Stunning rainbow effects are created with colored paint washes on nonabsorbent surfaces. Each paint’s pigment has its own particular weight. In a washy puddle with lots of water, multiple colors will separate from each other, creating a variegation or rainbow effect. The rainbow effect varies greatly according to the painting surface as well as the paint colors selected. For more ideas with colored washes see Section 4: Tips for Wash Pours, Techniques 33, 36 and 37.
Paint
Various acrylic paint colors, including at least one mineral, one modern, an interference, an iridescent and Carbon Black.
Substrate
Any primed painting support
Tools
Painting knife or other mixing tool, textural or other application tool, flat wide bristle paintbrush, mixing palette or cups, water and water container, paper towels or rags
Products
A semi-gloss or gloss gel, or semi-gloss paste such as Molding Paste
STEP 1 Create a Custom Surface
Here, a dark textured nonabsorbent surface is made with 2 oz. Molding Paste mixed with 1 tsp Carbon Black (about 30 drops of fluid paint). Vary ratios to your preference. Make more of the mixture for larger surfaces. Mix well with a knife, then knife apply thickly, at least 1⁄4-inch (0.3cm) depth to allow a relief texture. Let it dry at least six hours or until fully dry to the touch.
STEP 2 Apply a Wash
Select at least one paint color from each of four different categories: modern, mineral, interference and iridescent. Add small amounts of all colors into enough water to create a single muddy wash. Brush apply a puddle of plain water onto the entire surface or in select areas. Add the colored wash with a brush or pour directly onto the wet surface. Drizzle small drops of undiluted paint to add more variety. Don’t overwork it. Let sit level and undisturbed until fully dry.
Finished Example
Detail of Example
A rainbow effect is used twice here. White waves at the bottom are created with white paint washes over gloss black. The distant mountains below the sky use colored washes over Glass Bead Gel.
NIGHT LIGHTS
Nancy Reyner
Acrylic on panel
48" × 35" (122cm × 89cm)