Dear Adele,

you found out the hard way just like I did ;-) Fluid art is a lot of fun, but it takes much experimenting (and expense) before one gets the hang of it and can have some control over the outcome. Adjustments to the viscosity of the paint, the choice of brand (all have different additives), choice of various media, etc., etc., etc... Not to mention a variety of techniques that can be applied. Unlimited possibilities!

Black always takes over! Use it very sparingly and experiment with the paint viscosity on small canvasses before doing a big project. The problem is, most artists on Youtube show you the WET painting; you never get to see the ruined dry version. So things look easier than they really are. In other words, their chief aim is, to produce a video, not a painting. The result only matters as long as the camera is on.

The silicone oil only goes in some colors, not all of them, and only a drop or two. Mix in oil in a separate cup, before adding the paint to the project. Brief and vigourous stirring creates many tiny cells, just one stir gives you bigger ones. You need a torch or heat gun to make the cells pop, especially when the paints are thicker. The paint with the oil has to go under the plain paint, so the cells can pop through. Plan accordingly.

If you like to compare before and after you can visit my online gallery. The videos show the how and normally the wet result at the end. The photos always show the dried and varnished piece.

I hope you'll give it another try! Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs, Caroline