted distractions and have a yellowing effect on the paint. Therefore, artists should carefully consider whether to use silicone when creating cells through blowing or other methods.
Additionally, a butane torch can be used to create cells and prevent defects in the finished piece. By lightly waving the torch over the canvas, the painter can control the application of cells and choose their desired placement. However, it is crucial to exercise caution when using a torch and follow safety precautions, such as working in a well-ventilated area and keeping the flame away from flammable substances.
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Using a butane torch can help control where cells are placed
Using a butane torch is a great way to create cells when painting. The heat from a butane torch can help manipulate the paint to create cells. This method is especially useful if you're aiming for lots of smaller cells, as it gives you more control over where the smaller cells appear in the painting.
To use this method, you need to be cautious and careful. Firstly, make sure to keep the flame away from any flammable substances and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes. Once you've applied your paint onto the canvas, lightly wave the butane torch about 5 to 6 inches above the canvas in the areas where you want the cells to appear. It is important not to hold the torch over one area for too long, as this can cause yellowing, dimples, or even damage your artwork.
A small butane kitchen torch, such as those used for making creme brulee, is perfect for this technique. You can also use a gas-powered torch that allows you to direct the flame onto your canvas. Additionally, keep in mind that the use of a butane torch is just one of several methods to create cells. Other methods include varying the density of the paint, blowing the paint, and adding silicone oil or Floetrol.
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Using paints with different pigment densities can create natural cells
Creating cells in a painting can be done in several ways, and one of the most popular methods is to use paints with different pigment densities. This technique is known as acrylic pouring, and it involves mixing and pouring paints with different densities to create unique and intricate patterns.
The key to achieving this effect lies in understanding the properties of the paints and how they interact with each other. When paints with varying pigment densities are mixed, the denser pigments will sink to the bottom, while the lighter pigments will remain on top. This creates a layered effect, with the denser colours trapped beneath the lighter ones. By using a tool like a paint knife to swipe across the surface of the paint, artists can release the trapped lighter colours and create more cells.
Additionally, additives such as pouring medium and silicone oil can be used to enhance the cell effect. The pouring medium helps to improve the flow of the paint, and when combined with silicone oil, it can create more defined and pronounced cells. However, the use of silicone is a much-debated topic, as it can reduce the archival quality and lifespan of the artwork, causing yellowing and degradation over time.
Another popular additive is Floetrol, a paint conditioner that helps reduce surface tension and promotes the formation of cells. Artists can experiment with different quantities of Floetrol, adding it to their paint and water mixture to achieve the desired consistency and cell effect.
Overall, creating cells in paintings requires a combination of understanding paint properties, using the right techniques, and experimenting with additives to achieve the desired visual outcome. By utilising paints with different pigment densities and applying the appropriate methods, artists can create captivating and intricate cell patterns in their work.
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Swiping the paint with a tool like a paint knife can create more cells
By swiping the surface of the paint with a paint knife, you can release the lighter density colours from being trapped beneath the denser colours, creating more cells. This technique is particularly effective when used in combination with certain additives, such as silicone oil or Floetrol. Silicone oil has a hydrophobic quality, which causes it to separate from the water in the paint, trapping the paint in bubbles. When the lighter density colours trapped in these bubbles rise to the top of the paint film, they retain their shape before bursting, creating beautiful and unique colourful patterns.
However, it is important to note that the use of silicone as an additive is a much-debated topic in acrylic pouring. While it can create impressive cells, it may also reduce the archival quality or lifespan of the artwork, cause yellowing, or have a degrading effect over time. If you are sensitive to chemicals, you may want to avoid using silicone.
As an alternative to silicone, you can use Floetrol, a proprietary product designed to help with paint flow for water-based paints. Floetrol works by reducing the surface tension of the paint, which can help create cells. You can add as much or as little Floetrol as you like to your paint, although adding too much may make the paint more transparent. You can also use Floetrol in combination with silicone or on its own, experimenting with different quantities to see what results you get.
In addition to using additives and tools like paint knives, you can also create cells by blowing on the paint or using a heat source like a butane torch or hair dryer. These techniques can help spread out the paint and encourage the formation of cells.
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Frequently asked questions
Cells are organic, bubble-like patterns created when different densities of paint react, adding visual interest and complexity to the artwork.
Cells can be created by using additives to change the density and mixability of paint. The most commonly used additive is silicone oil, but other products like dimethicone or treadmill lubricant can also be used.
The best way to create cells is by using a combination of different mediums such as floetrol and silicone oil to get the desired effect.
The SheleeArt Bloom Technique is a 3-step process that begins with a base layer of paint, followed by a mix of acrylic paint, pigments, and pouring medium. The final step is the Cell Activator, which creates the cells and forms large, vibrant patterns as it reacts with the paint.
Additives such as silicone oil have a hydrophobic quality, which causes them to separate from the water in the paint and form bubbles. When lighter-density colours trapped in these bubbles rise to the top, they create unique and colourful patterns.
