GORGEOUS Seahorse Painting Using A Micro Swipe Technique!!

Hey there painting friends, raise your hand if you love the ocean as much as I do!
I’m a scuba diver as well as a painter, so naturally I love bringing ocean creatures into my paintings when possible. This painting was inspired by a photo I found online with no artist credit (I have since discovered that the original artist was Danny Young) - I couldn’t find a video or any details so I had to figure it out myself! I went for a 12x24” canvas so I could really shape it properly.
A “Micro Swipe” is similar to a ghost swipe technique, but it uses silicone oil to create cells. Generally small, flexible swipers are used, though you can use putty knives, palette knives, or bits of paper towel to create a similar effect.
I created my blue tape template by sketching on kitchen parchment paper, taping over the sketch, and cutting it out. Although it doesn’t make a perfect seal on the canvas, it really helps guide the application of paint and minimizes mess.
My paint is all mixed with floetrol (about 2:1 floetrol to paint) and thinned water to a medium-thin consistency. Paint-mixing video is here! • Mixing Paint for Acryl...
Dark Navy (Blickrylic Pthlalo Blue and Apple Barrel Black)
Metallic Teal (Blick Studio Acrylics)
Metallic Blue (Sargent)
Metallic Sea Mist (Craft Smart)
Teal (mix of paints scraped from the surface of a previous painting)
White (Sargent and Apple Barrel)
Time stamps:
0:00 Intro
0:38 Setup and colors
2:48 Adding the colors
5:26 Swiping!
8:42 Removing the tape
14:32 Touch-ups and final details
19:54 Closeup!
21:55 Dry touch-ups
29:14 All done!
Subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss each new video!
I’m Anna, a mom of 3 living in small-town West Virginia. I’ve been fluid painting since 2019 and loving every minute!
account.venmo.com/u/Anna-Blount
Etsy.com/shop/AnnasButterflyShop
“Anna Blount Art” on Facebook
Music: “Fractal of Light” by Chris Haugen

[@mumo9413]

This is stunning! You came up on my timeline. Subscribed. Top tip for masking tape. Heat it with a hair dryer. It will activate the adhesive. Rub down firm. It will still be low tac & remove exact same way. But with a clean line( Old House decorators trick) Hope this helps?

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much! I’ll be sure to try that trick next time I use tape!

[@annettestevenson2001]

Thank you

[@shmales7023]

AB Creative dabs a little paint over the tape as kind of a buffer. Never tried it personally though. 😅

[@josefaros5085]

Un , Precioso

[@Sunshine-lg8su]

Awesome tip thank you🙏

[@OlgaSoby]

OMG! Such a perfection! Anna, you need to do the whole series like this!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you so much!! I definitely have more of these in mind 😁

[@sventography1054]

This is high praise from the acrylic queen herself! 💜

[@rachelgross1327]

You are a great teacher! I love how you explain not just how you are creating the painting, but why you are making your choices. It's really helpful to understand your thinking process.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much! I’m trying to pass on the help other artists have given me with their videos!

[@tinaschilling3259]

agree re very thorough teacher

[@mumo9413]

I use a 10ml syringe to sack up paint! Gives a lot of control. Glad we're all finding our own methods in adjusting our art . Just love this piece!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Yeah that’s a good idea! I just did another seahorse last night and used your hairdryer-on-tape trick. It did improve how well the tape stuck to the canvas, so thanks!

[@jacquelinehenseleit6007]

I think I've seen Olga use a pippett to remove paint.

[@lisaferrantelli9952]

I love that you figured this yourself and are sharing your experience. I also love that you make little mistakes. It makes you relatable. Thank you for this video. I can't wait to see more.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much! I have several more micro swipes on my channel and lots of other techniques!

[@sherreldale2352]

Thanks to you and the other artists who continue to share their craft with us beginners.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Absolutely! KZbin is how I learned, and I want to share the love 😁

[@pamelacampbell3919]

This was by far the best paint pouring painting I've seen thus far bc ìt's not just abstract... Totally awesome!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you so much! Yeah I love abstract fluid art but the ones with a picture in it are special.

[@SandyKay65]

Seahorses are/have always been my absolute favorite❣ This is so BEAUTIFUL 😍 Be still my heart ❤

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you!!

[@consueloyoung4484]

Really quite beautiful!!!. I am very impressed with your beautiful, accurate frontal shape and how the back wisps away… love your color palette, and your explanation was very well done. I think if I were to make this, I would put bubbles coming from it’s mouth only. Thank you very much for sharing your experience and talent with us. 🙏🏼💗💐

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you! Let me know how it goes if you try it! :)

[@hopese123]

Thank you for showing us how to do this technique. I’ll have to try this!!!! It’s gorgeous!!!!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks! Best of luck when you try yours 😁

[@sybileberhart3439]

Wow, beautiful. So glad you explained as you went. I started to panic couple times. Love it❤ Thank you!!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you so much!

[@ronaldtucker4402]

I just had to add that I love your style, quite apparent knowledge of your own art and your very genteel fashion/touch, which I envy, but do not possess. Thank you again!

[@lindamckendree2991]

Gorgeous, gorgeous seahorse!! You did a fabulous job! Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this stunning piece! Outstanding! Be well.❤️

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@k.mayabstractpointalism9962]

This was amazing!! So beautiful. I'm in West Virginia as well, but lived my whole life in Florida where people decorated their homes with pictures of marine life and different types of coral. I am new to this type of art and looking forward to trying it for myself. Thank you for sharing your artwork with the KZbin community. I just subscribed to your channel due to how much I loved your Seahorse tutorial. Have a great day.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much! Yeah my dining room is decorated all ocean/nautical/beachy. Good luck with your painting!

[@michaelmwm222]

Love this. I never fully copy another person's art work... just 'borrow' concepts or composition. I left the eye white & hand painted in 7 hyper-realistic bubbles of various sizes in desired places. I love this idea!! Thanks for sharing & for your time!!!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you! I’m glad you were inspired to do your own!

[@michaelmwm222]

@@AnnaBlountArt didn't turn out as nice as yours , but the seahorse still looks nice.

[@jeanfitzsimmons2258]

OUTSTANDING!!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you! 😊

[@MaamToYou]

That is absolutely stunning! You did an amazing job, thank you for sharing. A syringe works really well in sucking up extra paint on the canvas.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much!

[@rillalittle8737]

I love the details of your painting and the colors are amazing. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much!

[@paulbrennan1268]

Thank you Anna, bringing art to others through practical means is beautiful

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you so much!

[@txgrlb8075]

Absolutely gorgeous!!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you!

[@brendabeaugureau5256]

I was so thrilled when I stumbled upon this video today! I had done exactly the same thing, seen this picture and looked for some information on it and how to paint it! You did an incredible job painting it! Yours is stunning!! You have an avid follower! Teach me!!❤️🌸Oh and, thank you!!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you so much! I hope you equally enjoy all my videos!

[@juanita920]

This is beautiful! Thank you for showing us how to do something like this.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks! And you’re welcome, best of luck if you end up trying it!

[@alexandraswindells2953]

Absolutely beautiful. Just love your description. So generous of you to share your technique ❤️

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you! And yes, KZbin is how I learned how to do fluid art so I want to pass on the instruction too!

[@josephlevacher995]

Beautiful. Liked the cleanliness of the painting without the dots. Still love it.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks! Yeah I’m undecided which I prefer…

[@doreennacht]

So fantastic to see someone use technique in a pour! Thank you for finally bringing art to a pour!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you! I totally feel that the “simpler” techniques are still art, but I do like that I can bring structure and form to a pour 😊

[@patriciaw7937]

Love, love, love your explanations and all the details! Thank you so much for sharing and I look forward to exploring your channel :)

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks, I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@suzanneiu7269]

Absolutely Gorgeous and Thank You for such detail with explaining..❤❤❤❤

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks Suzanne!

[@donnacales1975]

Love love love this!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much!

[@nighteagle317]

That right there is freakin' amazing! Love the micro swipe, the colors, your patience. Lol Cheers, Paige

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much! It did take some patience, haha

[@sinsitysinderella790]

This turned out just gorgeous! I love the ocean too! But I live in Vegas now, so I really miss it. I'm doing my large master bathroom ocean/underwater themed, so projects like this are perfect for me to add my own art. Plus these are my favourite colors-especially teal. I think instead of the polka dots, a heavy splatter coming off the back in all the colors would also look really cool 🌊

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you! Good luck when you try it!

[@Squabetty]

Absolutely amazing! So pretty and wispy! Thank you for sharing this, and the straw tip is fab.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you! Yeah the vacuum straw is a lifesaver 😁

[@AnnaBlountArt]

I’ve made a second seahorse, with a bit more green! Check it out here if you’d like! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpmci314nsh0gqs

[@melvif]

I would love to do this for a Phoenix. You just have me a great idea

[@RJsyiyia]

This popped up in my feed today; WOW, such a cool technique! I'm fairly new to the acrylic pour community and have definitely caught the bug! Cant wait to see, find , and learn more...SO overwhelming!😁

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much! Yeah it is definitely addicting. If you check out my playlist “31 Paintings For The New Year” I demonstrate 31 different techniques, most of which are able to be done by beginners. Good luck!

[@RJsyiyia]

@Anna Blount Art will do for sure, ty!

[@drnorliamysufa8230]

Gorgeous seahorse..love it

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much!

[@marshamccomis54]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I also saw the original one and loved it. Was trying to figure out how it was done. You did a fantastic job!!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much!

[@MissChelle]

Absolutely beautiful! I’m not a paint pourer, but this has inspired me to have a go. Could you do a tropical fish pretty please? love watching your creative process.❤️🇦🇺

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much! I have done a fish in this style…video hopefully coming in not too long!

[@CrispyLooper2112]

I was thinking the same thing. All kinds of colorful sea creatures!

[@Eternal_Hope_Q]

Might I suggest using a pipette rather than inhaling the chemicals? I know the actual paint isn't going into ur lungs but the fumes are not designed to be inhaled in this way. It's only because I care ❤️

[@amandat4716]

Definitely pipette

[@karinwozniak3745]

Masterpiece!!!!!

[@BetaGolchin]

Or a syringe works too. I couldn’t believe she used a straw to “suck” up the paint?! 😮😮

[@ingergidlund9011]

Wow! Gorgeous! 💙😍

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much!

[@melaniebuerkle3203]

Wow, wow, wow. Breath taking!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🕊️✌️😀😃😄😁🤗

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you!

[@kathryncurry2662]

Wow, this is absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for thoroughly showing us how it’s done, and fixing any boo boos. I must try this ❤️

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much, and good luck on yours!

[@diansmith6888]

Beautiful. I love Seahorses. Especially this Seahorse!!! Thank you for sharing your work with us!!! ❤⚘😊⚘❤

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you so much!

[@wittnessbe_judged8723]

This is the coolest technique that I have ever seen it is absolutely beautiful stunning I love it

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you so much!

[@wittnessbe_judged8723]

@@AnnaBlountArt I keep trying to build your idea on top of my idea and when it comes out I hope I am able to share it with you thank you so much for this beautiful sea creature it is something to be hold

[@mirthadinatale9213]

PRECIOSO CABALLITO DE MAR........PARECE QUE TUVIERA VIDA Y MOVIMIENTO...... CONGRATULATION ANNA .........!!!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Muchas gracias!

[@justinfrank6953]

Absolutely breath taking 😍❤️💯💯💯💯💯

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you so much!!

[@justinfrank6953]

@@AnnaBlountArt you're so very welcome!!! You truly are gifted👩‍🎨✌️❤️🙏

[@janwee5262]

Thank you Anna. You are amazing! and explaining so clearly every step of the way!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much!

[@kellygallo1075]

I love this and my favorite colors....Beautiful

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you!

[@rallen9433]

I love seahorses, you have inspired my creativity. Thank you!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank YOU!

[@jacquelinehenseleit6007]

Absolutely beautiful

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you!

[@judygrubbs1093]

You nailed it. This sea horse is gorgeous 🤩💞🤩

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you Judy!

[@mistyrouch1208]

Love!!!!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you!

[@brandyp4136]

Wow! Yours is way cooler! I love it.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much!

[@marionsimpson9566]

Thank you, I saw that same picture some time ago. It was wonderful to watch someone do the seahorse. You did a marvellous job

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much Marion!

[@marthaburge5209]

Thanks for teaching! Love this

[@AnnaBlountArt]

You’re so welcome!

[@ronaldtucker4402]

I'm very proud to know of someone from WV so talented! I'm from Hurricane WV and I love fluid art of any nature. Thank you for this instructional on the beautiful 'sea horse'! I'm going to try tonight!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks, and good luck with yours!

[@cindybogart6062]

The sea horse I’d stunning. I love what you’ve done with it. It’s beautiful. I’m going to try this one!!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you so much! Good luck when you try yours!

[@denisemiller8474]

Beautiful what a beautiful idea thanks foo sharing..

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks Denise!

[@jillsmith3937]

I love this seahorse ❤️🌠

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you!

[@candacelee3650]

I love your version as well, very beautiful.

[@sherrysmith2]

Gorgeous 😍

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you Sherry!

[@brendajernigan7642]

Love, love, love this. MIGHT give it a try. I have big ideas that don't always work out. Thank you for sharing.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks!! If you do try it, good luck!

[@ramonalee1]

This is so amazing! I’m stunned.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you Ramona!

[@JodyMcKinney]

Stunning!!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you!

[@MixedMediaCraftsbyDiane]

The seahorse is so beautiful Anna! Thank you for sharing the technique.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you! You are so welcome!

[@bbrown8353]

I haven't done a pour in at least 2 years but you have me wanting to start again! Especially because it's 90 degrees here and I just got back from the beach. This seahorse is exquisite!!! Thank you for doing this tutorial.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you so much! Since it’s been a while, I’d recommend trying a basic micro swipe before you try adding the shaped front edge. That way you make sure your mixtures and techniques are good before you try the complex one!

[@bbrown8353]

@@AnnaBlountArt Yes I thought about that. I'm definitely rusty and I've never tried a micro swipe before. Don't know if the flowtrol will be good either. Thanks for the response and advice!

[@karintolbert7452]

That is amazing!!! Blutiful!!! 💙💙💙💙💙

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much!

[@carolbear5337]

This turned out fabulous!! Can't wait to try. Thank you so so much for this video, you're awesome!!!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you so much!

[@user-sg6lp7ko5t]

You have inspired me! Thank you for sharing your talent

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Aw I’m so glad!

[@snazzledazzle1036]

Gorgeous!!!!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you!!

[@DreamsInColor71]

Beautiful! So well done❤❤

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you Yvonne!

[@JenniNJeff]

Wow! Love it!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you!

[@stephaniebelley6523]

Absolutely incredible!!!! I am in love with it!!! I love your videos and can't wait to see what you come up with next.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much!!

[@carriew8999]

You did an Amazing job on this - I’m so impressed ❤❤❤

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much!

[@klartistic]

Beautiful, I really enjoyed watching the process of you painting the seahorse. Well done, it gorgeous. 🥰🇦🇺

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you so much!

[@funnylikethat0415]

Really pretty. Love the bubbles and wispy edges.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much!

[@artwithmamafairybreadd]

Gorgeous…luv luv the colours

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks a bunch!

[@oceanchicns]

Thank you for showing your creation. I love seahorses and cannot wait to try to make one !

[@AnnaBlountArt]

You’re welcome!

[@willowspiral7886]

Wow! Good job! She's awesome!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you!

[@mattersofthehartbynat8815]

You are an amazing teacher Anna! You make it so easy to follow, without rushing thru the explanations or fast forwarding… you definitely have yourself a new subscriber and I am looking forward to more tutorials! The seahorse looked simply stunning. Well done! ♥️♥️🇦🇺

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you so much! That’s the goal 😁

[@s.ingignoli654]

WONDERFUL! Love the subject, instruction, music & explanations! Seahorses are soooooooooo awesome! GREAT job

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much!!

[@minagica]

Oh I get it now! I get why you keep talking about silicone! Fantastic, I've learned something!!! 😍😍😍

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Yay, I’m glad!

[@minagica]

@@AnnaBlountArt thank you 😊😊😊

[@Jlalode]

A kindred spirit! I'm also a diver and I do watercolors. Your art really speaks to me.😍

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you!! I wish I was better at watercolors, but the fluid art is more in line with my talents, haha!

[@calmingrelaxationmusic8889]

🎶6HOURS! CALMING COSMIC MUSIC FOR MEDITATION UNLOCK YOUR POWERS VIVID GALAXY WORMHOLE SCREENSAVERS🎶 kzbin.info/www/bejne/anualqOldtGfb5Y

[@clairecasey5727]

Just too cute!! I really feel like I can do this. Thanks for explaining it to us.💜❤️😸

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks! Good luck!

[@kellybee1935]

What a beautiful creation. Thank you for sharing your vision and showing me how to do something cool.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you! Good luck with yours!

[@hokudadog7637]

So beautiful! Thank you for sharing this technique so well.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks!!

[@michellechilton3345]

Stunning

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks!

[@marymcwhirter708]

Thank you for sharing I am so in love with us and I use those little plastic strips like crazy they're my favorite

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you! Yeah I love swiping with flexible plastic.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Want to see a REVEAL SEAHORSE? Check it out here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWamoX5tf8qlaLM

[@kimberlyannedesigns921]

beautiful piece. can't wait to try this one.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you! Good luck with yours!

[@dreed5530]

Love watching the process. Wish I could have purchased this lovely seahorse. Thanks for sharing your technique & talent.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much! If you’d like to talk about commissioning another seahorse painting, my email is [e-mail].

[@louonUT]

Absolutely Amazing

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks so much!

[@ruthmcallister1800]

I love this!

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thanks Ruth!

[@ladybdeloreswhitney_CM_CCH_PCM]

I absolutly adore Sea Horses. And your pallet is stunning.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you!

[@bootskrebsbach9687]

So magical💜

[@user-kz9me5jt6b]

Una belleza muy bonito 👍👍❤❤

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Muchas gracias!

[@anissazichella5292]

I loved the rough edges when you took the tape off. It looked so unique.

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Yes if I wasn’t putting white along the other side it could have been neat to leave it like that.

[@J21637]

Amazing! So love this 👏

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you so much!

[@yvettereynolds5945]

Thank you for the straw trick, great teacher

[@AnnaBlountArt]

You’re welcome! Just don’t get it IN your mouth, haha

[@susanmiller1856]

What to say?!?! Absolutely stunning!❤️🌟

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you so much!!

[@pampollock6407]

Thank you, it is beautiful !

[@AnnaBlountArt]

Thank you Pam!