How to Embellish an Acrylic Pour Painting

[@ExkupidsMom]

I embellish most of my pours, because a.) I'm a mixed media artist and it's what I do, but also b.) because I'm not very good at pouring and rarely have a pour I like just on its own. I use beads, paint pens, collage, fiber, random items... the sky's the limit. The pour sometimes suggests where it wants to go, but other times, it just gives me a few bits I really like, and I do something over most of the rest of it. The idea of using plastic to experiement is great. I have a background I've been working on for ages, and I want to put a tree on it, but I don't really draw, so I'm afraid to destroy it. This method will either give me the confidence to move forward, or the knowledge that I need to take it in another direction. I've also never seen an artist stick in use before. Boy would that have saved me some heartbreak and a lot of very bad words. Thank you! As always, really helpful.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Ooh, 3d art. I love it. I've haven't worked with much like that but I really want to try some 3d resin geode pours. Those are so beautiful and remind me of my grandfathers geode bolo ties.

[@merryhallam2903]

I love this painting without the embellishments

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Isn't that the beauty of art and pouring in particular. So many different perspectives Merry. Thanks for watching!

[@ElveeKaye]

Glitter, beads, rhinestones, ribbon, painted designs, I've used lots of things to embellish my paintings. :)

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Sounds great!

[@sueo8890]

Thank you so much! I googled "how to embellish an acrylic pour" and there you were...my savior! Your plastic wrap technique is genius!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Glad I could help!

[@cdenameknd3259]

This channel has given me so much confidence with my pour art! Thank you for the helpful tips as always! You should do a zoom class

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I do plan on doing some Live session in the near future. Thanks for the kind words Gemma.

[@CarolKay-z1g]

So after I watched your video, I went to Michael’s and bought several colors of the acrylic pens and I am in the process of embellishing my painting now and these are awesome. I’m so excited that I watched a video and found this.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Wonderful! I'd love to see them when they are done.

[@Mara-rc6rf]

Best tip ever !!!! Saran wrap and test before doing on actual painting. THANKS SO MUCH. SO HAPPY I SAW THIS 💙💙💙

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

It has served me well over the years Mara.

[@amandaprewitt949]

The plastic on top is so clever!!! Great thinking

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thank you! 😊 Don't leave it too long though. You'll get a little of the sticky side staying if you do.

[@janawest7186]

Thanks. I just did this accidentally! I was going to paint over or throw away. So I thought … why not? I love your practice sheet! Really smart!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You are so welcome! This was really helpful to kick my fear of messing it up if I just drew lines the first time on the painting.

[@wycollins1209]

Thanks for sharing. I have paint pens but was afraid to use them. Now I know I can practice first.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Definitely try them out Wanda. They can make a beautiful addition to your paintings.

[@debbiem.3128]

What a cool idea, I can see using a thicker clear plastic sheet and erasing lines you don't like with rubbing alcohol. I laughed at the plastic wrap placed on your shirt, I didn't expect that!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Haha, sometimes you just need to go with the flow Debbie.

[@debbiem.3128]

@@LeftBrainedArtist I thought it was great, who can't use a little extra humor these days? Thanks!

[@debbiem.3128]

I forgot to mention, it might be fun to experiment with different brands of paint pens too as they do vary in tone. Just a thought.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

@@debbiem.3128 I have thought about that. I have so many experiments I want to do that it's hard to choose.

[@silverhoney6969]

I love all of the work & detail you put into your videos. I learn so much, and intend on watching many over again as I work and practice myself. Love the plastic wrap idea!! And I haven’t thought about embellishing the paintings yet, but it takes me back to HS days when we had to paint fake marble for theater sets and, this is next level. And the rod trick! so these are great ideas for me to try in the future.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You are so welcome! Glad to help.

[@dorisjohnson6777]

Great tip. No more dumps because my ideas didn’t turn out the way I expected.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I still mess up sometimes but this has definitely helped reduce that frequency of paintings I don't like.

[@StanDByme-gv3yo]

I love a plastic wrap tip. Thank you!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You are so welcome! Just don't leave it on very long or it will really stick to your painting.

[@djdonna56]

I am just learning too pour and I am learning so much from you. I do alot of mandala art and that is how I will embellish my pours.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Ooh that sounds amazing Donna. Love after pour embellishments.

[@CarolKay-z1g]

Thank you so much. I desperately needed some ideas on a pour that I did , and it needed more wow factor!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Glad to help.

[@janetgriffiths1534]

Thank you for sharing this has given me confidence to try to embellish and add another layer to my acrylic pours .🙏

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You are so welcome Janet. Glad to help out a fellow pouring artist.

[@caroljordan7205]

Good job, I usually just redo the whole thing. I will keep this in mind for next time🤗

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You still can if you don't like the results. This doesn't add much texture to the pour at all Carol.

[@ArtWithMarc]

Good idea on the plastic wrap!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks Marc. I do try to practice as much as possible before starting the real thing.

[@Enuffisenough]

Brilliant idea 💡

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@karenbrunette6314]

I appreciate you showing this as a how to video. Please don’t be mad (there aren’t mistakes in art) but I think sometimes less is more they’re both beautiful though. Have a wonderful day

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I don't take offense to constructive criticism. Thanks for commenting Karen. You're right that are is totally subjective and we are all different in what we like.

[@jennyohara4851]

The difference is amazing. Thanks.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I thought so too.

[@Jade-ib9np]

I still remember when you had 500 subs and I was learning so much and watched so many of your vids and now you have or 12K subs!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks Jade. It has really been an interesting growth pattern after one or two of my videos picked up. I am glad you've stuck around and that my videos are still helping you.

[@RealMelodyBlue]

I've draw tangle patterns on mine before. And I have those exact same acrylic paint pens ❤️ I've used a chalk pencil to mark a pattern on my painting, cause it wipes right off.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Great tip! I never thought of using a chalk pencil.

[@RealMelodyBlue]

@@LeftBrainedArtist it's a lot easier than putting clear plastic, thought you might give it a try

[@erjatikka3029]

Simply fantastic! I needed that!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Perfect Erja. Glad I could help.

[@cindyspearman]

I am always afraid to add more as I don't want to ruin the painting. But I will definitely try your method as I have a few paintings that need an extra something to complete. I really like your videos, very basic and you get to the point. You don't include complicated methods. Thanks for sharing!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Good luck Cindy. It really is easier than I was expecting. Just getting where the put the lines I questions myself which is why I use the "try before you buy" method here.

[@stephanieworrell3638]

Il like the idea of giving it a try with the plastic on instead of taking the risk of ruining a painting. Thanks for the tip !

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You're welcome Stephanie. Happy painting.

[@dianemelton6475]

Great ideas!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Glad to help Diane.

[@brookemcneal147]

Another great idea to share! Thank u. Would never have thought to use clear wrap like that and it can definitely save some wasted pieces that couldve turned out great! Good job!...again 😄

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks Brooke. I am glad I cam across this method also. I've ruined too many pieces trying to be cutsie with the embellishments.

[@lucyc]

This is awesome - thanks, David! Also loved the plastic on the t-shirt. 🤪

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks Meg. That was a convenient place to put it.

[@lilianshelton4290]

Excellent idea! I love it!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thank you Lilian! 😊

[@kathleenmarie4336]

You are brilliant, great inspiration😊

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thank you so much Kathy.

[@ImaginewithGretchen]

Brilliant idea with the saran wrap ! i will try that fir embellishing photos i am not happy with

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks Gretchen. I stumbled on this after ruining a piece a while back. Has been nice to practice before I did the real thing.

[@carolynbrew3770]

I love theses pens I use in a different way like if the lacing doesn't go far enough..Or I am doing an ocean theme and I want to do more..I have tried the bottle one you showed and that is what I used to outline for a butterfly or something I don't want to draw on with owns but yes these ones are easy to use and get to learn..I spent a bit more and got the ones that have a fine tip on one end and medium on the other also,used a brand I new was good..Thank you again for the vedio...

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I need to get me some fine tip ones for sure. I love some of the embellishments others have made on their paintings with those.

[@eyestosee6599]

This is a wonderful way of working it. Thanks

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Glad you like it! It was fun for sure.

[@lynnestpierre4928]

Excellent idea. Thank you so much.🎨👍🏻🙃

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You’re welcome Lynne. Happy 2021. I hope this years pours are amazing for you.

[@polson8084]

REALLY HELPFUL! Thanks

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You're welcome!

[@lynnewilliams1140]

Happy New Year. I really appreciate how you teach paint pouring. I did my 1st one today.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

How did it turn out Lynne? Thanks for watching.

[@lynnewilliams1140]

@@LeftBrainedArtist It turned out surprisingly well, much better than I thought it would.

[@doloresdrury8018]

Such a good Idea.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks.

[@janetmacari5001]

Hiya David this was very informative using the food wrap or clear plastic sheet 👏🏻💚🌈

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I gotta limit my mistakes as much as possible. I make too many already. 😄

[@dinamcintosh5782]

Great tips! Thanks so much!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You are so welcome Dina. Happy painting.

[@jimbruce3923]

Awesome Idea

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks Jim.

[@juliaramirez9114]

You had me on the original. But the second one is cool. Awesome vid. Thanks 🙏🏾

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

That is the beauty of art. We all see things differently. Thanks for watching Julia.

[@jennyohara4851]

Thanks, that is great information.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You bet Jenny. Thanks for watching.

[@VHPINC]

Really really helpful

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Glad to hear! Yvonne. Thanks for watching.

[@noemisartcorner841]

Great information thank you very much.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

So nice of you Noemi. Hope it helps your future pours.

[@michelleb9301]

Thank you for making these videos. I'm learning a lot !

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Glad to hear it Michelle. Don't hesitate to ask more questions if you have them.

[@sandraroney3059]

You have inspired me so much, your explanation on what you're doing is excellent. Thank you.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

That is great to hear Sandra. Thanks for watching. Have you started painting yet?

[@sandraroney3059]

@@LeftBrainedArtist yes I have. Last 2 are tree ring pours I was delighted with. Till the next day when pin holes appeared. Air bubbles I think. Grr. I stalk your videos every day over and over. I've learned a lot from you. Thank you.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

@@sandraroney3059 ❤💛💚

[@marceyvogt2007]

Interesting. I would have been afraid to try something like this before. Confidence. I'll remember that. Thanks.😊

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You can't succeed until you try Marcey. Have a way to practice is nice too.

[@vonellevanzant237]

Thank you! How did you know I have a few painting that could benefit from embellishment! LOL. I appreciate this simple tip. I’m certainly not a free hand artist by any stretch of the imagination.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You and me both sister. I need to try more but man they come out looking like a zombie drew them (not even good enough to compare to a child's drawing).

[@vonellevanzant237]

@@LeftBrainedArtist I hear that! That’s why I love your tip so much. I can practice, copy my own idea, and have a piece I like better even If I just hang it here at home. I think I need more wall space! 😂

[@marthafontaine9797]

Excellent idea. Thank you for sharing. I will be trying embellishing

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Have fun! It is quite fulfilling making paintings you don't like shine again.

[@nks195]

Thankyou for this video, I have a couple of paintings that I could see things in them but not a great drawer. So this way i can test is out first. So awesome

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Excellent news. I hope it helps focus your thoughts on how you want the end result to be.

[@KalaArtonline]

This is amazing, my friend..

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thank you Kala. It is really satisfying to bring back to life a painting you think is bland.

[@evie6183]

Very interesting..thanks...I quite liked the original as well!♥

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks Evie. So interesting how many people like the original. Art really is fantastic that way where we all see thing differently.

[@evie6183]

@@LeftBrainedArtist So true!

[@judyeuller7602]

This is a great idea. Thanks for teaching me/us something new.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks Judy. Let us know if you figure more things out to make embellishments easier.

[@bobbieninemire8282]

I use acrylic ink and a brush for embellishing a painting that just needs to have a bit more definition. I love your idea of the plastic wrap as a practice piece before I commit to a final look.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks Bobbie. My brushwork game is poor and I need to practice it more.

[@simonsartium8904]

Teacher😁, just did my first pour like I said, using open cup technique and it came out quite nice. For next pours that don't I will use this technique. Thank you for you're lessons!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

That is amazing Simon. The first pour for me was so nerve wracking but I just get more entranced by pouring every time now.

[@simonsartium8904]

@@LeftBrainedArtist It was a bit nerve racking, especially color mixing(no scale) and what to do next thing, but after it was finished I did the woooooo scream. I think I'm on the hook now!

[@consueloyoung4484]

Thank you for talking about this “saving grace”. The first I did, I could see the head and wing of a hummingbird in the darkness of what was supposed to be a masterpiece 😂. I used iridescent paints and brought that bird out, there was some freehand... this technique saved that painting.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Perfect. Love to hear that. I need to practice more of the freehand also. That is one thing that still scares me. Thanks Consuelo.

[@mltbkr]

Thank you so much that's a great tip with the saran wrap. I use stickles to out line the lines. Stickles has a little bit of glitter in it. It's liquid form from a little plastic bottle with a tip. Comes in all types of colors. If someone love a little glitz it does wonders! Oh I also use stamps with black ink. Did a pour that looked like a horizon and stamp trees on the bottom it turned out awesome!!!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Both those ideas sound fantastic. I had never heard of Stickles or using stamps.

[@mltbkr]

@@LeftBrainedArtist yeah just gooogle it hahhaha. love your videos!!!!

[@TSBS986]

Too clever!! Thanks so much for this tip, it literally saved one of my paintings.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Amazing! Glad it was so helpful. Did you find any other tricks while doing this one?

[@TSBS986]

nope still pretty new to this art form so spending hours on KZbin 😂

[@sunitasuri7626]

Great tips. Thankyou David. I like the painting better with the embellishments. That is my personal taste and opinion.Here the embellishments make the paining looks interesting and provides a bit more definition. Wishing you and your family a very Happy, Healthy,Joyous and Safe New Year.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

That was my thoughts exactly Sunita. Happy New Year to you too!

[@miriamperez8444]

Thank you ! Love this idea!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks for watching Miriam. I need to brand out and do some other embellishments.

[@AngelasMixedMediaArtist]

Very beautiful love thx 😊

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thank you Angela!

[@Pourhappinessacrylics]

Great tips! I might give embellishing a try now, thank you

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

It is quite satisfying to bring a blah painting back to life Katrin. Good luck.

[@angelapoff3081]

👍😎💖 very beautiful, excellent advice, thank you so much♥️ I have some paintings I can try this on🤗💕

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Wonderful Angela. I think you'll enjoy sprucing up some blah paintings.

[@Kirlars]

Very nice painting. Was that a straight pour with two cups? Just guessing....

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I honestly don't remember but you are probably right.

[@carolhanson3893]

Good lesson, appreciated.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You are so welcome Carol. Luckily these are fun to make also.

[@judyhyland682]

Great idea. I’m always scared to embellish

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You can do it! Practice on the pours you don't like. A few goes and you'll get the hang of what works and what doesn't.

[@carolhalpin481]

I actually thought it was beautiful the way it was. Nice to know we can do this though. Does this already have resin on it? I can just use gloss varnish instead? not as durable, I know. Less expensive. Love this.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

This did not have any finish on it. I pretty much always finish after I embellish. Sometimes I do layers of finish/embellish/finish/embellish just to give it a little three dimensional look. It is more effective with Resin as that has some depth to it but even a traditional varnish can give some of that effect.

[@Jennygeee]

What a great idea! Thank you so much ❤️ (new subscriber)

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You are very welcome. It is fun to breath life into a painting I didn't like.

[@doreendehaan4313]

Thanks for helping

[@doreendehaan4313]

Love your plastic covering shirt too 😀

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I didn't have anywhere else to put it. Thanks for watching Doreen.

[@ooohlaa13]

Actually I prefer the more organic, open looking original but the plastic wrap is a fab idea especially for balloon smashes which when I do them it looks like a patched up afterthought. In fact most of my touch ups look obvious.I love the left to right, right to left plan ahead, and am intrigued by the painters stick. I will search it but is this a common tool I just never heard of, and can you demo how and in what situation it is useful? I can see it would be easy to get paint on it and the pitfall then roll it across your painting = unwittingly smudges??? One interesting thing I notice is that several weeks or even months down the road I tend to appreciate paintings more, they cure into more subtlety and also I am not so disappointed and hard on myself on how they didn't turn out like I wanted. All very helpful! Some I even love!

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Most acrylic painters paint slow and methodical so only paint right where they are painting is wet. Pouring stays wet much longer than a a lot of other acrylic painting techniques. This way you can keep your hand out of that paint but you definitely have to have a hold on it or have it fixed in place or rolling is a problem. You're right about time changing your perspective. I've grown to both like and dislike paintings after they sit in my studio for a while.

[@LoneWolf-sh1ph]

The original reminded me of a galaxy but missing blue and pink splashes. Would of been good if you could of put up the original and the embellished one together to see the difference. Thank you for showing us how to turn something that you think is blah to wow.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

I tried to do that in the thumbnail but it didn't do it justice. I'll have to see if I can splice the video together enough next time to get the side by side comparison. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@patty1364]

Does the painting need to be sealed before embellishing?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

No. Unless you are using a very wet wash on a glue based paint. otherwise just varnish after the embelishments.

[@hollypierson1087]

Thank you so much for your tips. Such a big help for me as a beginner. Have you done a video on glitter or crushed glass. Things that will bring the bling?

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Not yet! I haven't done a lot of 3d effects with my paintings yet and the glitter you have to do in the varnish or topcoat because it just sinks if you add it to regular paint.

[@luzdefatimagarcia6428]

Recuerda el video de como embalar las pinturas para enviar por correo,gracias, bendiciones.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Es una idea que ya tengo para un video por este ano a seguro. Gracias Luz.

[@ArtWithMarc]

Ironically enough I just started writing a post about this yesterday before I saw this video pop up. I think I'm probably going to feature it in the post. I have another recent post I did I featured you in too.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Thanks Marc. How much pouring art have you done?

[@nejlaylmaz100]

Kullandığınız kalemin ismi ne teşekkürler

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Bunlar akrilik boya kalemleridir. CraftSmart Acrylic Paint Pens.

[@irynaporter1388]

Good idea, thank you! But I liked your picture without any embellishment

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Yeah, that is the artist's curse. We are hyper critical of our work.

[@jbird4910]

Cool lesson! I tend to not embellish unless it’s really needed. I like to just put a stick in the wet paint and create more interesting lines by squiggling through it, using a bamboo skewer. Sometimes I re-pour a section and wreck it with a hair pic or comb. Balloon kisses have not yet been perfected, but I’m trying.

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

Doing little embellishments while wet is definitely something I need to practice more. I agree that balloon kisses aren't the easiest thing to master.

[@judyhyland682]

I always mess up free handing

[@LeftBrainedArtist]

You and me both Judy. Then again I always thought I wasn't an artist and look at me now?