The Art of Paint Pouring includes gorgeous full-color photos about a new kind of art I was aware of. While I have seen art like it before, I was unaware of how it was achieved. As someone who isn't great with a paint brush, I was fascinated with other ways to make beautiful colors using acrylic paint. I really enjoyed learning about teh supplies and techniques and want to try this style out for myself!

Paint Pouring is one of those art styles that looks deceptively simple. If you've ever watched a video of an artist at work, then you probably already know that it isn't as easy as it looks. This book, The Art of Paint Pouring, tackles the heavy task of explaining the basics.
I've never done paint pouring before – not counting the messes made on that cheap plastic wheel so many of us had as kids. But I've always been curious about it. For me the biggest intimidation was the idea of messing up – especially considering how many resources seem to be used up during the process.
This guide made the whole process seem less intimidating to me. I haven't had a chance to try any of the techniques out yet, but mainly because I haven't gone supply shopping yet. I am looking forward to trying though! And I feel a bit more confident now, thanks to VanEver.
This guide includes all of the basics, which I greatly appreciated. It covers everything from tools, color basics, how to mix paint, how to finish a piece, and so on. It also covered one of my biggest concerns – recovering leftover paint. I was so concerned about how wasteful this art style could be, so this was a major relief to me. It also had a variety of projects, and even took the time to explain how to work on some surfaces other than paper. It was exceptionally comprehensive.
I'm happy I took the time to read The Art of Paint Pouring. I'm feeling less intimidated than I had been. I'm especially looking forward to trying some of the projects suggested at the end of the book, such as working on different materials.

This book instructs complete beginners in what you need to know to do your own acrylic paint-pouring. The author started with the tools and materials. She explained which acrylic paints can be used, how to add pouring medium and water, how you make cells in the finished painting, tips when using canvas or wood (or other) surfaces, and more. She briefly covered color theory and listed a number of her favorite color combinations. She also covered how to finish a piece: tips on drying, cleaning, and using resin or varnish to protect your painting.

The actual projects were basically step-by-step instructions on how to do various pouring techniques. You can use your own color combinations, and your finished project will be unique. She taught how to do a dirty pour, flip cup, puddle pour, tree ring, dip, swipe, colander pour, chain pull, striation, hammer, and negative space. She also showed how to use acrylic skins or pours to make jewelry, seasonal ornaments, bookmarks, coasters, and magnets. The photographs clearly showed the different steps, and the instructions were easy to understand. Overall, I'd recommend this book to those interested in trying paint pouring.

Perfect guide to paint pouring! The book covers colors, surfaces to pour on, supplies needed, how to prep your paint, and how to finish off your project. Then it goes step-by-step through 11 different pouring methods. The book is written in a way that is easy to understand for a complete beginner but also contains enough info for those experienced to find new techniques. Lots of full-color photos. I'm excited to try some of the different techniques covered.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Review: If you have seen all those videos on facebook and instagram about paint pouring and you want to try it. Then this is the book you want to have. It gives easy to follow tips, tricks, and ideas and I know that I will be a better paint pouring for it. I can't wait to get my hands on a finished copy of this one and to try my hand at paint pouring this summer!

The Art of Paint Pouring is a tutorial instruction guide to creating art with poured acrylic paints and inks. Author Amanda VanEver has become something of an internet phenomenon with a very popular youtube channel and facebook following. Due out 19th May 2019, from Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 128 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

There is an unparalleled freedom and spontaneity in actually pouring media onto a prepared substrate. It reminds me a lot of finger painting (in fact, fingers -are- used in some techniques) but with much more aesthetically appealing results.

The book begins with an introduction and background including materials and tools, a little bit of color theory, some specifics on creating texture ("cells") with resist media, finishing techniques, and saving unused materials. The introductory chapters represent roughly half of the page content. These chapters are followed by 17 (by my count) individual tutorials on techniques, surfaces, and decorative projects.

Many of the results pictured in the book remind me a lot of the surfaces of polished agate slices and geodes. Really pretty. I have been fascinated by marbling on fabrics and handmade papers before and this fits into the same sort of artistic niche in my mind. The photography is not superlative, but it is clear and easy to follow. I found it appealing that the artist's hands and fingers in a lot of the tutorial photos are stained and full of paint and ink (like real life). They're not staged and pristine with a well manicured hand model as a stand-in for the process photos.

There is no index, bibliography, or resource lists (but the supplies are very easily sourced in person or online). The electronic version of the book includes an interactive table of contents.

Four stars

The Art of Paint Pouring is absolutely fun to learn and this book gives the reader excellent tips. This is easy to read and should be fun to try the techniques.

Very informative book on what looks to be a very fun thing to try! I’m so grateful to have received this ARC right when I needed it. My daughter wants to do poured paint at her birthday party and this was the perfect guide! So helpful and even info on how to get the much coveted cells! Very happy!