Apr 262 min read

Abstract Swirl

Updated: May 1

This crazy awesome canvas shape immediately made me think of a swirling galaxy. I didn't end up making it actually look like a space scene, but I think I kept the vibe with my simple interpretation of the swirling gasses that surround the formation of a planet. Often the process of painting is just as rewarding as the outcome, so I just had fun with this one and took my time blending the colors, and not worrying too much about the final result. This ends up being a good option to revisit in the future as part of a larger mixed media project!

Applying the Base Coat

Started by applying one coat of Liquitex brand white gesso. (Not shown in video)

Adding Paint to the Swirls

Directly applied Winsor and Newton brand cadmium yellow, cadmium red, phthalo green, and Winsor (phthalo) blue to the swirls. I also used Liquitex brand Cadmium-Free Orange.
Kept the orange, red, and yellow to one spiral arm, and the green and blue to the other.
Used a Princeton Select 1/4" angular shader brush to blend the paint.

Applying Iridescent Medium

Applied Liquitex brand iridescent medium to the canvas and brushed it into the still-wet paint.
Allowed it all to dry completely.

Drawing on the Canvas

Drew swirls and lines on the canvas with both a yellow and a blue 0.7mm Posca acrylic marker.

Creating Unique Effects

Dipped finger in some craft brand turquoise and stamped it into the center of the canvas over phthalo blue for a unique effect.
Added turquoise and phthalo blue to the three hanging accent bits of the canvas with my Liquitex brand #7 palette knife.

Considerations on Varnishing

If varnishing, I would use a spray-on glossy varnish for a shiny finish.