Creating Patterns with a Fly Swatter
It was a clean one too!
After poking around Pinterest one day I saw this technique and knew I wanted to try it out and demo it for you. Say hello to a fun and unconventional painting technique…making patterns with a fly swatter! (scroll down for the video if you don’t want to read)
If you haven’t tried using a fly swatter to add visual dynamics to your art, I highly recommend giving it a go. The unique pattern created by the fly swatter's mesh can add an intriguing, almost insect winglike quality to your artwork.
This unexpected tool can transform your creative process, lead to a release of stress and most likely get you giggling. Plus, it’s a fun and engaging activity for all ages, making it a great project for family art sessions or creative get-togethers with friends.
Getting Started: Materials and Technique
To start fly swatter painting, you’ll need just a few simple materials. Here’s what I used:
🎨 Materials:
A clean fly swatter - I purchased my fly swatter off Amazon, but if you have an old one lying around, just give it a good clean first.
An canvas or heavier weight of paper. I use whatever I have in the studio.
Mars black acrylic paint thinned with a bit of water (though any color would work here)
Step-by-Step Guide:
Prepare Your Materials: Make sure your fly swatter is clean and ready to use. Thin your acrylic paint with a bit of water to ensure it spreads easily when applied with the fly swatter.
Dip and Swat: Dip the fly swatter into the thinned paint, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Then, gently press the swatter onto the canvas. Experiment with different pressures and angles to create varied patterns and effects.
Layer and Explore: Don’t be afraid to layer different colors or patterns on top of each other. The beauty of fly swatter painting lies in its unpredictability and the organic textures it produces.
Let It Dry: Once you’re satisfied with your creation, let the paint dry completely. You might find that the drying process adds even more interesting textures as the paint settles.
Fly swatter painting is all about embracing spontaneity! It’s amazing how everyday objects can be repurposed to add a fresh perspective to your art.
Art Gallery Highlight:
Featured in my online gallery this month is "Nectar."
ABOUT: "Nectar" vividly captures the dramatic hues of summer sunsets, evoking the sweet scents of abundant flowers filling the humidity laden air. The title itself is a nod to the essence of nature’s bounty, drawing you into a sensory experience that transcends mere visual appreciation.
The painting features a semi-horizon line, subtly indicating ground level and inviting viewers to explore a unique cutaway perspective of the earth. This innovative viewpoint allows you to see both the surface and the hidden depths below.
In essence, "Nectar" is more than just a depiction of a sunset; it is a celebration of nature's beauty and complexity, encouraging viewers to look beyond the obvious and appreciate the hidden layers of the world around us.
18in x 24in on canvas.
Framed in a white or natural light pine wood frame crafted by the skilled New Hampshire woodworker Tim Patterson.
Painting is ready to hang directly on your walls with D-rings and wire.
Purchasing this painting is available HERE.
🔔 Thanks for sticking around, I’ll see you soon!
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