5 Tips for Dutch Pour Beginners | Why Opacity and Transparency Matter

I'm going to share with you 5 critical tips for achieving the acrylic dutch pour painting, or blowout painting, of your dreams! The video walks you through the process of creating a soft and gentle dutch pour paintings on a 20" x 10" deep edge canvas. As I create the painting I'll explain each tip and why it is important. Make sure to stay to the end as I'll give a very thorough explanation on why the transparencies and opacities of the paints matter so much for this technique.
0:00 Intro
0:14 Why paint the sides of your canvas for acrylic pouring
1:17 How much base paint do you need for a dutch pour?
1:48 Creating the composition
3:37 How to use your blow dryer for the dutch pour technique
4:33 Finger swiping tips for acrylic pouring on canvas
5:42 Choose your colors wisely! Why transparency and opacity matter when choosing your paint colors.
8:40 Encouragement for new artists
Get 10% Off Olga Soby's new class: "Secret Recipe for Fluid Art Success"
PROMO CODE: BECCA
www.sobyartacademy.com/a/2147...
Colors used: (Soby Mix refers to Olga's Secret Pouring Recipe, link above)
Base (custom blue mix) - Soby Mix Group 2
Amsterdam Titanium White - Soby Mix Group 2
Pebeo Iridescent Blue Green - Soby Mix Group 1
Amsterdam Prussian Blue - Soby Mix Group 2
_______
Shop my website:
www.beccaharkins.com/
Facebook: / beccaharkinsart
Instagram: / beccaharkins.art
I participate in the Amazon Services Associates Program, which means as an Amazon Associate I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. The following are some of my favorite pour painting products from Amazon:
My favorite Dutch Pour Hair Dryer: amzn.to/3XBxFCi
American Flood Floetrol: amzn.to/3JqWP1I
Pebeo Iridescent Blue Green: amzn.to/3EdHDkV
Amsterdam Prussian Blue: amzn.to/3YxSuP
Coasters with cork backs: amzn.to/3VkeeM5

[@valeriesuttonpayne7413]

As a non artist trying to get into this new hobby I appreciate your clear explanation. It IS a lot more complicated than it looks. Your paintings are lovely. I’m saving this video!

[@beccaharkinsart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tothemoonz8011]

OMG! Of the hundreds of videos I've watched, you uniquely convey meaningful dialog. Taking nothing away from the abundant videos giving us visual instruction for paint pouring, your explanation has given me more help as a novice artist than anything else I've watched. Thank you. I just hope you are a teacher as your side hustle because if not, the profession is missing out on a great instructor!

[@beccaharkinsart]

Hahah!! I’m not a teacher but I grew up in a family full of teachers. I ended up taking on a teaching role in my corporate job and I loved it! Now my goal is to bring understanding and confidence to those on their fluid art journey so others can find the same enjoyment in the practice of art as I have. Thank you for your kind words. You have encouraged me more than you know.

[@beckymonaghan50]

I want to tell you that I’ve been painting for over 4 yrs now. I’ve never had an explanation of the different paints and how to layer them effectively! Thank you so much for the information Becca 🥰

[@beccaharkinsart]

That is awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@caroletyson9103]

Probably the best explanation I have seen for a Dutch pour! And the painting is exquisite! Thank you.

[@beccaharkinsart]

Wow, thank you! I’m so glad you liked it.

[@judypresley1873]

Becca you are sensational in every way!! Thank you so much. I’ve watched so many videos by different artists over a 3 year period and you are tops-very special. Beautiful person and magnificent work❤️

[@beccaharkinsart]

Awww thank you! What a compliment!

[@user-zo4dz4zz2e]

Thank you so much your video has been very helpful to me, I started painting less than two years ago at the age of 73 having so much pleasure with us and videos like yours really help me a lot, again thank you!

[@beccaharkinsart]

You are so welcome!

[@user-wm3ih9yx3r]

One one the most helpful basic videos I have seen on it and encourages me.

[@anitapotter2586]

Very clear explanations. Thank you for taking the time to explain this. Your painting is beautiful!!

[@beccaharkinsart]

You are so welcome!

[@katemcdougall4053]

Every time you post, I go somewhere peaceful and watch/listen to you. You are so reliable. I know that in your explanations I will learn something new or be affirmed in something I had been thinking about. Thank you for your unrestrained sharing and for your honesty. BTW, I love how the white makes the petals looked polished.

[@beccaharkinsart]

Wow, thank you for sharing that with me. I try to be a light amongst so much darkness

[@user-zg1pd4dt6w]

@@beccaharkinsart 今天榮幸認識妳！ 黑暗中的一盞燈❤ 💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@jro9365]

Just stumbled across your channel while scrolling KZbin & the colors of your piece is what caught my eyes !! I absolutely LOVE Blues. I have been pouring for several years & enjoy many of the techniques out there. I have been a Sub of Olgas since I very first started & adore her & her work. I have learned countless "recipes" & have had sucess with each, & do not believe there is just any ONE "magical recipe mix" that is going to change anyone's ability to create beautiful artwork no matter the technique. However, as you pointed out, there are many very important tips to becoming more skilled. All of the tips you mentioned are all very important & will be extremely helpful to anyone who may be struggling or are just starting out. You created a great video & I noticed in the comments that MANY are very thankful to you for sharing these tips & you very kindly replied to the each , I also noticed that anyone who metioned Olgas class did not receive a reply & it just makes me curious as to why. I absolutely am not trying to imply anything negative , just simply curious just as I am curious as to why, after so many years of Olga being one of the very most popular, highly subbed to Channels that she decided to start charging her many many subs who helped greatly making her channel what it is today . Thank you for the great video 😊😊

[@beccaharkinsart]

I’m not sure?!? It definitely wasn’t intentional not to comment on anyone who mentioned Olga’s class. I’m a huge fan as well as she has been my main inspiration for this method. Thanks for your kind words. :)

[@elizabethlowe1434]

Becca, thank you so much for taking time to teach in this video. You are a very pleasant person to watch and listen to. Your art is beautiful.

[@beccaharkinsart]

Awww, I’m glad you think so!

[@suzanneh4275]

I have a few canvases, I have a few paints, but I haven’t the nerve to get going with this. Thank you so much for the info in the latter part of your video; VERY helpful! I am now a subscriber. 😊

[@beccaharkinsart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PINAYAKO76]

You’re an instructor at heart! Thank you for the simple explanation!

[@beccaharkinsart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PINAYAKO76]

@@beccaharkinsartI’m about to create a 6’x5’ acrylic pour, the biggest one I’ll make yet! I plan on using the standard opaque, metallic, and pearl acrylics. I’m so excited! Just to make sure I understand what you’re saying, it’s best to pour opaque, transparent, opaque, transparent, etc. so the colors remain vibrant and bold, correct? Also, what’s the best way to determine the composition? Thank you in advance for your input!

[@DrTarrandProfessorFether]

Delicately peaceful painting. Thx for tip on transparency, opaque, and layering.

[@beccaharkinsart]

My pleasure 😊

[@Bookhart2]

Very informative and helpful. And the product is beautiful.

[@beccaharkinsart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kathyjohnson1133]

Thanks for explaining or for me trying to understand. It is a bit confusing to me. I will just keep on watching and listening to u and Pleasant Mark and MOLLY. Y'ALL are really so Talented and the best part of it is that u REALLY try to teach us about everything. I will try to keep on listen and hopefully one day it will just click.❤❤

[@beccaharkinsart]

I feel so humbled to be included in the list with such magnificent artists!

[@debbieray5629]

Thank you . The explanation is so helpful !

[@beccaharkinsart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juliaterry934]

OMG I am so glad that I pressed on your video. You are the first person that I have found that took the time to really break it down for me. You have definitely earned a new Sub. I am now looking at the play list.❤ 🙏🏾 THANKS 😊

[@beccaharkinsart]

You are so welcome! Thanks for subbing!

[@annpolglase1280]

Thank you, I want to try this. I did an acrylic pour many years ago and it really wasn't very successful. But have been wanting to try again. I love this Dutch pour

[@beccaharkinsart]

It takes time and practice to get this technique down. Give yourself time

[@Marie-LouiseArt]

This painting is so good. Such good colours and tips lovely and inspiring to watch. Friends for life. Happy creating ❤🙏

[@beccaharkinsart]

Thank you so much 😀

[@missparadise879]

OMG I was watching this thinking how the hell am I going to get those to connect this is so beautiful! And then you did the finger thing ❤ Thank you for this

[@beccaharkinsart]

Finger swipe = magic!

[@andreebourgeois3446]

Thank you. Very well explained. Beautiful dutch pour. I have a tendency to put to many colors on my canvas.

[@beccaharkinsart]

You are so welcome! I have done the same but I find that I like the simple ones best.

[@cindync3056]

Thanks Becca, the more I learn about paints, the better my painting gets. I took Olga's course also and love her mixes too😊

[@beccaharkinsart]

Wonderful!

[@user-fv5eu6pm7o]

Thank you Becca, your dutch pours are very nice. I bought also Olgas course, the recipe is very well. It is a lot to learn and my paints will be better every time. ❤

[@Gennytrot]

I love your art and the way you paint. And you are a good mentor! Nice piece 😍

[@beccaharkinsart]

Thank you so much 😀

[@melissaromero9820]

Omg that is the most simplistic to tell about color and weight also!!!

[@beccaharkinsart]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@anettes8536]

This video makes it so so much easier for me to understan why i love some of my tryes and others not so much! Thank you❤

[@beccaharkinsart]

Glad I could help!

[@ruthhyster5807]

Your painting is beautiful as usual and so calming to look at. This video is very informative. Now just to remember it all. Thank you.

[@beccaharkinsart]

You are so welcome!

[@valeriesuttonpayne7413]

To help me remember these videos, I have saved them for reference! I go back and review. Very helpful.

[@ruthhyster5807]

@@valeriesuttonpayne7413 I’ve definitely be that with some and I will make sure that does d that with this one. Thank hank you.

[@susanaalvarez3396]

Thank you soo much for your information. It’s very helpful to me. God bless you!!! ❤️🌹🙏

[@debbytime]

Great info. Thank you!

[@jeaniespalette]

Great tips. Thank you so much.

[@laurengolin5755]

Excellent video! Very informative without being too wordy. Great Job! Subscribed!

[@beccaharkinsart]

Awesome, thank you!

[@twkrhntr]

Just wanted to thank you for this video and how transparent and opaque colors interact. One thing that you taught that I have struggled with is how to find out if a color is transparent and opaque. Thank you for this video and I love your paintings

[@beccaharkinsart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Lee-Anne-ow3uo]

Lovely 😊

[@jeanettebrown1551]

Love your art.

[@wongrita3228]

Amazing！❤❤❤

[@69Germaine]

Beautiful!!!

[@beverlyharding9813]

Thank you Becca ....every little bit helps me to learn more about this art technique....I love your Dutch pour it is beautiful...

[@beccaharkinsart]

You are so welcome!

[@debbylotspeich4186]

Love this and the colors

[@hanatekaste6449]

Thanks! ❤

[@sandysacrylicart6925]

Thank you for your explanation... great info! I haven't painted in awhile, but do remember making Mud paintings 😂 And, I love your hair!!!!

[@beccaharkinsart]

Hahah! I’ve done that too! And thank you!! I’ve learned to embrace my “wisdom”

[@cyngailey7872]

Excellent. Thank you for making it easier for an old lady. Lol

[@beccaharkinsart]

You are so welcome!

[@deeanders8632]

Thank you for your information, it really helps & makes sense of some of the mistakes I have made. 👏🏻🎨👩‍🎨

[@beccaharkinsart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bozicmarta]

Thank you😘

[@user-td8vb8el1e]

Thank you for the explanation. Great job and love the painting!

[@judyeuller7602]

Excellent video! Thanks.

[@beccaharkinsart]

Glad you liked it!

[@CreationFromtheTable]

Very informative!! Always love your blow outs!! Another gorgeous painting!! Thanks for the great info!!!

[@franceguillemettericard8386]

Merci pour votre dévouement à expliquer certains principes concernant les matériaux d'art. C'est la première fois que je tombe sur votre site et vos explications simples et judicieuses m'incitent à m'abonner à votre site.

[@beccaharkinsart]

Thanks for subbing!

[@pierrettegouhier3012]

J'adore, c'est magnifique !

[@sanjahotko8585]

Great explanations,thank you for your efforts to share this fluid art Pouring is really interesting and fun art that may help a lot of ppl to relax and explore its secrets of how to work in harmony with the flowing paint and at the same time create beautiful painting and having kinda therapy if they feel sad, depressed or having problems with anxiety. It really takes you away from the bad or sad thoughts for a few hours while mixing the paints,preparing the canvas and thinking about the technique you're gonna use in the process of making your creation trying to reflect the vision in your head on the canvas. I poured it a long time ago but at some moment life demanded some sacrifice of something from my life,to put it aside for some time. I'm so grateful to my friend bc he said"we have to find you a hobby",knowing how much I am missing him. So 4 years ago I found myself in the store buying canvases and paints hardly waiting to come home to pour again. Recommending to everyone with all my heart to try and enjoy bc it's bringing a lot of satisfaction after making a creation, finishing the painting. Sorry for such a long comment but if it's gonna help someone to start following you,I'm gonna give my "like" for sure every time after watching your video and I'll share them. I'm preparing my new path of my life after retirement slowly to start with opening my private business. Maybe I'll start before,in fact I may start in a few weeks, we'll see. I wish you a lot of success and happy painting in advance. Btw I love every work of Olga,Molly and Rinske. It's such a pleasure to follow their videos. Have a good day or night wherever you are!🍀(if you have a videos on the FB,sometimes my comment will show with the profile of Nana Hotko or SH Nana's fluid reflection,Sanja is my name,Nana is my nick name😊my little cousins couldn't pronounced Sanja so I started to be Nana and stayed as Nana for my friends 😂)

[@beccaharkinsart]

Thank you for sharing all this with me!

[@deannalee3904]

Perfect explanation of types of paint, Thank you

[@xobriquet]

Great instruction video, thank you! One point of clarification: depending on the paint brand, either 3 or 4 classifiers are used to indicate the range of opacity-to-transparency. Amsterdam uses 4 as follows: BlaCk square = opaque Half blaCk square = semi-opaque* BlaNk square with diagonal line = semi-transparent Full blaNk square = transparent *In brands that only use 3 classifiers, the half black square serves as the sole mid-point between opacity and transparency. This confused me for a while so I hope this is helpful to any fellow pourers.

[@beccaharkinsart]

Got it. Thanks for the clarification!

[@xobriquet]

@@beccaharkinsart I hope that wasn’t offensive at all-it was meant to be helpful to any beginner trying to figure this out like I am. I am amazed at how many variables there are to manage in this art form!! Mind blown 🤯 And I thought watercolor was hard 😂

[@fionapopovic4523]

Thank you, Becca 🙏. The information you have given, in this video, was very clear and concise. Great tutorial. Your Dutch pour piece, is so soft and flows so beautifully, loving the colour palette on this piece ♥️💥🙏💐💐

[@beccaharkinsart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vanessaparker]

Thank you for the clear explanation. Gorgeous painting by the way. I absolutely love it.

[@beccaharkinsart]

You are so welcome!

[@GoyoMerkier]

YOUR EXPLANATION WAS AMAZING SO SINCERE AND FROM THE BOTTON OF YOUR HEART. THANK YOU FOR SHARING.

[@beccaharkinsart]

You are so welcome

[@joannedwy7100]

This was very helpful. Thank you!

[@beccaharkinsart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-qp9rp7xw7h]

Thank you for the information. I been watching videos after videos and has explained this color precess. Especially what the box on the the tube pertains too..I am going to start following you religiously now. And appreciate your experience as well as your artistry. Anthony Hernandez. Phoenix Arizona.

[@user-qp9rp7xw7h]

Has not explained. Sorry. I missed a word.

[@beccaharkinsart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lizymojica5676]

Thank you so much for this explanation!!!

[@beccaharkinsart]

You're very welcome!

[@ozzycuatrovientos8921]

Me encantó, te amé 😊❤😊

[@yvencia1150]

Thank you for sharing 🎨 😊

[@beccaharkinsart]

My pleasure 😊

[@sandranaylor536]

Very very helpful 👍. Thank you 😊

[@beccaharkinsart]

You're welcome 😊

[@susanaldridge983]

You are extremely talented and a great teacher.

[@beccaharkinsart]

Wow, thank you!

[@homeliafernandez6440]

Beautiful painting❤. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, much appreciated!!!

[@beccaharkinsart]

My pleasure 😊

[@fabiolac67]

Thank you so much!

[@beccaharkinsart]

You're welcome!

[@valentintkachenko7349]

10+ super! Gracias!!!!

[@sherrycai2383]

Thanks for your detailed explanation. Last week, I used your link to take Soby 's class, very helpful! Soby does not mention much regarding opacity or transparency, but emphasizes a lot for the paint density. From your this video, I can tell you really want to help others who are struggling in fluid art.Very appreciated. Can you tell me more about each paint opacity or transparency you used in this piece please? Thanks for your attention.. Base (custom blue mix) - Soby Mix Group 2 ? Amsterdam Titanium White - Soby Mix Group 2 ? Pebeo Iridescent Blue Green - Soby Mix Group 1 ? Amsterdam Prussian Blue - Soby Mix Group 2 ?

[@beccaharkinsart]

Yes, I was surprised that she didn’t mention it. I also noticed that Phthalo blue for Amsterdam and Liquitex have completely different opacities which is crazy to me, and will vastly change how I use them, so I thought it would be helpful to explain what I’ve learned through my own practice.

[@sherrycai2383]

Thanks for your reply. In this piece did you use all color paint opaque ? Base should be always opaque too ? @@beccaharkinsart

[@songbird3094]

Thank you for this video, it is really helpful. I love the finished piece 😍

[@beccaharkinsart]

I'm so glad!

[@rainaferris8691]

Fantastic info.

[@beccaharkinsart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michelelewsader3262]

Thank you so very much for explaining everything about the paints. And how not to get muddy colors 💕

[@beccaharkinsart]

You bet!

[@leoniedeeker6601]

Love your work.

[@beccaharkinsart]

Thank you!

[@aap9358]

Gorgeous!❤❤❤

[@beccaharkinsart]

Thank you! 😊

[@laurelai-815]

So much great information. All of your tips are so helpful! And your finished product is always beautiful!

[@beccaharkinsart]

Thank you so much!

[@beckyhenkel7917]

Beautiful. And thanks for the information.

[@beccaharkinsart]

My pleasure

[@tereartistry]

Thank you for taking the time to explain this.

[@beccaharkinsart]

My pleasure!

[@OlgaSoby]

Such a great video, Becca! Loved all the tips

[@beccaharkinsart]

Thank you, Olga! 😀

[@cintiarusso3020]

Beautiful❤❤

[@beccaharkinsart]

Thank you! 😊

[@doloresdrury8018]

Thank you for this information it was very helpful.

[@beccaharkinsart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@leehill7598]

Beautiful 😊

[@beccaharkinsart]

Many thanks!

[@dirtydogarts]

thank you for this explanation....I see I will be learning for a long time!

[@beccaharkinsart]

Glad it was helpful! Learning is half the fun!

[@lindhicks190]

Thank you for a great explanation.

[@beccaharkinsart]

You are welcome!

[@nikki3434]

This is such a helpful video, thank you 😘

[@beccaharkinsart]

You're so welcome!

[@74the_magpie]

Wow, beautiful.

[@beccaharkinsart]

Thank you! 😊

[@reedmcbride1412]

Thanks!

[@beccaharkinsart]

Thank you so much!!!

[@loriharvey8415]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@beccaharkinsart]

Thank you very much!

[@jacklangley861]

Thank you Rebecca. Excellent and informative video! 😊

[@beccaharkinsart]

You are so welcome!

[@carlysartin8029]

Super useful tips/tutorial, thank you!

[@beccaharkinsart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@VirginiaStockwell]

You explain this beautifully, thank you! :)

[@beccaharkinsart]

You’re welcome ☺️ thanks for watching!!

[@rosietass7988]

Thank you so much becca you are awesome

[@beccaharkinsart]

You are so welcome!

[@mlcoreworxlifestylelydick1773]

Beautiful ❤

[@marylowe7135]

Beautiful !! Love the colors and teaching us about colors and transparency of different colors!!

[@beccaharkinsart]

Thanks so much 😊

[@FRENCHFAIRE]

Thanks Becca. Very useful. Debra in Australia

[@danapowers2102]

Wow! Really pretty! And thx for the info as well!

[@beccaharkinsart]

You are so welcome!

[@OakbyBetina]

Amazing video and painting.

[@beccaharkinsart]

Thank you so much 😀

[@jenniferr8195]

Lovely color palette! Beautiful outcome!

[@beccaharkinsart]

Thank you so much!

[@kimmer2799]

Best explanation of the reasoning of layering. Thank you so much!

[@beccaharkinsart]

You're very welcome!

[@user-fv5eu6pm7o]

Thank you Becca, your dutch pours are very nice. I bought also Olgas course, the recipe is very well. It is a lot to learn and my paints will be better every time.

[@colleenbrooks2313]

Absolutely gorgeous Becca! ❤

[@beccaharkinsart]

Thank you so much!

[@Razzieblue]

Amazing painting and your explanation was wonderful! 😊

[@beccaharkinsart]

Thank you so much 😀

[@cynthiasterling7892]

I’ve been wanting to do a Dutch Pour since l saw Rinske’s Dutch Pour😊 She did explain some, however not in clear information. That was well over a year & l’ve watched your pour, fascinating ❤❤ As you painted you stopped and told us what and how you were going to do your next step. No one has been so down to earth as you, BECCA. Thank you so much, l now believe l could paint one 😍🌹🌹🌹☘️☘️

[@beccaharkinsart]

You can do it!!

[@sdeaglefeather]

Beautiful piece and I really appreciate the important points. Great information and easy to understand.

[@beccaharkinsart]

Glad it was helpful!