PAINT CONSISTENCY TIPS for Dot Mandala PLUS Symmetry & Spacing Tips | Dot Painting Lydia May

What can you do when your paint is too thick? Too thin? In this lesson you will learn how to correct both! You will also find helpful symmetry tips and practice ideas for getting a consistent size dot and spacing for beautiful dot mandalas.
For info on paint consistency go to 0:33
For help with symmetry go to 10:35
For practice ideas go to 14:58
I hope this is helpful. If you have more questions, leave me a comment below and I'll try and answer it.
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DecoArt Americana Regular Acrylic Paint set: amzn.to/2TcmkHj
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ACRYLIC PATIO PAINT FAN FAVORITES SAMPLER SET: amzn.to/2DReMnx
DecoArt AMERICANA ACRYLIC SAMPLER SET : amzn.to/2JhNDgV
AMERICANA DAZZLING METALLICS FAN FAVORITES SAMPLER SET by DecoArt : amzn.to/2PJXs8A
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[@athenamays1174]

The practice tip using a plate is a great idea and I am so happy to have learned that! Thanks Lydia!

[@ritusharda8797]

Understood very nicely explained. Thank u

[@dorothydavis4497]

Thank you for reminding us there is a practice curve! Love you’re videos! Thank you!

[@tanushrisatra9563]

I always wanted to learn these dot paintings and fortunately I found your channel !! Thanks a lot for these....🙈❤️

[@pamvandijk8636]

Great idea to use plate to practice on ...thanks for sharing

[@ahoymate5059]

Your instructional videos are excellent. Thank you!

[@virginiaholliday6952]

I'm so happy to see you back! I've been missing you! I didn't know about your book. I'm excited for you!!! 💕💃🌴

[@LydiaMay]

Thank you so much! The book was a ton of work and took me away from KZbin but it's finished and I'm back to making videos full time! I have so much to share and I'm introducing some exciting new products to the DotArtDepot, VERY SOON! Thank you for the warm welcome. It's great to be back! 💕💕💕

[@joycemccluskey9051]

Thank you for these tips, very useful.

[@LeisureSpace]

Beautifully explained for starters. it is really helpful.. great going Lydia :)

[@R0niNxoxo]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video! Very helpful as always

[@lwellman749]

Thanks Lydia for the great info! So helpful and wonderful tips! 😊❤️

[@LydiaMay]

Thanks L! 😙💕💕💕

[@sherriekepler8662]

Great tips! Cannot wait for your book Lydia!!!🤗💖

[@LydiaMay]

Thank you so much! They have just released it for download and will be printing soon. You can find it here- leisurearts.com/dot-painting-12-skill-building-projects-to-master-tools-and-techniques.html

[@lalitha2176]

@@LydiaMay how to download

[@irenerhynes6732]

Thank you so much, still a newby, but have followed your tutorials, downloaded many, and your info is the greatest.

[@debbymcgehee5250]

Hi Lydia, I am new to dotting and you have taught me so much. You are a great teacher and I enjoyed your video so much. Thank you .. Debby

[@jaisai9995]

You are amazing Lydia, I love all the tips you've shared here! Thank you so much 😍🥰😘😍🥰😘

[@LydiaMay]

Thanks, love! I hope they're helpful. 💗💗💗

[@chelseahopkins8475]

I love you!!! Thank you Lydia please put more videos of geometry and placing!!

[@akihosseini_art]

Thank you Linda for your info xxx

[@justine9980]

great info Lydia thank you!!

[@LydiaMay]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Miauwies]

Thank you for sharing❤️

[@katherinewatts5899]

Fantastic tutorial. I learned a lot. I especially like your idea of practicing on a glossy plate or craft mat. I am going to definitely try that!!!!! Congratulations on the book. I cannot wait to get copy!!!

[@LydiaMay]

Thank you so much! They have just released it for download and will be printing soon. You can find it here- leisurearts.com/dot-painting-12-skill-building-projects-to-master-tools-and-techniques.html

[@AllThingsNella]

Mandalas are my favorite. Thanks for the video

[@LydiaMay]

Absolutely! XOXO

[@mckennahaney9454]

Great tutorial love you

[@LydiaMay]

Aww I love you! 😙😙😙💗

[@wildflower1052]

It’s like you read my mind! This is exactly what I needed more info on! Thank you! ❤️

[@ritawashere5787]

Isn't that so funny when things like that happen. I believe that's the Sixth Sense that people talk about. Because I was thinking the very same thing 😂 I literally have a tile and I'm ready to start painting I just want to purchase more paints and I wasn't sure what to go with. I have some Apple Barrel multi surface paint and I was wondering about the very same thing coverage and all that. Only because I've painted over the years with acrylics and a lot of yellows and more importantly oranges are completely transparent. It's as if there's no pigment at all.

[@LydiaMay]

@@ritawashere5787 It is so funny! Have you watched this one? It may be helpful as well. XOXO kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIHdhaJtf6ajpLc

[@LydiaMay]

Yesss! It seems the universe has a way of giving you just what you're needing. :) XOXOXO I'm so glad to help.

[@ritawashere5787]

@@LydiaMay well said! ️ ❤️

[@thelittlebrownranch9105]

@@ritawashere5787 I have had good luck with Apple Barrel but I do have an orange (jack-o-lantern) that is one step above water. =/ Super weird.

[@lindarichard6113]

Thanks

[@flowerchild777]

4:51 CERAMIC + COAT = CERAMCOAT OR SIR AM COAT (you said it correctly the first time😊) Thank you so much for this, it helps a lot👍

[@Angel-yl1ck]

Thanks!

[@LydiaMay]

Thank YOU! XOXOXO

[@Angel-yl1ck]

Thanks for this super descriptive vid. This is what I have been searching for. I have been using a heavy canvas like paper. But making the basic plot has been challenging. There is a certain calmness that happens to me when I get into dotting. Feels good. 🙇‍♀💓💓

[@LydiaMay]

You are so welcome! I am so glad to help.

[@user-ht1tv4rm5l]

Cool👍👍👍❤💙💚💛

[@donnalkrueger3715]

Thanks for sharing. I have been using GAC800 by Golden for thinning my acrylics. It is a little pricy but it works with all the brands I have. It is a low crazing extender for pouring acrylics. 2 pr 3 drops, mix with crafts stick. Happy Dotting, waiting for your book🕊

[@LydiaMay]

Thank you so much! They have just released it for download and will be printing soon. You can find it here- leisurearts.com/dot-painting-12-skill-building-projects-to-master-tools-and-techniques.html

[@alexistanner6710]

This was so helpful! Thank you! I just got into dot art today when I saw your videos, any extra tips or tricks?

[@LydiaMay]

Have you caught my Very Beginners Tutorial? It's a great place to start. (I just no longer use crochet hook ends, but rather my own tools from the Dot Art Depot.com) Here ya go! 💗💗💗 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqWZh6OvebyYi9U

[@chelseahopkins8475]

You are teaching me as we speak! It’s difficult for beginners! I bought the whole tool set and bought fresh folk art paint- I hope it goes well!!! Practice is perfect

[@LydiaMay]

You're going to love it! HAVE FUN! 😚🎨💕

[@chelseahopkins8475]

I know it get nervous though! Because I want them to come out perfect but their is no perfect right now. Practice practice

[@chelseahopkins8475]

Hello Lydia!! I’m still practicing and trying to work with the symmetry& consistency! I have folkArt I don’t know if I should get deco art paint instead. I bought the MARKS painting set off Amazon and that has helped me from a year ago. But I still watch you all the time I just need some advice 😅

[@ritawashere5787]

Lydia, I don't know if you're anywhere near me in Raleigh North Carolina, I would love to drive to you and just watch you work. And of course pick your brain. You are so informative and you're so lovely and willing to share your information. I truly appreciate it! Thank you so much. I saved you on Pinterest on a file I created and you are the only star on there, created under mandala. If you don't like it and would prefer I take it down I certainly will.

[@LydiaMay]

You're more than welcomed to share on Pinterest! I appreciate the shares!! Thanks, Rita XOXO

[@nightmary]

In a few early videos you mentioned DecoArt paints as good ones to start with because of the consistency. That helped me concentrate better, one less thing to worry about as a novice. And now, with this video, my poor plates will never be safe again - I have design plans to test drive (test plate?). Thank you!

[@LydiaMay]

DecoArt Americana is really such a perfect paint. 🙌 I got this particular plate at the Dollar Tree, so it's my test plate, can't beat it for $1!

[@terespa1025]

Thank you for all the video. Can I dilute the acrylic paint with water?

[@jenn13277]

I love your tutorials. I have a question. How do I keep the dots from cracking when it dries. It is driving me crazy.

[@cherylcanosa4389]

What colours of decoart would you recommend starting out buying?

[@karenpalm5368]

Get tips! I used to practice on square wood floor samples fom Home Depot.

[@omacollins5725]

Thank you again!! Have to buy medium fluid or gel. I think gel will last longer.

[@theoriginalkaro]

Where can I buy that particular flow medium? It is thinner than the flow medium I have. Awesome video and just the information I was looking for so thank you so much!

[@LydiaMay]

I got mine from Hobby Lobby. ✨

[@phyllismitchell5758]

Thank you Lydia, this was very helpful as I am just starting. I tried some of your Christmas Ornaments but found the paint comes off if you wipe it clean after 2 weeks of drying. Is there a sealer you use to seal the paint? I use glass ornaments, pour color inside and then dot with pearls, and metalics...Thank you, Phyllis

[@LydiaMay]

Oh my! What kind of paint are you using?

[@ritawashere5787]

Thank you for this video. Now I guess I'm just confused about with the dotting tools. The ball tool should I submerge the ball all the way up to the stem or only halfway to do the dots? And then also, do I wipe the ball off before re dipping it in the paint?

[@LydiaMay]

Hi Rita, this one will help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqWZh6OvebyYi9U I have over 70 dot art tutorials and I give tips throughout each one. You can see my whole channel by clicking on my name or photo. That will take you to my KZbin channel. If you click on "videos" at the top of the page you will see all of my tutorials. Hit the "subscribe" button and then tap the little bell icon next and then you will be notified of all of my new tutorials, as I release them. I hope that helps! XOXO

[@NancyVastine]

I have always wanted to try this art and I have watched a ton of your videos but this one is so informative I got so much from it. Yes just like playing the piano you must practice and practice. What I am wondering about is when your paint has a string coming off it when you dip? Does this mean it is too thick or too thin. I loved your used cd video I am a mixed media artist with a channel also I made a lot of mandala sun catchers with just painting them. I have the extreme sheen paints but every time I dip in them I get a string coming off my tool. TFS

[@LydiaMay]

Great! Thank you! For whatever reason, most metallics have that snap back. It is very frustrating. I found Anita's brand of metallics are not stringy and always recommend them. See at 7:56 on this video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpbNoqKVnrabec0 I hope that helps!

[@carrapatillo2451]

Thank you so much for this tutorial Lydia! It's really helpful to me. 😊👍also you're an excellent and fabulous dot painting KZbin teacher. 🌹🙃

[@LydiaMay]

Thank you so much Carra!! You're so sweet, always.

[@melaniegee]

Great video and I couldn’t agree with you on DecoArt Americana also being my go- to Matte paint. I love it so much. I love the DecoArt brand altogether!

[@LydiaMay]

Thanks Melanie. Yes! DecoArt is a great company. They are pretty perfect. XOXOXO

[@rosanneburton5333]

Hello, thanks for the great information. Do you know if Floetrol can be used in place of Flow/Gloss Fluid Medium?

[@LydiaMay]

Sure!

[@lanahegazy-lolasmoderndotart]

Hi , I am from egypt and I need to ask you about the medium because I couldn't found in my country , what I can used instead of it (glue with water and what is the percentage ) or other brands maybe you know and I am using (fevicryl and pebeo painting )

[@tarasanford9957]

I’ve had issues with the apple barrel paints. Seems like they turn into a gel in the bottle!

[@sherryscoloringandpaintingcorn]

do you think goache from a tube would work?

[@aditri5582]

Ok thanks no one told me that

[@bikiferron2147]

graciasssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

[@kimklinger3324]

I noticed that you often use paint tops as paint pots. Are these fron old paint containers?

[@belindawest3558]

I have a lot of Amsterdam acrylic paint. Will that work for dotting

[@LydiaMay]

Yes! If it is too thick, just thin it out.

[@manjulamadhavan705]

Hi Lydia. Can you let me know about the complete color set . Where to buy . The decoart one.

[@LydiaMay]

Sure! Find it here- shop.decoart.com/tropic-vibes-paint-kit-by-lydia-may/

[@elbertafisher4780]

Where do you get the guidelines stencil

[@LydiaMay]

In my webstore, www.DotArtDepot.com 🙌

[@ksrenreno6196]

How do you keep acrylic paint dot from wrinkling? I get these nice raised bead looking dots, then as they dry, they develop wrinkles on the top. Is it because they dry too fast?

[@LydiaMay]

Most likely. Are you using something to speed up dry time?

[@ksrenreno6196]

@@LydiaMay no, I am not. However I do live where there is low humidity. Like 20 to 25 percent, and that is with a humidifier. I just ordered some retarder off of Amazon. Hopefully that will help.

[@lisabrubaker2060]

I’ve always called it cream coat too! 😂

[@LydiaMay]

LOL LOL See!!! TWINSIES! :D

[@mariah6830]

I worked at an art store years ago and called it "sir-am-i-coat" which now that you all are discussing it - was seriously wrong! We Bostonians like to add and subtract letters all the time!

[@LydiaMay]

@@mariah6830 Lol 😂 Hey, it all works!

[@LuckyBoy7-5]

Lydia I have a question. I am new to dot art. I find when I trace my stencil with chalk, then paint a dot on the chalk mark the paint does not adhere to the surface, my dots look distorted. What am I doing wrong? I am very frustrated. You do stunning art! Thank you!

[@LydiaMay]

This should help! kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3y1dICNiN93gNE

[@LuckyBoy7-5]

Thank you!!

[@theoriginalkaro]

Where can I buy that particular flow medium? It is thinner than the flow medium I have.

[@LydiaMay]

I got mine from Hobby Lobby.

[@theoriginalkaro]

Thank you :)

[@58Raini]

I wish I knew why I don't get any notifications of any of my subscribed channels - I even save them as my favorites! I know that this has nothing to do with this very informative video - which I am also saving - I'm hoping that by dropping it here, a fellow subscriber might have an answer for me . . . ?

[@LydiaMay]

Thank you so much!🙏🥰 I believe if you hit the bell icon, when you subscribe, you can set notifications preferences for my channel to where you get notified every time I upload a new video. You may have already done that, but if not, I hope that helps! 🤞 Thanks again!

[@58Raini]

@@LydiaMay YAY! I'm getting notifications now!!! I've clicked all of the settings and re-checked them, but it never worked before. Now it does! Thank you!

[@MrBhaveshmodi]

Really nice art are you American

[@whyme8842]

Where can i purchase your stencil?

[@LydiaMay]

www.DotArtDepot.com :)

[@irenebairan9764]

Color pallete

[@janet19551]

I too love Apple Barrel for some reason.

[@LydiaMay]

Right?! That Multi Surface though...YUM! Thanks for your comment, Janet XOXO

[@flufykitn7684]

So THAT is what medium is for! Lol

[@suezanker1251]

Why use a ‘product ‘ to thin the paint, is it feasible to just use water?..... and if not, why not? Love your site I might add am just starting so am anxious to suck up as much in your videos as I can, and yes, I do practise😏

[@arookaru]

An art teacher once told me that the molecules in acrylic turn into plastic when it cures (dries) by bonding together their molecular structure. When you add water, the molecules are now spaced much farther apart (are interspersed with water molecules) and cannot bond as usual. This means the connection is less strong and essentially that water-thinned paint will break down sooner and not last as long as unthinned paint. The "medium" added has the same molecular structure as the acrylic paint but without the pigment, so it can bond to the paint and does not weaken the structure of the cured paint.

[@bikiferron2147]

muy interesante lo he decudido por la traduccion de los comentarios, este video no se puede traducir automaticamente y como no se ingles me quedo solo con lo que deduzco o lo que leo en la traduccion de los comentarios, lastimaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa con lo que me gustaaaaaaaa

[@chelseahopkins8475]

I keep trying I just don’t seem to get it down after the center. I just keep practicing 🫡🫣

[@Angel-yl1ck]

Thanks!

[@LydiaMay]

Thank you so much!