My Favorite Series #2: High Flow Acrylics

When I create I only want my most favorite mediums and tools with me. Too many supply options can become distracting and a bit overwhelming to me (can we say decision fatigue?). I thought it would be fun to create a monthly series highlighting a favorite go-to medium or tool each month. I will share what medium or tool it is, why it’s a favorite and how I like to use it. I hope this series is inspiring for you and your own creative journey. If you missed the first one, you can find it here (all about graphite).

Next up on my list of favorite supplies are High Flows. High Flows are acrylic paints with beautiful pigment and low viscosity, meaning the consistency is similar to that of ink. High Flows have a high pigment level and flow agent. Once dry, high flows are permanent. Because High Flows are acrylic, they mix beautifully with other forms of acrylic paint, like heavy body paints.

High flows were instrumental in helping me to let go of controlled painting and set me on a journey of enjoying the process and painting more loosely and freely. So as you can imagine, these paints hold a special place in my heart. It is like magic to drop high flows into water and watch them spread freely and beautifully. I love that they have a mind of their own, taking on uncontrolled form and movement. It is easy to create movement with high flows and they provide beautiful color. I also like how versatile high flows are (can be used like ink, watercolors, mixed with other heavy body acrylics, with tools) and since it is acrylic based, once it dries, it is permanent.

How I like to use High Flows:

I often use high flows for getting creating my first layer, those moments where beginning a piece can take on whatever direction it wants and letting the medium guide the process. I like to mix in heavy body acrylics to create some interest into layers while maintaining some sense of soft movement. High flows are also very effective and a lot of fun to use for mark making. I like to use it like ink and dip tools to make marks. I think my favorite way to use high flows is simply with some water and a paint brush and let the medium guide the process take shape. I often mix my own colors to tone down the intensity (they are all pretty bright) and have them on hand ready to use.

I created a video below demonstrating how beautifully the high flows spread with water, blend with heavy body acrylics, and spread with some various tools. I hope you enjoy seeing a little bit of the process!