Fluid bear art is a form of acrylic pour painting applied to a 3D bear-shaped figurine. You layer liquid paints, tilt and rotate the bear, and watch as colors flow into unique marble patterns. No brushes or drawing skills required. Each finished bear looks completely different, making this one of the most popular DIY art activities across New York City and beyond.
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If you have scrolled through TikTok or Instagram lately, you have probably seen videos of people pouring colorful paint over white bear figurines. The mesmerizing swirls, the satisfying drips, the glossy finished product. This is fluid bear art, and it has taken over as one of the trendiest creative activities in cities like NYC, Los Angeles, and Miami. But what exactly is it? How does it work? And can anyone actually do it? This post breaks down everything you need to know about fluid bear painting, from the technique itself to where you can try it in Long Island City, Queens. |
What is Fluid Bear Art?
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Fluid bear art is a specific application of acrylic pour painting. Instead of pouring paint onto a flat canvas, you pour it over a three-dimensional bear figurine. The bear shape acts as a sculptural canvas that you can display on a shelf, desk, or anywhere in your home. The technique uses fluid acrylics, which are paints mixed with a pouring medium to create a thinner, more pourable consistency. When you layer different colors and tilt the figurine, the paints flow and blend organically. The result is an abstract, marbled pattern that is impossible to replicate exactly. |
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The bear figurines used in these classes are often inspired by the Bearbrick design, a collectible toy figure created by the Japanese company Medicom Toy in 2001. Bearbricks became popular in streetwear and art collector circles, and the fluid art trend brought this aesthetic to everyday creators who want a piece of that culture without spending thousands on limited editions.
Fluid bear art is acrylic pour painting on a 3D bear figurine, creating unique marbled patterns through paint flow and gravity. No artistic skill needed.
How Does Acrylic Pour Painting Work?
Acrylic pour painting relies on the physical properties of fluid paint and gravity. Here is the basic process:
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Paint PreparationAcrylic paints mixed with pouring medium. Some add silicone oil for cell effects. |
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Layering ColorsLayer in a cup, drizzle directly, or use dirty pour method for patterns. |
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Tilting & MovementRotate the bear in different directions, letting gravity pull paint across. |
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Drying & CuringLet dry flat for 24-48 hours. Paint cures to a glossy finish. |
Why Did Fluid Bear Art Become So Popular?
Several factors contributed to the rise of fluid bear painting as a mainstream activity:
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Social Media AppealPerforms well on TikTok and Reels with millions of views. |
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Beginner FriendlyNo drawing ability required. Great results on first try. |
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Tangible KeepsakeDisplay piece for desks, shelves, and mantels. |
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Stress ReliefCalming, meditative experience watching paint flow. |
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Celebrity BuzzKim K and others spotted at fluid bear studios. |
Premium paints create rich colors and organic cell effects
What Materials Are Used in Fluid Bear Art?
If you attend a fluid bear class or attempt the project at home, here are the typical materials involved:
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Bear FigurineWhite resin/plastic (5.5″+) |
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Glow-in-Dark PaintsSpecial paints that glow |
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BrushesFor detailed painting |
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Pour Painting OptionFluid technique available |
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Cups & SticksFor mixing and pouring |
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Gloves & ApronProtection from stains |
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Drop ClothCatches excess paint |
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Drying RackElevates bear while drying |
At Cozy Art Land in Long Island City, all materials are provided and cleanup is handled for you.
DIY Fluid Bear at Home vs. Taking a Class
You can do fluid bear art at home, but there are trade-offs to consider:
🏠 DIY at Home• Need to source all materials yourself • Upfront cost for supplies ($50-$100+) • Messy cleanup on your own • Trial and error learning curve • Good for ongoing hobby • No time pressure |
🎨 Taking a Class• All materials provided • One-time class fee ($41 at Cozy Art Land) • Studio handles cleanup • Instructor guidance available • Social experience with others • Great for first-timers |
For most people trying fluid bear art for the first time, a class makes more sense. You get to experience the activity without investing in supplies you may only use once.
What to Expect at a Fluid Bear Art Class
If you book a session at a studio in NYC, here is a typical class structure:
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Arrival & SetupCheck in, put on apron, choose your paint colors from the selection. |
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InstructionInstructor demonstrates techniques for brush painting and optional pour effects. |
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Create Your BearUse brushes, glow-in-dark paints, or pour technique. Experiment with colors and patterns. |
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Finishing UpLet your bear dry. Take home your collectible art toy. |
At Cozy Art Land, the class runs about 60 minutes. You receive a blank 5.5-inch bear figure and can use glow-in-dark paints, brushes, and optional pour-painting techniques to create your design.
Your finished bear becomes a unique piece of home decor
Tips for First-Time Fluid Bear Artists
Based on feedback from instructors and guests at Cozy Art Land:
Limit Your Color Palette
Three to four colors usually produce the best results. Too many can mix into muddy brown or gray.
Include a Neutral or White
Adding white gives other colors space to breathe and creates nice contrast.
Tilt Slowly (For Pour Technique)
If using the pour method, slow movements give you more control over the flow.
Cover the Whole Bear
Make sure paint reaches all areas including the back and between the legs.
Trust the Process
There is no wrong way. The best results often come from experimenting freely.
Where to Try Fluid Bear Art in NYC
Several studios across New York City offer fluid bear classes. If you are in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or the surrounding area:
Cozy Art Land
1040 45th Avenue, 3rd Floor F
Long Island City, NY 11101
🚇 Steps from Court Square (E, M, G, 7) and Vernon Blvd (7)
$41 · 60 minutes · All materials included
Cozy Art Land offers fluid bear classes in a relaxed, welcoming studio. Each participant receives a blank 5.5-inch bear figure. Using glow-in-dark paints, brushes, and optional pour-painting techniques, you freely explore colors, patterns, and textures. From bold graffiti-style splashes to soft seasonal palettes, the process encourages experimentation and personal expression. Easy to reach from Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and the rest of Queens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fluid Bear Art Worth Trying?
If you want a creative activity that does not require artistic talent, produces a tangible keepsake, and offers a relaxing break from screens, fluid bear art checks all the boxes. The learning curve is nearly flat. First-timers often produce results that look just as good as experienced painters.
For date nights, friend outings, birthday parties, and solo creative sessions, fluid bear classes offer something genuinely different from the usual NYC activities. You walk in with no experience, spend an hour making something with your hands, and leave with a custom collectible art toy that reflects your unique style.
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Ready to Create Your Own Fluid Bear?
Book a class at Cozy Art Land in Long Island City. All materials included. No experience needed.
1040 45th Avenue, 3rd Floor F, Long Island City, NY 11101
Steps from Court Square station (E, M, G, 7 trains)
Related Activities at Cozy Art Land
Looking for other creative experiences in Long Island City? Cozy Art Land offers multiple art classes and workshops beyond fluid bear painting. Check the full class schedule for upcoming sessions and private event options.