The path of every artist is shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to keep learning. For Tricia Kowalewski, fluid art has provided an exciting outlet for self-expression while offering endless opportunities to experiment with color, movement, and technique. Through practice and persistence, she has continued to grow as an artist while discovering the joy that comes from creating something truly unique. In this Artist Spotlight, Tricia shares her artistic journey, favorite aspects of fluid art, and the experiences that have inspired her along the way.
Artist Spotlight: Tricia Kowalewski
Hometown: Vero Beach Florida
Tricia Kowalewski’s Facebook | Etsy
Can you tell us a bit about your background as an artist?
I have always loved art but have been drawn more to the abstract. I like seeing energy, motion, and vibrant colors. I took the usual high school art classes but was told by my teacher that I shouldn’t waste his or my time taking any more art classes!
Years later, I took a stained glass class and loved working with such bright and vibrant colors. I had fun but didn’t like following patterns, so my favorites were originals. I moved to glass fusing several years later.
Adding fire to glass, melting it, and turning it into something strong and beautiful was amazing to me. I fused for about 20 years and did art shows in Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware. When we decided to downsize, I sold my kiln and supplies and decided I was done with art and shows.
How did you first get started with paint pouring?
My husband is a big YouTube fan and is always finding cool things. He saw some fluid art videos and asked me to watch a few with him. I was hooked immediately! I love the colorful combinations and movement these paintings show. It was so different from anything I had ever done.
At the end of my glass fusing journey, I did some painting on my glass pieces, but they were all abstract, and I started to feel drawn to painting, especially acrylic.
What draws you to the medium of paint pouring? What do you enjoy most about it?
I keep mentioning motion, energy, and color, and I feel fluid art has all of that and more. I can’t say I have never been frustrated, but even after a day of repeated scrapings, I didn’t give up and tried to recognize and fix my mistakes.
I think the thing I enjoy the most is the feeling of great satisfaction after I finish a good painting. I almost can’t believe that this untalented high school artist can actually create! It took me years to feel this way about any of my art.
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?
I used to do everything without and plan and sometimes still do, but I have become more of a planner now. I have a couple of different methods I prefer, but I still like to experiment. I start by picking my method and then move on to colors. I will sometimes take days to make paintings by doing sections, letting them dry, masking them off, and moving on. I also incorporate acrylic fades as backgrounds and these also have to be done over a course of days.
Do you frequently use specific techniques or methods in your paint pouring work? Could you walk us through one of your favorite techniques?
My two favorites are the Dutch Pour and Swiping. I also have done funnel pours and have experimented pouring through orchid pots and even a pickleball! I will try just about anything, but I don’t always feel every method is good for me. For example, I am a TERRIBLE tilter! I have never really gotten that technique down so I rarely do it. My favorites were inspired by Amanda at Crystal Coast Originals who uses blended acrylic backgrounds and does a Dutch Pour over them. (Bubblegum Dreams in my pictures is an example)
What inspires your artistic style and choice of colors? Do any particular themes or motifs recur in your work?
Color has been both my muse and nemesis! When I worked with glass, I could layer any color over or next to any other color and not get “mud.”
I quickly learned that knowledge of the color wheel is mandatory to take full advantage of the many beautiful acrylic colors. I recently discovered the Quiller Wheel, and it has been a godsend.
Can you share a memorable experience or a significant breakthrough moment you’ve had in your paint pouring journey?
The absolute best was when I won an award at an art show at our local Art Museum for a tribute piece I did for my brother. The theme of the exhibition was “Grief.” George was killed in an auto accident about the same time that a song called “Brother the Cloud” by Eddie Vedder (written about the brother he lost) came out. The song described my brother to a tee, and the cloud-like images in the piece I made linked it all together. It is my favorite piece, and I will never sell it!
How do you overcome creative blocks or challenges when working on a project?
Since I live in a small place, my studio is completely portable, so when I’m not feeling it, I close it up and walk away. I then do all the other things life requires until inspiration hits and the studio is open again. I don’t get upset if the creative juices aren’t flowing. It always comes back and I find that if I try to force myself to paint while I’m “blocked”, it’s usually not a happy experience!
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?
Since I am the typical starving artist, I have come up with some inexpensive ways to set my workspace up. I have 2 fold-out shelves with tables that I cover with heavy plastic, and I use sliced pool noodles to create a dam around the outside. It makes a decent-sized area and keeps the floor relatively clean.
I also use dollar store plastic cups and containers, and parchment paper is my best friend. I lay it under everything (resin and paintings) to catch the drips.
As for my paints, I have two racks I use for shows so I hang my paint tubes on them when I’m not using them to show. It keeps them organized and readily available.
How do you know when a paint pouring piece is finished? What criteria do you use to evaluate your work?
Sometimes I look at a piece and just know it’s done. When I’m not sure, I get a second opinion! My husband will look at the painting and tell me if he feels an area is too bare or too busy and can even offer suggestions as to what I can do. (He is not a painter but has a very good eye). Sometimes just changing its position is the only fix it needs. Other times, he’ll see something cool in a piece I am ready to scrape, and I’ll take a second look. I have quite a few almost scrapes that have ended up being favorites.
What advice would you give to aspiring paint pouring artists who are just starting out?
My biggest mistake was using cheap Dollar Store paints. They do not act at all like the better paints. While I love Winsor Newton, Amsterdam, and Golden paints, I very frequently use less expensive brands like Liquitex and Artists’ Loft. They work very well once you learn how to work with them.
Also, I would follow a couple of artists on YouTube and the internet. My biggest mistake was watching many different artists. It was very confusing because no two artists work exactly the same. Find an artist who you can listen to and learn and stick with one or two. Once you learn the basics, you can learn more from all the other fluid artists out there.
Are there any upcoming projects, exhibitions, or collaborations you’re excited about and would like to share with our readers?
I am currently working on setting up Facebook and Instagram to sell my work. I also know I need to get a website going, so I am working on that, too.
I live in very hot and sunny Florida, so I don’t do outdoor shows in the summer and rarely in the winter. My tent days are over. I am meeting with a Gallery owner next week and hope to display my work there.
Lastly, where can we find more of your work or connect with you online?
I am working on a Facebook page dedicated to my art, but I haven’t worked all the bugs out yet. WabiSabi Art by TK
Growing One Pour at a Time
Tricia Kowalewski’s artistic journey is a wonderful reminder that creativity is built through patience, experimentation, and a passion for learning. Her willingness to embrace challenges and continue developing her skills has helped shape her unique artistic voice. As she continues to explore new techniques and create new artwork, her enthusiasm for fluid art remains an inspiration to others who are on their own creative journeys. We look forward to seeing where her artistic path leads next and what beautiful creations she will share in the future.
Tricia Kowalewski’s Facebook | Etsy
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Wonderful article n quite helpful! I love TK’s work. It was great to hear her discouraging experience w a teacher early on. That story resonates w many of us. I’m glad she persevered👏🏻
I also appreciated the basic info on paints, setting up her painting tables n particular techniques she has used. Thank you for featuring her. I will look for her work on FB! Congratulations TK
Thank You! I appreciate the positive feedback! I’m trying very hard to keep my Facebook page (wabisabiartbyTK) going but I am not very tech savvy! As soon as I figure some stuff out I will try a website. Thank you again!
beautiful paintings – I’m normally not a fan of abstract paintings, however, with TKs abstracts I find myself long looking at the end painting finding beautiful hidden colorful images that remind me of: landscape, people, animals, ocean, mountains, etc. Then when I look next time at the same painting I discover something new, Her paintings are mesmerizing and just plain make you feel good.