_PNG.png){kind=small}
‘Happy are the painters, for they shall not be lonely. Light and color, peace, and hope, will keep them company to the end of the day.’
- Winston Churchill
If you’re thinking of adding more action to your art projects, you can be the magician drawing cards or doves out of thin air!! Any aspiring artist, new to the world of art and looking for a fun, ‘happy-go-lucky’ way to express creativity can start with being a little careless and carefree at the same time.
How about pouring paint on the canvas like a prankster and let it doodle artistically! Have you ever thought something like abstract puddle art existed on earth? It can be amazing! This vibrant and free-flowing abstract art form is all about letting colors blend and flow naturally, creating unique and unpredictable patterns. Best of all, to get started you don’t need expensive materials, and there are no mistakes—only happy accidents (courtesy, Bob Ross)!
‘We don’t make mistakes; we have happy accidents.’ – Bob Ross
But you can hardly keep the skeptics at bay—the people who aren’t so convinced of this puddle doodle thing. They will look at the puddle art and think, "This is nothing but a random mess. Let the next-door kid do that with a dab of paints!" They don’t see your artsy abstract painting ideas behind the bizarre art and might feel like the painting is trying too hard to be something extraordinary! There is a huge gap between the way a kid would make the paints run on canvas and an artist’s idea of doing something mindful yet magical hiding in the doodle! This blog will let you learn all great things about this innovative puddle abstract painting with dashes and splashes. Discover how Jackson Pollock, the much-acclaimed American abstract painter and expressionist created little chaos on the canvas with this puddle style! Get some pro-tips also!
Let’s start from the basics.
What Is Abstract Puddle Art?
Abstract puddle art is a unique form of painting where fluid paints are let flow freely on the surface to create beautiful, intriguing abstract designs. You do not have to do these using rigorous brush strokes, just a little push, a tilt & turn will take the paints in all directions, going with the gravitational pull. Make use of the natural flow of the paint, mostly acrylic, to some unintentional yet creative forms and shapes. It’s almost like the paints will guide you to your destination, to take you to the ultimate climax of your creation. How about enjoying the unpredictable thrill of creation without any proper roadmap or clue as to where you are exactly heading to! It’s like cooking something yummy without knowing the recipe!
Follow the Drip Art of Jackson Pollock
So, what was so great about the drip paintings of Jackson Pollock? The mythic founder of ‘drip art’ was quite happy with the drip technique of splashing liquid paints on horizontal surfaces to create art from all angles possible. Pollock believed that artistic creations don't need proper lines or logic to be interpreted — it is all about a mental connection, emotion and movement and a little chaos. You can think of Pollock’s drip painting techniques as some relatives of abstract puddle art; with that unique feel of his technique: the free flow and spontaneity. In this blog, we will go through every little creative painting tips for the art-lovers, from basics to the brilliant techniques inspired from Jackson Pollock, adding a touch of wit and humor to every dash of paint. So, get ready to plunge into the puddle of art! Splash we go!
Materials You Need to Do Magic Out of Mess
As already mentioned, you do not have to procure a flurry of things to start with the puddle art. This is probably the best part of this kind of abstract acrylic painting. It is accessible as almost every material is within your elbow reach to start.
Choose the Paints: The basic thing is the paints; mostly acrylic kind of medium is preferred for the consistency and volume. Try a panorama of colors. For best results you have to rely on soft-body acrylic and house paints.
Get the Pouring Medium: This helps in thinning the paint without disturbing its color or texture.
Get Canvas or Painting Surface: You will need a proper surface like a stretched canvas, canvas boards, or even wooden panels to work with.
Get Cups and Stir Sticks: Disposable cups can do wonders for mixing your paints. Take some sticks for stirring the paints well.
Protective Gear: Save yourself and the room you are working in by taking proper gears like a pair of gloves and a drop cloth. Keep the mess within control! Chances are there the look of the room might change into a Jackson Pollock painting exhibition!
Additional Materials: To make things more elaborate and artistic, use a heat gun or flame to innovate patterns and silicone oil to create cells. These are optional though!
Pro-Tips: Start Small: Try smaller canvases to build your confidence and refine your technique. You can give these small pieces as great gifts to your friends! Be the next Pollock overnight!
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Puddle Art:
Set Up Your Workspace: Put a cloth down to protect your workspace from the additional mess. Set your canvas on a flat surface and use cups underneath to lift it. Scrape the paint off the table, and feel free to start.
Mix Your Paints: Mix your acrylic paints and pour medium in different cups. It should have the consistency of honey. If you want to make cells, add a few drops of silicone oil as well.
Make Your Puddles: Apply tiny dots of paint to the canvas, haphazardly or beginning in the middle. To make colorful puddles, stack colors on top of one another. You're headed in the right direction if your puddles begin to resemble something like a child’s spaghetti platter!
Bend and Flow: With a gentle tilt allow the paint to flow and spread. Allow the colors to blend organically to produce lovely patterns. Bring out your inner Pollock here; yes, you can do it! These dramatic ‘artistic moves’ will add more depth and motion to your puddle art.
Final Touch-ups: To enhance the cell effect and eliminate air bubbles, use a heat gun or torch. Just be wary that you are creating puddle art, nothing like putting up a magic show, so don't set your masterpiece on fire!
Leave it to Dry: Wait for at least twenty-four hours to let your puddle artwork dry flat. You better not touch it!
Pro-Tips: Be patient; allow the paint dry in its own course. The only thing that can heckle your spirit is a cat jumping on your wet canvas. Just keep that in mind!
Try Pollock-Inspired Techniques to Drip and Puddle:
If you have doubts about Jackson Pollock doing exactly this puddle thing, you have reasons for it. He didn’t make the puddle art, but his drip technique was almost similar to this form of painting. Try some of Pollock-inspired techniques, pouring 100% energy into this unique abstract art:
Control the Chaos: To control the flow of the paint running in all directions, use sticks, straws, or even your own hands. Imagine you are the master conductor of a color orchestra (like Kirill Petrenko or Zubin Mehta).
Putting Paint Layers: To add depth, apply the paints in thin layers one at a time, as done by Pollock to give his paintings a sense of life and animation.
Motion is Essential: Don’t just stand and wait for the best outcome—walk about your canvas, move it, tilt it, spin it, and allow the paint to do its thing. For your dancing spree, add some music with rhythm. Enjoy every bit of it!
Pro-Tips: Experiment with Color Combinations: Choose complementary colors for harmonious results, or go bold with contrasting hues for a striking effect.
Why It is Fun to Try this Abstract Puddle Art:
You don’t need brilliant drawing skills or expensive materials to start with.
Enjoy every bit of creative freedom as there are no set rules to this art; every piece is unique.
You will find it extremely relaxing the way the unpredictable flow of the paints will guide you through. Besides, it’s a great excuse to create mess and make it art-like so that no one’s going to tease you!
A Few Funny Episodes You Can Surely Predict:
Act like Picasso or Rothko when the ‘Oops’ moment happens - you pour too much paint to get things out of control!
Be ready to be invaded by your furry friends! Wet canvas is something cats and dogs will fall for. If you need an abstract painting partner – here they go!
Chances are there you will find paint everywhere on your body parts. Better to embrace the paints, and ‘live happily together’ like buddies forever!
Dip Your Hands in Puddle Art and Enjoy the Creation
Art does not reproduce the visible; rather, it makes visible.
- Paul Klee
Abstract puddle art is another way of dipping your hands and toes in puddle art and don’t get too conscious. Any art lover can start with some easy-to-procure materials and a willing heart to experiment with color. Go on creating stunning pieces that you have fun making.
Follow the spirit of Jackson Pollock art and grab your paints, let the colors dance on the canvas. Or, get simply attracted to the happiness of pouring paint and discover the abstract painting genius in you. Who knows! This Happy Puddling might be just the thing for you!
Comments