Artist Spotlight: Pour It Up, In A Cup
Sometimes the best creative journeys begin with a simple willingness to try something new. For the artist behind Pour It Up In A Cup, fluid art became an exciting way to experiment with color, movement, and self-expression while embracing the surprises that make every pour unique. Through practice, creativity, and a passion for learning, they have developed their own artistic style and discovered the joy that comes from letting the paint tell part of the story. In this Artist Spotlight, you’ll learn more about their creative journey, artistic inspirations, and favorite aspects of fluid art.
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
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Can you tell us a bit about your background as an artist? How did you first get started with paint pouring?
My daughter and I began our journey of becoming fluid acrylic abstract artists by accident. We are best friends, and after my daughter moved to another state months before the COVID-19 pandemic, we attempted to find something we could do together, but from a distance.
When I came to visit her for my birthday in October of 2022, she had been talking about several painting videos and was so excited to show me. After watching hundreds of videos, we both were hooked. Our love for art began that day. We started painting together via FaceTime and haven’t stopped since.
What draws you to the medium of paint pouring? What do you enjoy most about it?
Mama Pour: I can use my creativity and my vision as I see it in my head.
Daughter Pour: I love how you can pour your heart and soul into each piece and create something beautiful and unique in its way using your own hands. It’s also very therapeutic after working a long day in the hospital.
Describe your creative process when approaching a new paint pouring project. Do you plan your compositions in advance, or do you prefer to let the process guide you?
Mama Pour: For me, I have dreams about what I want to do, and I see the visions coming together.
Daughter Pour: Yes, I am a planner. Whenever I let the process guide me, I’ve ruined a canvas and wasted paint. If you were to look at my paintings, you would see that I’m drawn to metallics. I typically use at least one metallic in my pieces. When it comes to my creative process, I have a book of color patterns that I write in. I also use a notepad on my phone when ideas pop up when I’m trying to sleep. Once I’ve selected my colors, the rest is easy.
Do you frequently use specific techniques or methods in your paint pouring work? Could you walk us through one of your favorite techniques?
Mama Pour: My favorite technique is stenciling and embellishing and yes, I envision the colors and the layout. The most satisfying feeling is when my project is completed, and it comes out just the way I had envisioned it.
Daughter Pour: My go-to techniques are the flip cup and open cup pours. I love how each pour is unique on its own, the colors pop a lot more, and the cells and lacing are more clearly defined. You can also control the flow of the paint a lot better. What I love about using the flip-cup method is that you can layer the paint in various ways with one single method. I also like that you can use it on multiple things and sizes, canvases, coasters, tile, and the art always comes out beautiful.
What inspires your artistic style and choice of colors? Do any particular themes or motifs recur in your
Daughter Pour: I don’t think I have a specific artistic style or choice of colors. My particular theme is metallics. I love using metallics in all of my art as I love to see the shine and shimmer!
Can you share a memorable experience or a significant breakthrough moment you’ve had in your paint pouring journey?
Mama Pour: My most memorable experience is the 1st time I did a stencil project I had no idea what I was doing, but when I lifted the stencil and saw what I had made it was love at first sight.
Daughter Pour: My most memorable experience was when my mother and I painted together for the first time. We had no idea what we were doing, but we had so much fun. We also had our first pour together before my mom’s lung surgery and I think that was a big moment for us. Sharing our joy of painting together, making our first YouTube video together, and just letting go.
How do you overcome creative blocks or challenges when working on a project?
Mama Pour: Luckily, I get to work with my daughter. I bounce ideas off her, and she is so supportive of me. I don’t think I would have ever realized my potential if she had not encouraged me or pushed me to realize my full potential.
Daughter Pour: I branch out of my comfort zone and dip my toes into bright colors to try a challenge. I take a break from canvases and switch up my routine by trying out color patterns on tiles or coasters to see what I like.
How do you know when a paint pouring piece is finished? What criteria do you use to evaluate your work?
Mama Pour: Everything has to be perfect before I can truly say I’m done, and of course, I always consult with my partner.
Daughter Pour: Sometimes you can look at it, and you have that feeling and know it’s done. Other times, you keep tilting and tilting or adding embellishments, and you keep looking at it repeatedly and have to step away before you tilt everything off and ruin it. I’ve learned that sometimes a little goes a long way, and the more you fiddle, the more likely you’ll destroy it. So now I take a step back, look at it from all angles, and then determine if I should keep going. That pause has saved me a lot of paintings.
What advice would you give to aspiring paint pouring artists who are just starting out?
Mama Pour: Have fun with it, and don’t give up because everyone has asked themselves, “Am I good enough?”. The first 20 paintings may be horrible in your eyes, but a masterpiece in someone else’s.
Daughter’s Pour: Coming from a perfectionist, I had to learn that not every painting will turn out as you planned, and that’s okay. Have fun in everything you do and don’t hesitate to wing it (I’m still learning). Be proud of your art, and don’t be scared to share it.
Join our amazing friends on Facebook and Instagram as they have been very welcoming and supportive. We all were/are beginners, and we are always learning. Have fun and Pour It Up, In A Cup!!
Are there any upcoming projects, exhibitions, or collaborations you’re excited about and would like to share with our readers?
We currently have our first art piece displayed in the Glenaire Retirement Community in Cary, NC, and will be showcasing our second art piece in September at the Mayton Hotel next.
Lastly, where can we find more of your work or connect with you online?
We are developing our website, https://pouritupinacup.com/, but we do have social media.
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Celebrating Creativity One Pour at a Time
The story behind Pour It Up In A Cup is a wonderful reminder that creativity thrives when we allow ourselves to experiment, learn, and have fun along the way. Every artwork represents an opportunity to explore new ideas, develop new skills, and embrace the unexpected beauty that fluid art can create. As this artistic journey continues to unfold, we look forward to seeing future creations and the inspiration they bring to fellow artists. Be sure to follow Pour It Up In A Cup and see what colorful adventures come next.
Join Our Artist Spotlight Program!
Are you a talented Fluid Artist looking to share your passion and creativity with the world? We’d love to feature you in our Artist Spotlight program! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out on your artistic journey, we want to showcase your unique style and story. If you’re interested in being featured, simply reach out to us through our contact page. Let’s shine a spotlight on your artistry together!
