Pouring, also known as fluid art, is becoming increasingly popular in the art world. This fascinating method allows artists to create abstract, fluid compositions filled with colourful swirls and organic patterns. A key element of this technique is silicone oil, which plays a crucial role in creating unique visual effects. In this article, we will explore how silicone oil can be used in casting to achieve stunning results.
The origins of silicone oil moulding in painting
The technique of pouring with silicone oil in painting originated from the experimental artistic practices associated with acrylic paints, which began to gain popularity in the mid-20th century. Artists, inspired by the fluid properties of acrylics, began experimenting with different media and additives to achieve new visual effects. The addition of silicone oil to acrylics was discovered as a way to create unique, organic patterns known as 'cells'. Silicone oil, being hydrophobic, doesn't mix with the paint, but instead forms bubble-like shapes or cells on the surface. The technique became particularly popular in the 2000s, when social media enabled artists to share their experiments and techniques with a wider audience.
Due to the widespread availability of acrylic paints, pouring mediums, and silicone oil, the pouring technique has become popular in abstract art and is widely used by both professionals and amateurs.
What is silicone oil?
Silicone oil is a colourless, odourless liquid with hydrophobic properties, which means it repels water. In the context of painting, especially in pouring, it is used to create characteristic "cells"—small, round patterns that form when silicone oil separates from acrylic paint. These cells add depth and dimension to the paintings, making each composition truly unique.
How does silicone oil work in the pouring technique?
In the pouring technique, acrylic paints are mixed with a pouring medium to increase their fluidity. Adding a few drops of pouring silicone oil to this mixture causes the oil to separate from the paint, creating the aforementioned cells on the surface of the painting. This process is somewhat unpredictable and adds excitement and uniqueness to each work of art.
How to use silicone oil in pouring?
- Preparing the paint: Prepare the acrylic paints by mixing them with the pouring medium. Each colour should be mixed separately.
- Adding silicone oil: Add 2-3 drops of silicone oil to each cup of paint. Stir gently so that the oil doesn't dissolve completely, but remains in small droplets.
- Pouring: Pour the paint onto the canvas according to your vision. You can create layers, add colours in specific patterns, or just let the colorus mix freely.
- Creating cells: To create more cells, you can gently heat the surface of the painting with a heat gun or hairdryer. The heat helps the silicone oil to rise to the surface, creating larger and more defined cells.
- Finishing: Once the painting is dry, it's a good idea to seal it with varnish to preserve the effect and protect it from damage.
Conclusion
Silicone oil is an essential tool for any artist using the pouring painting. Its use allows the creation of incredible, organic patterns that make each painting a unique work of art. Thanks to its ease of use and high quality results, even beginners can achieve professional effects. If you want to add a new dimension to your work, try using Prounol silicone oil in your pouring technique - the results may surprise you!