ACRYLIC POUR PAINTING

great fun for those who don’t think they are creative

hen people call me with questions, they invariably say ‘but I’m not creative,’” says Jodi “Bunny” Robinson, owner of Bunny’s Creative Edge in Fargo.

“That’s why acrylic pour painting is so much fun and satisfying. It gives people a creative outlet without them having to be forced to paint a flower or a landscape,” Bunny continues.

In her 90 plus minute classes, Bunny walks through the process with lots of explanation and finished examples. Plus she does actual demonstrations from start-to-finish using at least two different techniques. Then the fun begins. Students pick from a full palette of acrylic paints and either a 12–by-12 inch or 11–by-14 inch canvas. The class is very hands on. Bunny wants to make certain students actually “learn by doing,” so each student goes through all the steps.

Bunny teaches class sizes up to eight in her north Fargo home studio. She believes the small class setting allows one-on-one personal help with her students, assuring they aren’t lost in a big group or feeling rushed.

“I stress to new students that acrylic pour painting— also known as fluid art—is different than whatever art they’ve tried in the past,” says Bunny. “There is very little planning necessary, other than colors, because of how the paint combines with the movement of the canvas during the process,” she continues.

There are several different techniques in acrylic pour painting so the outcomes can be strikingly different. But “abstract” is certainly the consistent theme. Also, the process is relatively fast with students producing their first finished painting within about 90 minutes. Usually students pick 3–4 colors for their first painting. “We remind students to wear old clothes because sometimes paint has a mind of its own,” says Bunny with a big smile. Aprons and rubber gloves are provided along with the canvas, paint and additives used in creating unique effects.

Student reviews mention how much fun the class is and how the nervous energy in the room is all part of the experience. “Seeing the expressions on people’s faces is great fun for me as they actually start moving the paint around their canvases,” says Bunny. The only sad thing is that students can’t take their paintings home immediately after class. The paint needs to dry slowly for several days to avoid cracking. Then for those who want a glossy finish (no extra cost), that takes another day for Bunny to complete. Usually students get their original creations within a week.

“Once a student experiences the fun of acrylic pour painting they want to do it again and again,” says Bunny. Many first-timers like to have their own party, so they round up friends, co-workers or relatives and host their own event at Bunny’s studio. It’s best to call or email Bunny with questions or to schedule your special event.

So how did Bunny get involved in acrylic pour painting? Long-story-short: she’s also a practicing licensed massage therapist. She’s passionate about treating people in pain or helping them relax. But over the years she developed a shoulder problem of her own. She had rotator cuff surgery and had to stop massaging for a few months as she healed. Not one to sit idle and a creative person by nature, Bunny started painting. But painting sunsets, flowers or landscapes wasn’t her thing. She discovered acrylic pouring and there was no looking back.

“I can go into my studio and before I know it I’ve been creating new paintings for hours,” says Bunny. “I enjoy trying new techniques, painting on new surfaces and figuring out new color combinations. Every class is a new adventure and I learn something new too,” she continues.

Bunny has more than 100 original paintings on her website bunny-paints.com for sale and is adding more weekly. She teaches classes several days a week, including weekends.

So if you don’t believe you are creative but love vibrant, colorful art, think about trying acrylic pour painting. Bunny says, “Almost everyone who takes my class says they want to do it again.”

For Those Interested

in being part of a class or hosting a special event, there are several ways to sign-up. Go to bunny-paints.com and click on “classes,” go to eventbrite.com and search “Bunnys Creative Edge,” call 701-371-7233, or email bunny@bunny-paints.com. Classes are $35.