Chain pulls are WAY harder than they look!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

By popular request here are the liquid droppers that I used - amzn.to/3B2e7fa

[@mariontheantiquarian7849]

Ugh… unavailable

[@hawkpaul8735]

Thank you. Just ordered them.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Boo, these are pretty generic so if you look at the similar product bar just underneath the description do you see them?

[@mariontheantiquarian7849]

@@LeftBrainedArtist I will… I probably was in a hurry. I don’t remember. I just made some sales so have some extra cash to shop. 🤦🏻‍♀️😂

[@Ketobbey]

I have attempted this 8 times. I have failed every time and also made progress every time. I first saw this done by "Designer Gemma77" Then saw Olga do it and someone else. I had no idea you had tried it too. I started my attempts in Oct 22'. 2 attempts I have given as gifts for a child's room. Not total fails but still not good enough to share. I have learned a lot with each try. having to much paint is very much an issue. I think too the flat boards compared to a canvas have avery flat edge/lip. I also feel the butterfly only needs the paint on the outside and not the full outline of dots. Less paint. 100% pouring off as much extra base paint it a must too. Bigger balls on the chain also helps to stop the paint from pooling but still lets you do good pulling. (and that last sentence will get flagged for sure) Have you tried this anymore than the 2 times I have found of you attempting? I hope to post my version of this before the end of the year... When I get it right. I have gotten super close. I like your idea of splitting the art into 2 canvases , Smart!

[@BearsDenAcrylicArt]

I’m not going to lie, I’m glad to see more established artists struggle with certain techniques. While I never want anyone to fail, it makes me feel better about my own difficulties with chain pulls! They’re my white whale, as it were. But, this is great information to have. I’ll have to revisit this after I get to the reverse flower dip.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

It's all about learning and I don't think you can learn as well with only seeing success.

[@BearsDenAcrylicArt]

@@LeftBrainedArtist Agreed. Thankfully, you’re showing the pouring nation, as it were, what are some common pitfalls with a lot of techniques and such. Thank you for sharing your content.

[@Umberlee69]

Thank you for sharing this, we see so much of the stunning successful pieces across social media and it’s refreshing to see you working through the creative process and sharing the not quite so perfect moments with us.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I totally agree! No need to see only the perfect versions. That doesn't help anyone.

[@euladymartins822]

Olá, Eu estou tentando fazer está arte, só que o arraste ficou muito grosso. Mas vou continuar tentando, uma hora eu acerto. Obrigado pelo vídeo ❤

[@kathyjohnson409]

I learn sooooo Sooooo much from you

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks Kathy. Glad to help.

[@jrocks94pours]

This is a wonderful composition! Love your color choices! Nature is imperfect; not symmetrical as our eyes generally lead us to believe. lol

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Spiceyspiney]

This technique is so much harder than people like Olga make it look. You did a great job of something that's really challenging and the final painting is still great even if it didn't exactly like you planned it to :)

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks so much 😊 That's why I love abstract art like pouring.

[@daisymay4183]

This is a great learning video. I always wanted to try the chain pull. Olga made it look so easy. The colors you used where beautiful.😊

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks Daisy. Olga has an amazing touch and talent for this, I am sure though tons of practice.

[@WindiRedington]

And that's how mine turn out too! Olga makes it look so easy!! Hahahah.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

She did paint over hers afterwards which made a big difference in the subtle details but . . . this is hard.

[@mikejanssen1700]

Thank you for sharing. Learned from this to prevent messing up tottaly at the first try.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Mistakes are the best teachers. Especially when other people make them. 😅

[@DorisAtDFDesigns]

Good job David! Yes we learn from our less than perfect pours. I appreciate that you gave us tips to try to get ours better. Thanks for sharing!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

My pleasure! I think failure is such a better teacher. Harsh sometimes but you generally learn more.

[@carolperez1426]

Thanks for sharing.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks for watching Carol.

[@LunaFairs]

Olga is who got me into fluid art, I love her work! I don’t have any problems doing chain pulls, but anything else like galaxy or nebula pours forget it. I think you did really good here!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks Meredith. Anything you think I missed in my self analysis?

[@LunaFairs]

@@LeftBrainedArtist no, just don’t call yourself an idiot lol. Says the person who frequently does the same! Also you can practice doing what I call vase chain pulls at first, they are really great for starting, and getting the speeds and over all flow going of working with chain pulls! You honestly did really well!

[@TrinaRaysTrekofLife]

@@LunaFairs I agree! I caught that too. It's hard not criticize ourselves...but we can say something like "opps" or "happy accident" ect...

[@jensenbabbie2415]

That wing is glorious!.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks so much!

[@bubblywaters3116]

I like the two much paint side better. Looked cool!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks. Interesting how we can all see painting so differently isn't it?

[@Anjalifinearts]

Absolutely stunning and gorgeous! Your work is very impressive! You are blessed with magical hands for your beautiful creativity! Stay blessed and happy

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Many many thanks Anjali. And thanks for watching.

[@CindyArtStudio]

The dried results are amazing, beautiful sharing... Thumbs up.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thank you so much 😊

[@teresaroper9993]

I started playing with chains and string with paint thinned with floetrol years ago and found it amazingly easy, even taught my grandsons to make simple flowers and butterflies. I am finding acrylic pouring much more challenging because I have no control over the outcome like I do with the chains.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Pouring does have a mind of it's own for sure Teresa. That's what I like about it though. 70% planning and 30% randomness.

[@teresaroper9993]

@@LeftBrainedArtist I’m not sure I’m at the 70% planning part yet😂

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Hehe

[@appleknocker56]

Thought the chain pull would be easier but know different now! Still going to try it!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Totally do. So much fun.

[@appleknocker56]

@@LeftBrainedArtist What really helped on this one was first the bottom paint (not to thick/not to thin) but to pull the chain very slowly & straight (size of them & second time) saw you slightly twisted the chain (again very slowly)! Ty!

[@sharkopec9966]

I think it looks cool. Nice job and recovery

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks. I might try that chain pull when I just brush the surface more on my next one.

[@sharkopec9966]

@@LeftBrainedArtist make sure you make a vid of it

[@marceyvogt2007]

Butterflies done with chains looks very tricky. I have watched other painters do it and there is always something they would do differently. It's a good learning experience. Getting it symmetrical is a common challenge. I liked watching you do it. I think the "two canvas method" is a great idea. Thank you David.☮️💖🎶

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You can't win them all. I love learning this way though.

[@hayystarr]

No lie the pull chain technique is my favorite and it’s one of my mastered techniques. Good job and love your videos. Your videos really help me with my run in problems of my pours. 😁😁😁

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Any suggestions for me Hayley?

[@hayystarr]

@@LeftBrainedArtist I learned along the way of this technique is very thin constency and when you apply the color dots when drawing out the design try to space out the dots a lil bit more. My first one came out like this one in your video. I know there is a channel out there I just cannot remember what the channels called but they do a lot of different pull chain designs other then butterflies. If I find it I’ll reply with a link.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

@@hayystarr Gemma designs? Love her stuff.

[@hayystarr]

@@LeftBrainedArtist yes I love her stuff too. The channel I was talking about is fluidcomet. Channel has mostly pull chain art.

[@carolsieminski6192]

Beautiful!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thank you Carol. I did love making these.

[@brendaroberts1550]

Absolutely a technique that takes much practice. You did a good job and I think this came out pretty...reminds me of a colorful moth even though it's a butterfly.... love your videos you are a good teacher.... 🥰😍🥰😍

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks Brenda. I call it a win anytime I learn new things while doing a pour.

[@kelliquinn1342]

As artists I think we're always hardest on up on work. And I'm laughing seriously out loud because I think everybody feels that way on their first run of these butterflies but truthfully it turned out much better than you're giving yourself credit for. I like your style it was a very good video. Loved all the shout-outs to Olga she deserves them

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

So true. The artist's curse is real. I do love the second on I made over the top so much better. Yes Olga does. Love her work.

[@carolynbrew3770]

I can't believe you I just bought a chain and I was going to ask you to do a teaching vedio with this Yeah ‼️ Can't wait to watch

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Awesome!

[@SylvieBoisjoliLuc-cd7ke]

Its beautiful ,i call that experience ,but still wow 😊

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@emilyflotilla931]

Props to you for even trying! I'm not ready yet! Maybe I never will be...lol

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You need to Emily. For sure.

[@barbaradeerfield2204]

I really want to try this thank you for your info

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You’re welcome 😊 They are so fun regardless of the outcome.

[@HeyRaeSunnyDay]

My right brain is looooving this, so delightful! Now my left brain thinks a way to make a better mirror the images; star with even base paint on both canvases (use way less black), then place first round of dots outlining the wing on one canvas, then "kiss" the canases together, and use the imprrint on both to continuing layering the dots of color. Your steady hand pulling the chain is spot on! Please try again as this could get really cool!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

That a great idea. Thanks Angela. I didn't even think to trace the pattern before I started. You live and learn I guess.

[@HeyRaeSunnyDay]

@@LeftBrainedArtist Live, learn, TEACH repeat 🙂

[@rebeccahyatt7789]

Haven't tried the chain pull yet, but I'm going to. 🦋Thank you for your video and all the information. I really appreciate it.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You are so welcome! They are very fun and when they work, beautiful.

[@rudiellen]

I think that replication is a big challenge, requiring bravery lol. As I think about it, I might try a repair by using small thin swipes. To do it again I might use metallic peacock colors with more cell activity in a few of the colors. I still like it the way it is. I am a conventional realism portrait artist but I have have recently learned that this artwork is no cakewalk requiring abundant practice. Kudus to you.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks so much. For me, every failure is an awesome learning opportunity. Just need to remember my "mistakes" and pivot with the next one.

[@ruthalvaradolopez1623]

This is a wonderful tutorial, thank you!!!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Glad it was helpful Ruth. So fun even without success.

[@lindahummel2825]

Please don’t be hard on yourself you have taught me so much thank you

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Oh I am always looking for ways to improve. I am not afraid to say things aren't pretty and that I need to try again.

[@cutznfadez4683]

Thanks for sharing. You did a heck of a lot better than I did trying to replicate that 🤣

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Hey, you have to learn somehow right?

[@connieturnergreen3040]

Thank you for sharing

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

My pleasure Connie. Thanks for watching.

[@labretbear]

Looks so good to me ! You're talented ... I'm a newbie... making a mess and wasting paint

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

That’s the best way to learn. I just try and help you all waste less than normal

[@gloriasilva578]

Thanks for sharing this fail, I am a beginner in acrylic pouring because of you I started to try to do this with some acrylic paint that I had buy the rest but sometimes it didn't look great after dry. Watching this video give me the information for doing this technique. Thanks for your help today.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Glad I could help! It is a learning process for us all. I think sometimes we forget that with some artists who only show the successes.

[@AndiNewtonian]

Don't be so hard on yourself. I think that turned out great! I really like it.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks. That artist's curse is what that is. Always harder on ourselves.

[@carolynbrew3770]

good morning David watched your butterfly again I really am trying to find my way in all this painting You are such a good person..I can draw a great butterfly but I wanted to do a butterfly but I am going to take some painting lessons from a young lady I met at art store..Try to find what my style is instead of trying to reproduce someone else style..You are great at most every thing..I wanted to do something for my granddaughter.. I don't know how to send a painting photo..Take care

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You can use the contact us form on my website leftbrainedartist.com/contact

[@carolynbrew3770]

Wanted to let you know that I did a butterfly and yes ‼️You find out what you are best at and go for it I am finally finding my way

[@noemisartcorner841]

Thank you for sharing. I’ve tried this technique twice. I made flowers I was told they looked real good but I knew better. Maybe my son thought I’d disown him if he said something negative. 😂 But as the saying goes beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

So true. Luckily I have a wife and brother that are more than happy to tell me when they don't like things.

[@RebekahSue]

You did better with the outlines than you thought you did. I've watched Olga's butterfly videos extensively over the past year and from my point of view as I viewer I thought your technique went really well. You're giving me the confidence to try again, at any rate. (I bought butterfly stencils with a plan to drop them onto the paint and lift up, but I haven't tried it yet.)

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Good idea. I thought about doing a cardboard cutout.

[@chantalvandenberghe1394]

You did great as usual. I checked Olga’s video and she made a lot of embellishments before it was that beautiful. You are right also, the base needs to be thin, really thin. I only tried chain pull on black base with dipping the chain in the color silver, and afterwards pulling it on the canvas (in a kind of artistic mess 😅). Now, I see you have problems with yellow too. I can’t find any all made ones that are nice, they all are so too much. I got to soften them with white or pearl light colors. Makes I nearly never use yellow and absolutely never on a black base. But that’s me 😉. Thank you David for this tutorial, you show its not that easy as some show it to be. I learn so much more with your videos than I did in a course. Sure I am not alone.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Glad to hear that Chantal. Any pour I come away with more knowledge than I started with I consider a success.

[@marystewart8905]

I think it still turned out good. I have a brand new package of chains, still unopened. I eventually want to try a chain pull, but pretty sure it won't be a butterfly first! Maybe a squiggly snake!😂

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Probably what I should have done.

[@jolenemiller1]

Try a chain with larger diameter balls on it. Love watching the experiments!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I am totally going to try some Mardi Gras necklaces.

[@pyritecindi7384]

I've been hesitant to try this, especially with 2 canvases...I found myself holding my breath as you pulled and pulled again. Well done and appreciate the tips about paint quantity. 👌

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You can succeed until you try. Or in my case you can't learn until you fail.

[@hawkpaul8735]

I've watched Olga and she does make it look easy but I've still not plucked up the courage to try myself. I do some things with beads/chain and find if I need a certain shape I'll put the chain in place first so I can move it if I need to. Then I add paint around the chain before pulling. Where did you get the eye droppers please? They look just perfect for certain jobs. Great video again and your result really wasn't too bad. You're too hard on yourself.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Oh yes. I'll add them to the description in just a minute.

[@Claudia_x92]

I learnd much from your videos. I pour since 08.21 i have so much fun to experimenting and trying new things. Do you have a favourite technique?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Straight pour with one metallic color is my favorite so far.

[@lydiaveldhuizen3157]

Not bat at all, in fact a Great Painting. Why? We learn a lot from You in this case and you are a Great teatcher. Showing us what went wrong and How to fix it. Telling about the Gold and That you have to make It a Bit Ticker so It Don,t disapeare. Thank You so much Gone try this one to But I gone use a Christmas Tree chain Thats a size Ticker maybe That helps. I am only afraid of the colour Its red and That can Go off.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Yeah, I have had the suggestion to use party beads or Marti Gras beads as they are a bit thicker for a bigger chain pull like this.

[@lydiaveldhuizen3157]

@@LeftBrainedArtist like to see the results if you gone work with that kind of beads.

[@UnboundedArtandCrafts]

What I feel helps is marking the base coat with a piece of string or something else that will go from edge to edge. It just gives you a guide to get your design more symmetrical 💡

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

That's a great idea! I didn't even think of that. I marked the sides but why not make a dent for where I want it to be. Thanks!

[@UnboundedArtandCrafts]

@@LeftBrainedArtist you're welcome ☺️

[@terrijohnson9193]

I noticed that when you did the first side you were holding the chain down towards t hff e table & when you did the other side it was slightly up higher. I only noticed that because I have done the same thing & didn't like the results. You have to make sure the chains are pulled exactly the same way to get matching sides. I love e chain pulls & do alot of them now. Hope that helps because you have taught us so much. Love your videos.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks Terri. I'll have to test a little with that.

[@TrinaRaysTrekofLife]

Thanks for trying this and sharing with us! I was chuckling when you were talking about not being to draw because that's me too! 🙋‍♀️ I recently got a commission request to make "anything with a cat or dog". I was like "umm, I do abstract art" ... but then about an hour later, I was like "OK, challenge accepted! Lol) After several attempts, I finally was able to draw a very minimalist looking silhouette of a cat and I actually taped it to my canvas to get the outline! Lol Then I just did a string pull to color it in. It was very challenging, but I'm thankful that I at least attempted it!! Lol UPDATE: The video was posted 6/25/22, titled "A Cat's Moonlit Night".

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Fantastic. Not sure I’d even try that today for me.

[@TrinaRaysTrekofLife]

@@LeftBrainedArtist Ya, I was super nervous!! Lol But I just kept telling myself, if it's a fail I can just scrap it! 😆 I actually really like how it turned out and so did my customer, so I'm over the moon!! 😆

[@TrinaRaysTrekofLife]

@@LeftBrainedArtist PS I ordered those pipettes! 😆 I was JUST going to put them in my cart for "later"... but it said only 2 left!! 😑😫😭 ...So, I was ugh, I better get them now!! Lol You never know with Amazon if they will be available later again... I guess everyone jumped on them when you showed them!! Lol

[@lorrainedove373]

If you want to use a old painting that you really don’t like, how do you fix it so you can paint over it, like a new canvas??? Also I follow you and absolutely love all I have learned from you! You are definitely one of my favorite artist!!! Thank you so much!!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Does it have a lot of texture from the previous paint? If it doesn't you just paint right over it. If it does and the texture bothers you, it probably isn't worth saving. If it doesn't, just paint over it again.

[@corissahowell]

would it help to use a larger sized chain?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Yup, sure would. I have kind a middle size for a fan but a small bead necklace or a larger bead chain would help the paint flow in the middle for sure.

[@doloresdrury8018]

Hi David can I use Gesso for coating my canvas and paint on the Gesso? Or should I let it dry then wet the Canvas with acrylic paint?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You can do either. Gesso you want to make sure is completely dry when you start. If you are using a base coat of acrylic paint it can be either wet or dry.

[@juliegilmore7899]

I saw on another video where the paint started to gather inside the chain like yours and they stopped and let the paint settle and then began pulling again. I haven't tried it yet but give it a try to see if it works but i too usually put too much paint on it too.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I hadn't seen that but that is a great tip. Thanks Julie. I'll have to try it.

[@crazyoldbat]

good Sunday everyone. Hello i have been seeing in some pour groups that people are using Acrylic House Paint (interior). Does that work better than using Art Acrylics?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

No. Most people are using that is a base coat for things like the SheleeArt blooms or the type of paintings that Sarah Taylor is doing.

[@mariontheantiquarian7849]

Oh man!! Perfect timing. I tried this last week with horrific results 😂🤣😂 yours is so much better. & I was only using 3 colors. I have a commission for a friend. She even bought me the chains. My paints were way too thick, my base was way too thick… absolute disaster. I scraped the whole thing. I did notice that you pull “down”, I tried that at first, trying to keep more level with the canvas. I had more “limited” success or luck if I pulled up. Does that make any sense? I am going to attempt this again. Seeing your work showed me my mistakes… I like symmetry too. I will probably cut a template out of wax paper. I have used this in the past. Just placing it one the base coat & then carefully removing it leaves an impression to follow… Thanks again for all you do & share!! You are the best.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I was totally thinking of making a cookie cutter shape out of cardboard to do the same thing. Yes it did make sense about pulling up.

[@mariontheantiquarian7849]

@@LeftBrainedArtist If you’d like a pic of the wax template idea in action, I’d be more than happy to send one. Just let me know where.

[@LindaB206]

what size ball chain do you use

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

The #6 size ball chain has a diameter of 1/8" or 3.2mm. There are bigger you can buy at craft stores or online.

[@Nomadcreations]

LOOKS Beautifull!!!, LBA,

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks. I am still going to pour over and try again but I learned a ton more this time. I consider that a success.

[@Nomadcreations]

@@LeftBrainedArtist Suggestion: What Ever One You dont like, ... Some one else will LOVE!!!, simply save the one u dont like & advertise it which helps some one else. simply do a new pour

[@kayecarlson8597]

What if you let the black dry completely then go back and do the chain pull?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You can totally do that. The colors on the ouside will be VERY strong and quickly disappear as you move in with no base layer.

[@artisticthoughtsbyelena]

It is hard, I am just curious, its been a year it says since you did this, do you feel you have conquered pulling chains yet? I know for me, its been a challenge. But you offered some great tips. Thanks.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

My problem is I don't focus on one technique for long enough, mostly due to the next video I am making. I feel like I am passable but not a pro yet.

[@TheJudiBambiPurrsParadox]

I paused where you started putting down the chain, to say first off, I notice your chain is a lot smaller than the beaded pull chain or Mardi Gras beads I've seen used. I just got some fan pull chains and going to try this weekend...maybe tonight. I've seen Mardi Gras beads too. Seems the bigger the beading of the chain, the more defined it is when pulling....and the more it seeps between the beads, thus letting the paint not back up as much in one place. Larger beading lets it distribute excess paint more efficiently. At least it looks to me that way.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I have some of these at home. I might have to try that.

[@angelabstractart6168]

Definitely a technique that takes practice! Ask me how I know! 😂 I like your butterfly attempt, I'm not brave enough for that big of a chain pull! 😳

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Oh I think you can do it Angel. Besides, if it doesn't work. We just pour over it later. 8)

[@jensenbabbie2415]

David, you’ve got to look at AB Creative’s process of creating feathers. In the end, she used a fluffy feather to paint a wonderful feather. Pleease tell me what you think. Babbie Jensen or LeAn Jensen.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I'll take a look.

[@jensenbabbie2415]

@@LeftBrainedArtist the chain bull butterfly wings you showed aren’t what I mean. She makes a white fluffy looking wing on black. It is beautiful.

[@jeanmastrangelo1157]

Would it be possible to put the black paint down and let it dry and then put the color on the canvas because you really don’t need the black in the color I would put more the gold but I think I would try it with a dry canvas in black and see where that gets you… I know I haven’t done this I haven’t tried this I have no clue what the hell I’m talking about but to me the logical thing would be to have the black dry

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

The effect won't work without at least a tiny coat of a base layer. You'll get some color moving but only a fraction of an inch. Now that I think about it you could probably do more dots in the middle and just continuously be pulling up more paint. That might be an idea.

[@Nomadcreations]

LBA, .. Thanx For the materials/Tools list, & Each ART Project/Attempt is an "Experiment'" In Itself. Friends The paint Goes where it wants to not necessarily Where We "Aim" It. Some Artists Have better dexterity & Experience to make things Look easier. Friends don't Give up, Just Buy More canvases or Use Old plywood Pieces or Thick card-board to Further "Experiment " On

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

#truth

[@susanmarshall7860]

Chain pulls - or rather string pulls, which are definitely a different technique all together - were some of the very first fluid art I attempted - and I was excited by how well they went. (Not well enough that I kept them. Someday. ) Good thing I didn't see your video first; it might have scared me off. (Dont get me wrong; you are still my #1 go-to guy for education. That hasn't changed a bit.) I am still doing a lot of "firsts." Right away I thought it looked like a lot more than a "thin coat" in your base (and I was kinda smug to see how right I was). I wondered: why not use a brush? You sometimes do. Even in your summary, it wasn't mentioned.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I generally only use the brush for a super light base coat. It honestly didn't even occur to me to try that in this. I'll make a note now though Jamie. Thanks!

[@jensenbabbie2415]

I really like how it looks. Olga goes much slower when she pulls, I think.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I just had too much paint and the diameter of the chain balls was too think. No paint could escape underneath

[@TaslimaMayaArt]

❤❤

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks so much Taslima.

[@doloresdrury8018]

I have been trying to get this technique down. But for the life of me just can't do it.. I get too much paint and it turns to mush.. So I try to get some paint off only to put more paint on..Oh Lord I gave this up for a while Maybe I'll give it another go..

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

As you can see we all struggle. Now I need to adjust and retry.

[@loricunningham8763]

When you're at the point where the paint isn't "grabbing" ,grab the other end of the chain and slowly pull both sides.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks Lori.

[@Brandy215]

I actually liked the black centers but I get that's not what you were going for. It's very pretty but she makes everything look so easy!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

She totally does. Us regular people just have to work harder I guess. 😀

[@dat1cat]

It's better to use party beads for pulls. The Mardi Gras type.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I definitely got bigger beads for the next time I do this.

[@aprildegele1510]

I love that you found something you love about the end product! Personally, I don't think it's that bad as a whole. I don't know what you were going for, but this says butterfly. Yes, I agree, there was too much black in places. And you could have kept fussing over and over ... but then it would have been a blob of nothing. Yes, chain pulls are not a beginner project at all. It takes finesse in a way that's more intuitive than teachable. You'd think it would be simple (and for some folks it is), but it's not for the majority of folks. It's an intuitive process, which some folks like yourself who are left-brain dominant can't see fully. I have an ambidextrous brain. Honestly. i know of many things in physics, chemistry (math I hate ... but higher math makes total sense), and I still have the ability to freely throw myself out there and create without fear. Do I fail? Sure, all the time, but I have both sides of my brain to figure out the solution to just about anything. My point is ... try. Allow yourself to fail, and then try again. Edison did this, what, a hundred times before he was successful? Every time you "fail" you learn. That is the result of trying. Failure is education and shouldn't be feared. There is this total misnomer that we only use 10% of our brain. We use 100 percent of our brain. Science can only account for 10 percent of that because at this stage of humanity, we're still stupid as to how we work. Rely on your gut, because that's a signal from our brain that we know more than we think. The mind-body connection is no joke. So, in art, if your gut says ... then do it. If you "fail" , regroup and try again. NO harm, NO foul. And don't ever say to yourself that you're not an artist. EVERYONE is, from the time you could finger-paint. Art is subjective. People like what they do. NO matter what you create, there will be someone who loves it. I did an experimental piece with all kinds of stuff I put on a canvas. I thought it was absolutely horrible ... and yet someone absolutely loved it. So, I gave it to that person for free because I felt it was total crap. I was rid of it and she was happy with it. No harm, no foul. And we were both happy.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks April.

[@hollie7926]

"Let's see if I can't replicate that over here..." - Every woman who has ever done eye liner.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

hehehe, can't say I've tried that but I get the feeling for sure.

[@RandiG63]

Artists are their own worst critics It is very pretty to me 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks Randi!

[@RandiG63]

@@LeftBrainedArtist Its true 😊I even liked the black in it looked like real butterflies do 😊

[@mumo9413]

Olga uses a bigger ball chain. I think 4/6mm. It's not a case of too much paint, you just need a bigger chain. No never call yourself an idiot! I've experimented, a 5mm ball chain worked well! Try again!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Hmm, I need to go look at the dimensions. You're probably exactly right. Such a simple solution staring me in the face.

[@mumo9413]

@@LeftBrainedArtist Olgas Amazon shop shows a 3.2mm & 4.5mm chain. Hope this helps? We're all experimenting. I've learned so much from you, hope I can give a little back?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

@@mumo9413 You totally did. OMW to buy some different sized chains right now.

[@carlajoguthrie6498]

Don't call yourself and idiot! Not true. Have you tried pulling both sides of the chain together, and make sure put the chain on the outside of the paint of the butterfly. Thanks for making for making the boo-boo for me!

[@carlajoguthrie6498]

Oh, also I am gonna try making an outline of the bug out of a paper towel and putting the paint around it and removing it carefully in order to remove some of the excess paint in the center. Fingers crossed!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I am thinking of making a stencil out of glued string or a coat hanger or something so I can drop it down and pick it up easy.

[@loricunningham8763]

Also don't put gold on all the dots. I hope these help you!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

👍

[@angelheart4498]

It looks like you put too much paint down as the base.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Yup, the definitely was one of my many problems here.