Fluid Paintings

Cameraless paintings made in fluid, photographed at the moment they resolve.

The paintings and how they evolve.

The success of each fluid painting depends on many factors: the different media used and how they interact with each other, together with lighting, temperature control and air currents. Even simple dust particles play a part in the feel of some of the paintings. Some fluid paintings may take 24 hours or more to develop while others might happen instantly; therefore Chris has to constantly monitor the events taking place. Sometimes nothing will happen for hours and then suddenly it will all come together. Patience plays a large part in the process, and as it is a naturally occurring event, Chris can’t hurry the process or even slow it down if it is happening too fast.

Capturing the Fluid Painting.

The precise moment at which Chris decides to capture the moving painting, is vital, as the ‘right moment’ can pass in a millisecond. The special optics and lighting systems used to photograph these unique moving paintings have been developed by Chris and his Father, Peter Parks, the Academy Award-winning film maker. As well as modern optics, Chris also uses older optics, some over 180 years old, to get the exact feel he is looking for.