Fluid acrylics are mostly very transparent water-based paints. They are more the consistency of heavy ink that pours out rather than toothpaste consistency as in normal tubes of oil and acrylic paints. They can be diluted with water or a medium. They are very quick drying so time is of the essence. This can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the circumstance. Layers of this paint can get a wonderful leather-like quality.

I use Strathmore Aquarius II paper, D’Arches 140 lb. paper, canvas and board. The first process is coating the paper, both sides, with either Gel Gloss Medium or Liquitex Gloss Medium and Varnish. This keeps the paint more up on the surface, not penetrating the paper so that lifting can be done at a later point.

There are several ways of beginning. One way is first putting a layer of yellow paint. Each layer needs to dry before another one is applied. Second layer is red. Third layer is blue. Paint is applied in an intuitive way or you can begin with a plan already, but not covering the whole area and letting some of original color shine through is beautiful. As paint is applied, some may be lifted up in a number of ways, paper towels and yes, toilet paper. Brayers and stamps are also used. After these coats, the work really begins. Choices in direction have to be made. More layers of paint, rice papers and other found materials may be applied. Alcohol can create great effects and is used for lifting desired areas.

Another way of applying paint is to cover the whole paper with one color of paint. Let dry and continue alternating warm and cool colors. Lifting is used as desired with each layer of color. Gesso can then be applied and textured and repainted. Gesso is chalk and glue mixed together and is very opaque. Often fluid acrylics paintings have areas that have 15-20 glazes of paint. Papers can be glued on and the journey takes another turn in unfolding. Ideas begin to gel and there are probably hundreds of things that can now be done.

After these applications, it is usually here where an innermost vision begins to come forth. I like having a dozen or more paintings going at one time so I can choose what I want to work on in a particular day. I like living with a lot of options. Beginning pieces of work may set for some months or years before steps become clear as to where to move next.

Painting this way is like playing hide or seek at times but it is a great journey, some with more struggles than others. It provides a very creative outlet for me. It is a very versatile medium and watching paintings come alive through the many layers of paint provides a great deal of satisfaction and enjoyment.