Whether you’re creating abstract masterpieces or looking to add more interest and creativity to your paintings, splattering and flicking acrylic paint is an easy technique that anyone can do!
In this tutorial, I’ll show you step-by-step how to master the splatter technique, transforming your canvas into a vibrant explosion of colour and texture.
I explain the entire painting process in the video below:
This video shows you the whole splatter painting technique in just two minutes. If you’d prefer written instructions, these are below:
Let's get painting!
To create this splatter paint technique, you will need:
- Acrylic paints
- Water
- Fan paintbrush
- Surface to paint on (canvas, paper etc.)
Step 1:
You’ll need a fan shaped paintbrush, and your surface to paint on. Then, mix your acrylic paint with some water to get a thin consistency. Test the consistency on a piece of scrap paper or tissue before starting on your final painting. It needs to be thin enough to flick off of the brush, but thick enough to hold it’s shape.
Step 2:
There are two methods to flick the paint. This method creates smaller, more subtle splatters of paint. Dip your fan paintbrush into your watered down acrylic paint and hold it above your painting surface. Use your fingers to pull the bristles of the paintbrush back, and then let go to flick the paint onto your canvas.
Step 3:
The second method creates larger, more defined splatters of acrylic paint. Use the same watered down mixture of paint, and dip your fan paintbrush into it. Hold it above your canvas and use your finger to tap the top of the brush. The paint will fall off of the bristles and splatter onto your surface. This is my favourite paint splatter technique.
This technique is perfect for most paintings, especially on smaller canvases. If you are working on a large painting, or a wall or mural, and you want extra large paint splatters, then try out my other paint splatter technique that uses a palette knife. Or watch the video below:
As you can see, this palette knife technique creates large and defined splatters of acrylic paint. You could also combine these two methods to create a range of different sized flicks of paint.
Splattering acrylic paint is a simple and easy way to create the effect of a starry sky, falling snow, as well as a way to give the effect of movement.
I hope this art tutorial was helpful. Remember that you can join my Patreon to get access to ALL of my full length, step by step art tutorials, where I show you exactly how to create entire paintings in real time.
Rachel x
