Every artist’s path is filled with moments of discovery, experimentation, and growth. For Shelly Paul, fluid art has provided an opportunity to explore creativity while continually learning new techniques and approaches. Through practice, patience, and a passion for artistic expression, she has developed her own unique style while embracing the endless possibilities that paint pouring offers. In this Artist Spotlight, Shelly shares her creative journey, favorite techniques, and the lessons she has learned along the way.
Artist Spotlight: Cascade Visions by Shelly Paul
Hometown: Boynton Beach
Can you tell us a bit about your background as an artist? How did you first get started with paint pouring?
I’ve always been creative. My father was a very talented commercial artist. He, and my mom, always encouraged me to explore the various forms of art.
This led to an undergraduate degree in theatrical design where, expectedly (and like most people in the theater) I starved. That caused me to complete an MBA in Accounting, so I wouldn’t starve anymore, and allowed me to pursue my art with a full stomach. There were a couple of off- off- off Broadway productions, a few events and finally marriage and children. That is when I became interested in education as a career.
I completed an MS in Education and taught Family and Consumer Science and Art courses, for 22 years, until I retired four years ago. I wanted to rediscover my art voice, but I couldn’t draw or paint anymore, because the family curse of essential tremors had taken control of my hands. That’s when a miracle happened via Facebook reels – a chance encounter with one of Kathleen Miller’s wrecked Dutch pours. Eureka!
I was hooked. Here was a way to express myself artistically despite my shaky hands. All the elements of art: line, shape, form, space, texture and color are here and, best yet, at my disposal! So, after six months of YouTubes, lurking in art groups, and research, a year ago I dove in and I haven’t stopped since!
What draws you to the medium of paint pouring? What do you enjoy most about it?
Paint pouring looks simple but it’s quite complicated. Projects have to be planned out, paint properties known, techniques studied and adapted, etc.
I do a lot of functional art, home décor as well as jewelry – so I’m always on the lookout for interesting objects to pour on and new ways to adapt techniques to 3D objects. In this case, gravity can be both a friend and an enemy! This adds another dimension (literally) to each project. I’m still learning – which I believe never stops – so perhaps that’s one of the reasons I love this medium so much.
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?
Planning, planning, planning. And when that’s done, I plan some more. From techniques, to colors, to trying to anticipate that gravity thing – it’s all planning. It’s a good thing I like planning. Once the planning is done, it’s off to the studio. That’s where things happen fast. Which is another aspect I love about fluid art – projects are quickly accomplished, which satisfies my lack of patience (which has waned inversely to my age). With a fluid art project, you know if you have a winner or not as soon as your pour is done.
Do you frequently use specific techniques or methods in your paint pouring work? Could you walk us through one of your favorite techniques?
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with Gaser El Safty’s cloud funnel technique. And I mean obsessed! I’ve been having a lot of fun experimenting with different bases, lacing formulas, color, etc., and adapting the technique for functional art and home decor projects. I also like to paint on glass, which is quite a challenge, since you’ve got two substrates that each require your attention – the “top” where you’re pouring, and the other side that shows through the transparent glass. So, I’m always experimenting with different techniques that can satisfy those two demands.
What inspires your artistic style and choice of colors? Do any particular themes or motifs recur in your work?
I’m a little all over the place with my techniques, since I’m always trying to match my techniques to the substrate. Accordingly, as the substrate changes, so do my techniques. As far as colors go, this is still a work in progress. I try to break myself out of my blues/greens/teals/gold box and mix things up …. when I remember to do so, that is. I’ll often take photos of color schemes that appeal to me, and I refer to those photos when I need some inspiration. You’ll find photos in my camera roll of disparate things – flowers, pillows, a mosaic wall, my mom’s shirt – whatever color schemes float my boat as I come across them!
Can you share a memorable experience or a significant breakthrough moment you’ve had in your paint pouring journey?
My first pours! I worked up the courage to do my first pours after months of trepidation. After all those YouTubes, the lurking, the research – I finally just grabbed myself by the collar and gave myself a good talking to and literally said to myself, “What do you have to lose? It’s only paint and a canvas!”
My first pour was a wrecked ring pour, then a swipe, and finally a Dutch pour. Did they come out great? Heck no! But they weren’t horrible, either. In fact, I was so pleased with the mediocre results that I was literally jumping up and down with joy! I still get that high flying feeling, most days, even if there was only one success despite how many “failures” there may have been that day.
How do you overcome creative blocks or challenges when working on a project?
To get around those creative blocks I find puttering around in my studio helps, this way I’m not totally removed from the process. I’ll clean, put another touch on a piece, do some varnish work, etc. Sort of clearing my head so I don’t obsess. Giving myself permission for some downtime helps. I’m also still active in many fluid art groups, and being able to see other artists’ great work can lend some inspiration, as well, and get the creative juices back flowing.
Do you have any favorite tools or materials that you always keep in your paint pouring arsenal? What are they, and why do you love them?
My fingers! I’ve decided I can’t live without them! Scraping, swiping, dabbing – yep, they’re my go to. After that, I’d say my dauber, bent nose tweezers, my palette knives, my exacto knife (great at lifting off labels and other adhered things), and a set of mini rasps for sanding dried errant paint drips– are all at the ready.
How do you know when a paint pouring piece is finished? What criteria do you use to evaluate your work?
Oh, this is a hard one. How do you describe a feeling? And do you ever really know it’s done? I will often walk away from a project and return to it to give it a good, fresh look-see. Maybe a piece is just not sitting right with me and needs a little more something. Being able to identify that “something”, often needs more than one walk-away. But, at some point, you just get the feeling that it’s done – or, it’s at least as good as it’s going to get.
What advice would you give to aspiring paint pouring artists who are just starting out?
I was that person only a year ago. Watch a lot of YouTubes. Pick one artist and follow their recipes and techniques. Otherwise, you’ll get confused because each artist has their own thing. Join a paint pouring group and ask a lot of questions. The fluid art community is the most caring group of like-minded people I’ve ever met, and they love to help everyone with tips and advice. Don’t be afraid to ask for it. Most importantly, just get in there and do it! Get messy. Like everything in life that’s worth doing, fluid art takes practice. And remember it’s just paint and nothing is permanent. One day it’ll click and you’ll be jumping for joy!
Are there any upcoming projects, exhibitions, or collaborations you’re excited about and would like to share with our readers?
My next big move is to open an online sales platform. I’ve been busy cataloging my pieces. In the meantime, I’m developing a beginners fluid art mini- course for my mother’s assisted living facility. That should be a lot of fun! Eventually, I’d like to get to the point of making instructional videos so that I can combine my love for this medium with my teaching skills. But I’ve got to learn a lot more about fluid art (and videography) before I can do this. So, there are going to be many more happy hours, weeks and months spent in the studio!
Lastly, where can we find more of your work or connect with you online?
Currently, I display my work on FaceBook only, until I get my website set up. You can find me here at Cascade Visions by Shelly Paul.
Starting this spring, I’ll be doing selected art fairs around southeast Florida. So, stay tuned for those announcements – I’d love to meet my fellow fluid artists in my area!
Continuing to Learn and Create
Shelly Paul’s story reflects one of the qualities that makes the fluid art community so special—the willingness to keep learning and growing as an artist. Her enthusiasm for trying new techniques, overcoming challenges, and enjoying the creative process serves as an inspiration to artists at every stage of their journey. As she continues to develop her skills and create new work, we look forward to seeing where her creativity leads next. Be sure to follow Shelly’s artistic journey and discover the beautiful pieces she continues to create.
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What a fun interview. It’s always great to learn more about the people we interact with daily, on a more personal level. I really appreciate that. I have loved getting to know you on Facebook and am grateful for our growing friendship. Your artwork is amazing, too. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you, Pattie! I’m so glad we’ve gotten to know each other. You’re so much more than a Facebook friend to me, you’re my inspiration, and the next time we’re in your area we MUST get together!
Shelly.. I love your art and am amazed and impressed with your attention to detail in both large and small paintings as well as in your gorgeous jewelry etc. you are a natural born artist and tis a joy to be part of your journey!