Day 30 of my acrylic pouring color theory series, the last day of the series, is a strainer painting full of contrasting colors on a black background. The lines are incredible with this technique and the colors really stand out on this one! For an interesting pattern with a mixture of organic and geometric shapes, a strainer painting is the perfect technique.

If you’re curious about colors and color theory as it relates to acrylic pouring, head on over to my post about Choosing Colors for Acrylic Pouring and grab your FREE printable Color Wheel and Color Scheme Guides.
If you would like to follow along with my 30-day acrylic pouring color theory video series, grab your very own color wheel and color scheme guides and some paint, and head on over to the color theory section of Homebody Hall!
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Color of the Day (Day 30 – Strainer Painting):
- Violet
Color Scheme:
- Tetrad – Violet, Blue, Orange, Yellow

Shades Chosen:
- Violet
- Blue
- Orange
- Yellow
Neutral Chosen:
- Black
Technique:
- Strainer Painting
Paints:
All of the colors I used were mixed from the paint colors below. (Blue and magenta for violet, red and yellow for orange)
I used magenta for my violet hues because I think it makes a less muddy color because there isn’t a yellow undertone to it as there is with red. So if you ever want to make a very vivid violet color, go with magenta. I have found that I actually prefer the Liquitex Basics Quinacridone Magenta to the Artist’s Loft Brilliant Magenta.
- Artist’s Loft Brilliant Blue
- Artist’s Loft Brilliant Yellow
- Artist’s Loft Deep Red
- Artist’s Loft Brilliant Magenta
- Master’s Touch Permanent Black
Pouring Medium:
- Floetrol
- Water
Canvas:
Tools:
I like the small sink strainers like this, personally. But I’ve also seen some really cool work done with collanders like this as well.
Sealant:
- Rustoleum American Accents Gloss Clear (1 thin coat)
Strainer Painting Video Tutorial
Strainer Painting Step by Step
- Lay down a base coat of your background coat (TIP: I like to use old gift cards to spread my paint)
- Place the your srainer down wherever you’d like the center of the design to be. For this one, I just chose the middle of the painting.
- Pour your colors into the strainer.
- Lift the strainer carefully, being careful to cover the bottom of the strainer so that it doesn’t drip and ruin your design.
- Tilt your painting until you are happy with the composition. I personally didn’t want this one to be as floral-looking and wasn’t thrilled with the center, so I tilted the center part off and played with the other lines on the painting.
Go Forth and Pour!
If you liked this strainer painting technique, there’s so much you can do with it. Check out this sunflower painting for a really cool example.

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What Is Acrylic Painting? Tips, Techniques, and Tools
14 Creative Ways to Display Your Acrylic Pouring Painting Ideas
10 Stunning Acrylic Painting Landscape Ideas for Beginners
Want to remember this strainer painting? Pin Day 29 of this Acrylic Pouring Color Theory Series to your favorite Pinterest Board!
