Tuesday, April 11, 2023

How To Do a Gradient Background Dutch Pour


I recently tried this new technique that I found on YouTube. A gradient background using a clear base for a Dutch Pour. Above is my second attempt. Quite like how it turned out.

The first step you need to take is to paint your gradient background on your canvas or whatever you might be using. 
 
In this case I used blues for my background. 



Colors used were Amsterdam Titanium White - Amsterdam Phthalo Blue - Mont Marte Sky Blue - Mont Marte Deep Cyan
 
And, the finished result below-


Next step is to let this dry and then use something round to mark out a circle.  Then, paint the outside with a contrasting color.






After drawing a circle, use a contrasting color for the outside and paint that in. Let this completely dry for at least a day before doing the next step. The color I used was - Amsterdam - Prussian Blue, which looks black, but, is actually a very dark blue. 




After this background has completely dried, we move onto the next step which is adding a clear base to blow out our colors on.  This clear base will dry clear revealing the gradient background.

I used Australian Floetrol for the clear base with a touch of a pouring medium.  Aussie Floetrol is really thin. Other Youtubers used the US Floetrol which is far thicker. They had to thin it down by adding some water to it. 


Base covered with clear medium.


 Next step is to lay down your Dutch Pour colors. For this pour I used -

Amsterdam - Prussian Blue
Amsterdam - Pearl White
Atelier - Silver
Pebeo - Iridescent Blue Green





Last step - blow out the colors to make your design. Then, wait for the magic to happen when it is all dried. 


 

Dried Result below 



Below is the full YouTube video of this creation.



I really love how this one turned out.  Have already done another one in Red tones. A pic below of the final piece.  Only thing different with this one is I left out the clear base background. As, the Aussie Floetrol is not giving me the best results as the US one clearly gives. By not using the clear background, it is harder for your paint to move on the canvas, but, I still managed to get something that I liked. 




This is my first attempt - just for comparison. 



Check out links to my other socials here →     Linktr.ee


It is amazing what a digital app can do for your designs. Takes them to the next level.  I currently use Canva for all my video creations and embellishing my finished art piece to see how it looks before actually painting embellishments onto them. You can check Canva out <here>






AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: My blog contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I may receive a small commission if you decide to purchase from any of the products.  



Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Oil Pastel Art Explained

 


I recently started playing around with Oil Pastels, and, now Soft Pastels too. Out of the two, I think I prefer Oil Pastels. Anyways, I have been having fun and of course I have a lot to learn. Above is one of my pieces I did using Oil Pastels.  Love the colors. 

So, what exactly is art using Oil Pastels?

Oil Pastel Art Explained

Oil pastels are a medium that combines the qualities of oil paints and soft pastels. They consist of pigments bound in a non-drying oil and wax binder, and are known for their vibrant colors and ability to create textured, painterly effects.


Oil pastels are a versatile medium that can be applied to a variety of surfaces. They are suitable for both studio and plein air painting*, as they can be used on paper, card, and canvas. To achieve the best results, it's important to start with a smooth surface and consider applying a fixative, such as a workable fixative spray, to help set the pastels and prevent smudging, especially when working on paper.


When using oil pastels, it's important to prepare your paper or canvas surface by gently sanding it. This creates a "tooth" or rough surface for the oil pastels to adhere to, allowing for better coverage and texture. If you're working on paper, it's also helpful to apply a fixative, such as a workable fixative spray, to help set the pastels and prevent smudging. You can also purchase textured paper suitable for Oil Pastels from any Art Store.  Saves you having to sand the surface first. 

One of the unique characteristics of oil pastels is their ability to be layered. To build up color, start by applying a light layer of pastel and gradually add more layers, blending as you go to create a smooth finish. You can also use a blending tool, such as a finger or blending stick, to soften the edges and blend colors together.

One of the most important things to remember when working with oil pastels is that they do not completely dry due to the oils in them. This gives you more time to work with the pastels and make adjustments, but it also means that you need to be careful not to smudge your work. If you're working on a large painting, it's a good idea to lay down some parchment paper for your hand to rest on so that you do not smudge your work.



In addition to traditional techniques like layering and blending, oil pastels can also be used to create textured effects. Experiment with different techniques like scumbling, cross-hatching, and impasto. Scumbling involves using a dragging motion to apply the pastels, creating a textured, broken-color effect. Cross-hatching involves applying diagonal lines in different directions to create a sense of depth and movement. Impasto involves applying a thick layer of pastels to create a three-dimensional effect.

Oil pastels are also suitable for the artist to be used in mixed-media. They can be combined with other mediums like pencil, watercolor, and acrylic to create a unique and personal expression in the work. Oil pastels can also be used to create under painting for a final oil painting.

In conclusion, oil pastels are a unique medium that offers a wide range of possibilities for the artist. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned painter, oil pastels offer a way to create vibrant, textured, and painterly effects in your work. With their versatility and ability to be layered, oil pastels provide a unique and exciting opportunity to explore different techniques and styles in your art.



* What is Plein Air Painting?

Plein air painting is the practice of painting outdoors in natural light. The term "plein air" comes from the French phrase "en plein air," which means "in the open air." This style of painting became popular in the late 19th century as artists sought to capture the beauty of the natural landscape.

Plein air paintings are typically done on location, rather than in a studio. Artists take their materials, such as canvas, paints, and brushes, out into the landscape and set up their equipment to begin working. This allows them to work directly from life, capturing the effects of light and the changing weather conditions.

Plein air painting can be done in a variety of environments, from urban to rural settings, and can be done in any type of weather. The goal is to capture the feeling and the atmosphere of the place, using the light and color of the location to create a sense of depth and movement.

Artists often choose to paint plein air because of the challenge and freedom it offers. Painting outside offers new challenges as the light changes and weather conditions fluctuate, but also allows for more freedom of movement and experimentation, especially when compared to studio painting.

This is one reason why oil pastels are a great medium for plein air painting. Oil pastels are easy to carry around, easy to work with on location, and because they don't dry out quickly, they allow the artist to take their time and make adjustments as they paint. 

More examples of my art below -




I did a quick video of the Green one







As you can see, I love landscapes, especially Tropical ones. 


Keep up to date with My Art Journey on all my socials here → My Fluid Art Journey


Thursday, December 22, 2022

Artificial Intelligence Art - What is it - And, how will it affect our future of Art?

Image created by AI
                               Image created by Artificial Intelligence

 

A new form of art is starting to emerge and it is one that is beginning to show signs of a future in which it will drastically change the way people make and appreciate art. This new form of art is AI art, or art that is created using artificial intelligence. AI art is still in its infancy, but there are already some impressive examples of what it is capable of. For instance, a recent program called "Placeholder" was able to create images that were indistinguishable from those created by human artists. As AI art continues to develop, it is likely to have a profound effect on the future of art. For one, it will allow art to be created in a completely new way. But more importantly, it could change the way we think about art and its role in our lives.

1. What is AI Art?

AI Art is art created with the help of artificial intelligence. AI Art generally falls into two categories: art created by AI and art created with the help of AI. In the first instance, AI is used to create art, with the machine learning algorithms creating the artworks on their own. This can be done in a number of ways, such as through generative adversarial networks, which pits two algorithms against each other to create images, or through evolutionary algorithms, which mimic natural selection to produce images. In the second instance, AI is used to help humans create art. For example, an AI system might be used to generate ideas for a painting or sculpture, or to help an artist create a piece by providing feedback on their work. AI can also be used to create digital art, using algorithms to generate images or videos that are then displayed on a screen. AI Art is a relatively new field, and it is still developing. It is not yet clear how AI Art will affect the future of art, but it is likely that it will change the way that art is created and experienced.

2. How will AI Art affect our future of Art?

A common argument against artificial intelligence is that it lacks creativity- however, as AI technologies have developed, they have begun to show signs of being able to create original works of art. This raises the question of how AI art will affect our future of art. Some believe that AI will have a positive effect on art, by providing new opportunities for creativity and expression. For example, AI can be used to create new pigment colors that cannot be found in nature, or to generate new realistic textures for paintings. AI can also be used to create entire new genres of art, such as music composed by AI. In addition, AI can be used to create art that is interactive and responsive to the viewer, creating a more immersive and personal experience. Others believe that AI will have a negative effect on art, as it will lead to the mass production of artworks, and the devaluation of art overall. They argue that AI-created art will lack the emotional depth and humanity that is found in artworks created by humans. In addition, mass-produced artworks created by AI could lead to job losses in the art world, as AI technologies begin to replace human artists. There is no clear answer as to how AI art will affect our future of art. However, it is clear that AI art will have a significant impact, and that it has the potential to change the landscape of art as we know it.

3. What are the benefits of AI Art?

There are many benefits to creating art using AI technology. One benefit is that it can help to create art that is more realistic and lifelike. This is because AI technology can be used to create art that is based on real-world data, making it look more realistic.

Another benefit of AI art is that it can help to create art that is more unique and individual. This is because each piece of AI art is created using its own algorithms, meaning that no two pieces will be exactly the same. This can help to create a more personal and unique art experience for artists.

Finally, AI art can help to create art that is more interactive and engaging. This is because AI technology can be used to create art that responds to viewer interaction. For example, an AI-created painting could change color or shape based on how the viewer interacts with it. This type of interactivity can help to create a more immersive and enjoyable experience for viewers.

4. What are the challenges of AI Art?

The field of AI art is still in its infancy, which means there are many challenges that still need to be addressed. One of the biggest challenges is understanding how AI creates art. Currently, there is no agreed-upon definition of AI art, which makes it difficult to study and compare AI artworks. Another challenge is that AI artworks are often created by algorithms that are not transparent, making it difficult to assess their artistic merits. Another challenge is that AI art is often created for commercial or technological reasons, rather than for artistic reasons. This can make AI artworks seem shallow or impersonal. Finally, the field of AI art is still evolving, which means that there are likely to be many more challenges that we have not yet even considered.

5. How can we create AI Art?

We can create AI Art by using a computer program to generate or create art. This can be done by using an AI algorithm to generate new art, or by using a computer to mimic the style of an artist. Some people believe that AI Art is a form of art that is created by a machine, without any human input. Others believe that AI Art is a form of art that is created by humans, with the aid of a machine. Another benefit of creating AI Art is that it can help us to understand the art of an artist. This can be done by using a computer to mimic the style of an artist, or by using a computer to generate new art. Lastly, creating AI Art can help us to appreciate art in a new way. This can be done by using a computer to generate new art, or by using a computer to mimic the style of an artist.

Artificial intelligence has the potential to redefine how art is created and experienced. While some people may fear that AI will lead to the loss of jobs in the creative industries, it is more likely that AI will create new opportunities for artists and art lovers alike. By providing new ways to create and interact with art, AI will help to broaden our understanding and appreciation of art. In the future, AI will become an increasingly important tool for artists, as it will allow them to create new and innovative works of art.

On the internet, there are many websites now where you can join and create AI Art using prompts that you create. Some of them which are worth looking at are:-

Lexica Art

CF Spark (Creative Fabrica)

Nightcafe

MidJourney

For a more detailed list click here → Futurepedia.io

 

Image created by AI
                               Image created by Artificial Intelligence

 

Conclusion

My thoughts on AI Art! Artists who believe their work is being stolen by AI have expressed strong opposition. It's a valid concern. To put it simply, AI employs deep learning techniques to sample the world through data input. These samples are used to create the art they create. But, in my opinion, this is no different from the process that humans have used for thousands of years.

It could be argued that no art is unique. That everything we make is inspired, imitated, or copied. We are born with the ability to sample the world around us and use that knowledge to express ourselves through our imagination.

Cubism, for example, was developed in the early 1900s by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. A painting style that is still imitated today. Andres Valencia, a ten-year-old, sells his cubism works for six figures. Nobody believes his art has been stolen.

The fact that AI performs the same process that humans have developed, albeit at a significantly higher level of efficiency, is why we should embrace rather than reject the technology.

Art will always be recognized for the effort that it takes to create it. I've always liked the idea that art is never completed, only abandoned. And, while "prompt crafting" is a new skill that must be practiced and developed in order to achieve desired results with AI, I don't believe that purely generated AI works should win prizes in an art competition intended to measure human skill and effort.

I do, however, believe that AI is a fantastic tool for artists to use if they choose to embrace it. The same could be said about digital painting when artists first had the ability to create "paintings" in a fraction of the time using a digital pen and Photoshop or the many other varieties now out there. 

 

Please enjoy below some more images created by Artificial Intelligence.







Please check out all my socials here → My Fluid Art Journey

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

How to do a Bloom Pour- #SheleeartBloomTechnique

 



Haven't done a Bloom for a while. So, I thought I would give it another go to see if I can still get those juicy cute cells that are associated with the Bloom Technique.

I took the Sheleeart course awhile back. I highly recommend if you want to master the blooms technique, to take the course.
Plus, you get the chance to join the private group on Facebook, where many people from around the world help each other and share their experiences. The best part I think in taking the course, is, the valuable tips etc that you gain from so many people.
Here is a link to her website. Well worth doing it. - https://sheleeart.com.au/course-outline/

Below is a my YouTube creation video of my latest Bloom pour on 4 tiles which are great to use as coasters.




I won't go into detail on the ins and outs on the Bloom Technique as I strongly recommend to do the course. They say it is one of the hardest techniques to conquer in fluid art.

But, basically you start with a pillow of paint which your colors float on. You add a cell activator to the colors and blow the activator across the colors which will then produce the lovely cells.

Really happy how these ones turned out. The four finished tiles below.....


Pillow Paint was British Paints Clean & Protect Walls Interior White Colors used
This Little Piggy (TLP) Lily Pad TLP Groovy TLP Taffy Amsterdam Greenish Blue Amsterdam Primary Magenta Global Metallic Gold Cell Activator was Australian Floetrol and Amsterdam White



I taped the back of the tiles with tape to protect the back from the paint, but, to also protect it from resin, which I will do later for a nice shine finish which will help also with heat resistance so that these tiles can be used for putting your coffee or tea on.




The tile on my spinner ready for the paint to go on....



After the pillow paint , colors and cell activator has been added and blown out. Ready for the spin on the spinner. 


And, the final product after spun. 



So, I can still do Blooms. So happy. Going to try this technique again soon. 

I have already uploaded one of the best of the four to my Redbubble store. Looks good on the products. Some of  them below -











I also turned one of the Blooms into a repeatable pattern which looks really cool on the Redbubble products....










A digitally enhanced image of the pattern with a Mandala embellishment...



And, without a Mandala. 




You can check out all of my designs on the Redbubble products >>here<<



Check out links to my other socials here →     Linktr.ee


It is amazing what a digital app can do for your designs. Takes them to the next level.  I currently use Canva for all my video creations and embellishing my finished art piece to see how it looks before actually painting embellishments onto them. You can check Canva out <here>






AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: My blog contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I may receive a small commission if you decide to purchase from any of the products.  














Fluid Art - My Journey