Introducing the new Lava River Acrylic Pour abstract art tutorial! Sometimes a painting is more than color – it’s texture, contrast, and energy. That’s exactly what I was after with this mixed-media acrylic pouring project I call “Lava River.”

This piece was created on a 20x20-inch canvas, but the real foundation was the multi-layered texture I added before even pouring a drop of paint. I wanted the visual drama of molten lava flowing through rock – vibrant, hot, and alive – and for that, I had to build it from the ground up.

Watch the Full Painting Process:

At the heart of this fluid acrylic painting is a powerful and fiery palette. I used:

• Vermilion orange is the main color of the flow
• Primary magenta and carmine red for intensity and contrast
• A custom metallic copper + iridescent orange blend for glowing, molten energy
• Red-violet to add depth and shadow
• And a few highlights of golden yellow and titanium white to bring it all to life

Although I kept most of the paint concentrated in the center of the canvas, I allowed some flow over the textured edges, which added to the natural, uncontained feeling of this abstract piece.

If you would like to learn how to finish painting with epoxy resin for a beautiful, smooth, liquid glass-like finish like in this painting, I teach the entire process in this online course. 

“Lava River” feels bold, raw, and exciting, and creating it reminded me how powerful it can be to combine multiple techniques into a single artwork. If you’ve been feeling stuck in one method or looking for a new challenge, try mixing materials. The results might surprise you.

Let me know what you think of this bold combination of fluid art, texture, and resin. I always love hearing from you!

Colorfully yours,
Olga Soby