Painting Through Life

Story and photos by Katlyn Sanden

On any given day, Colette Yelm of Princeton can be found in her studio creating masterpieces that can be found in various homes and gift shops throughout Bureau County.

These masterpieces are created with acrylic drip paint, a painting technique that turns a blank canvas into a one-of-akind abstract piece.

“There’s drip painting or acrylic pouring,” Yelm explained. “It’s a couple different techniques, but you can do whatever you want to make it personal. One technique is how you pour the paint into a cup. You can either layer (the colors) or just pour. Another technique is how you pour the paint out of the cup. You can either just flip it over and let the paint pour out in one spot or distribute it through the painting. Each technique has its own feel to it with the way the paint comes out.”

To achieve the best results, Yelm said a minimum of three colors should be used. She said the color combinations can either make or break a piece, but to always try to include a white or a cream.

“If you just pour the paint out of the cup and let it go, it’d be different than taking the painting itself and tipping it side-to-side, making sure all the corners are covered,” Yelm said. “Negative space is a look I like too. Beforehand, you can paint the whole canvas white, blue, black, or whatever color you want and then pour paint on and leave some without.”

Yelm has always enjoyed fine arts, and when she saw a segment on HGTV about drip painting, she was hooked. She scoured YouTube for any kind of video to learn the ins and outs and then searched craft stores for which paints work best for this type of abstract art. Not all paints pour the same, and finding the right ones is critical.

“There are different varieties (of paint),” Yelm said. “Some paint you don’t need to add anything to. Other paints, you’ll need to add Floetrol so it flows better on the canvas. It doesn’t dry fast either, so you have some time to work with it.”

Floetrol is what professional painters use in paint sprayers. It thins the paint without losing its color and shine.

It didn’t take long for others to notice Yelm’s hobby and want to be included.

“My grandchildren love it,” she said. “I have a series of their paintings on my front wall. They love it because they pour the paint, and there it is – their picture. It’s just amazing to them. The last one I did with my grandkids had all metallics. Those turned out gorgeous.”

Bonding with her grandkids is just an added perk to an activity that brings her so much joy.

“It (painting) is relaxing. It gives you a sense of accomplishment, and it doesn’t take forever to do,” Yelm said. “What’s time-consuming is choosing your colors and mixing the paint. A really important part is to find the colors that blend well together. I have

There are a few different ways to pour the paint. One is to just pour the same color out of a cup, or you can layer different colors in a cup and pour all of them at the same time. This technique is pictured, giving the canvas almost a marbled look.

The completed masterpieces all look different. Yelm says anyone can try this at home, but don’t forget to lay the plastic down as this technique is very messy.

viewed abstract art all my life, so I know what I like and don’t like. It’s just so fun to do. You never know what it’s going to turn out like. Knowing I made something that I really like and other people like builds my confidence.”

Not only are her pieces displayed throughout her home, but they’re also available for purchase by the general public at the Treasure Chest in Princeton. This painting trend has taken off so much that she now offers classes once a month at Optimal Health, also located in Princeton.

If you want to take your stab at drip painting or acrylic pour, Yelm recommends not spending a fortune to start out. She says any inexpensive paint and a blank canvas will do the trick. She also recommends running a whisk or a blow dryer through the paint. She says the effects are just amazing.

Amy Sanden, who had never heard of acrylic pour before meeting Yelm, says she may have a new hobby.

“It’s very interesting and unique how certain movements during the pouring turned into such abstract art,” Sanden explained of her first experience.

She ran a popsicle stick through her canvas and achieved a one-of-a-kind look in various shades of blues and white. Experimenting with different techniques to achieve a variety of looks is part of the allure.

“It’s a lot of trial and error,” Yelm said. “I did a few big ones, and they’re scary, but I just love it. It can make a mess, so lay the plastic down and be ready for getting it on you. Watching the videos is really good before you start, unless you come to one of my classes at Optimal Health. I can show you all the things you need, and it’ll be much easier.” • Spacious2or3

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