Create some magical effects using the micro swipe technique and silicone oil. We will create a silhouette – a face profile, animal, butterfly or other creation of your choice and add stunning colourful fluid art for a unique impact. Our swipes will be purposeful to create the effect of hair, clothes, wings or other objects. If doing a silhouette we will first cut out the shape in a stick-on contact, painters tape or similar (sometimes we paint an initial background colour over part of the canvas).

Idea – use your own or your child’s silhouette by taking a high contrast side profile photo and printing it out to size.

Cells with silicone oil are such fun, and with the added movement of the swipe, can add character and impact. 

In this class we will learn the ‘swipe’ technique where we pout paint onto the canvas and swipe one or more colours with plastic, paper or a palette knife.  You will learn to control the direction of the swipe BONUS: participants at this class get a free e-book ‘Using silicone oil to create beautiful cells in fluid art – Top 10 tips’.

We will start with some demonstrations and explanation, before you prepare your background (if relevant), prepare your mask (for silhouette), mix up your paint and practice swiping on a small canvas. You will then be ready to create your masterpiece on the canvas size and shape of your choice (30x40cm gallery wrapped canvas or longer canvas). Your art will be ready to collect after 3-4 days drying time (or arrange to have sent to you). All instruction, support and materials are supplied.

The process takes some time, so this is a 3 hour class.

You will learn:

• How to prepare your canvas
• How to plan a multi-layer canvas and how to use a mask to protect part of the painting.
• How to mix paints and paint mediums suitable for this technique
• Pouring mediums and recipes that are good for this technique and what difference this makes.
• How to choose colours
• How to do a multi directional ‘swipe’
• How to clean your dried painting ready for varnishing (if you choose to do that).

All supplies provided including canvases, paint, pouring medium, silicone oil, cups, gloves, apron and tools. We provide plenty of space, with a maximum of 8 participants.

Light refreshments (tea, coffee) provided. You are welcome to BYO drinks and nibbles. We provide glasses and plates.

We use acrylic paint that is non toxic. Remember to wear old clothes as it can be a messy business, and whilst the paint and mediums will wash out if you get to it quickly, that is not always easy to do.

Do not attend the class if you have or are a close primary contact of anyone with COVID-19, or if you are experiencing fever, chills or sweat, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose of have a loss of taste or smell. (A full refund will be provided if you are unwell).

(Artist recognition – the seahorse and butterfly are by artist Anna Blount)