When I first poured the paints for this fluid art creation, I had one goal – to let go of control.

Halloween was just around the corner, and I felt like experimenting with something bold, maybe even a little intimidating: a pure orange and black color palette. These two colors are striking, high-contrast, and, honestly, a little scary to work with.

Because if you mix them wrong – you get mud.

Still, something in me said, go for it.

So I stopped playing it safe.

I mixed several variations using just those two hues: burnt brown-oranges, warm caramels, deep smoky shades. It was a monochrome experiment in how far I could push contrast without losing balance. I didn’t overthink the plan – I simply followed my instincts and started pouring:

The painting wasn’t just about color anymore – it was about energy.

The way the orange pushed against the black, the rhythm of the blowouts, the glowing copper highlights – everything started to feel alive, as if the canvas was pulsing.

That’s when I realized something that I think applies to every artist:

The moment you stop painting color and start painting energy, your work begins to move people.

Energy in fluid art isn’t about chaos or randomness. It’s about rhythm – the balance between motion and stillness.

I won’t lie – I was nervous before starting this one. It’s always easier to choose safe palettes, to stick to what already works. But real growth – both artistic and personal – happens when you try something that might fail.

And that’s what I love about acrylic pouring – it reflects life so well. You let go a little, trust the flow, and watch beauty unfold where you least expect it.

The final result? Not quite a Halloween painting. Not quite a gemstone. But something in between – wild, fiery, and full of rhythm. By the way, all the colors for this painting were mixed with the recipe that I teach inside my Fluid Art Mastery course. 

It reminded me that when you stop playing it safe, your art starts breathing with energy.

So if you’ve been thinking of trying that daring color palette, or a new pouring technique that scares you a little, do it. Let your paints surprise you. That’s where real art begins.

Colorfully yours,
Olga Soby