Paint Artwork for Your Walls
Even if you are "artistically challenged," painting your artwork can be tons of fun. And, not to mention, it's guaranteed to match the color scheme of your room! Why waste loads of money on something that's not even personal when you can make your own mark for much cheaper? It's time to get your DIY on.
Steps
- Decide on a "theme" for the painting. "Abstract" works pretty well since everyone can draw a few shapes and smack paint on canvas to create a nice work of abstract art. If you feel more artistic, think about one of the more common themes for art - a still life of flowers or fruit, a landscape with a cute little house and some fields, or a portrait of a pet or a person.
- Look at your wall and decide how large a painting you want on it. Some common canvas sizes are 8"x10", 16"x20", and 24"x36". There are also smaller or larger ones if you want to do a series of tiny paintings or a really huge one.
- Get a piece of paper and sketch your idea. If you can get the paper in the same size that your art will be in, that's great, but if not (ie, if you're using a huge canvas and just don't have that extra roll of art paper lying around), then just sketch it to scale and don't worry. Think about what colors you want before you go out to get your materials.
- Go to any hobby or art supply store and buy a stretched canvas in your chosen size.
- Pick up some acrylic paints in colors similar to the color theme in your room. If you decided on paint colors before you left the house, check to see that you get all the ones you wanted. Black and white are not always good to have for making colors lighter or darker To make shades, use the opposite of the color to darken it. For example, use green to darken red. Use a few paintbrushes or sponges to get it from the bottle to the canvas!
- Spread some newspapers or a drop cloth under your canvas to protect your furniture. Prop the canvas up on a chair, table, or easel while you work, and sit or stand as you feel comfortable.
- Paint! Have fun with it - again, don't try to be perfect.
- Once you feel it's done-leave it alone!
- Hang your new artwork and enjoy the compliments from friends!
Tips
- If you're afraid to let your creativity loose, let a young child show you how. You could learn a lot from the lack of creative inhibition most children have.
- Remember that sketching is rough - don't try to be perfect, just lightly use your pencil to outline the shapes or figures in your idea. The paint will fill in the detail.
- Have fun, you're just trying to find something to complement the colors in your room, not exceed Picasso's achievements.
- Don't be afraid to mess up. You can always paint over anything you don't like.
- You can transfer a paper design to the canvas using the old "color the back, then trace the lines" technique - if you had a great design on paper and are afraid it won't work so well on canvas, this might make things easier.
- This is a cheap way to make artwork, but be prepared to spend a good chunk of money on larger canvases. Smaller is better for a DIY artist on a budget.
- Don't worry too much on what the art style looks like. Remember,Things aren't always what they seem(Abstract) and if they are, they do not need to be professional looking. Once you're happy with the finished product, then leave it and be proud to hang it up.
Warnings
- Acrylics will usually come off easily with water if you catch them before they dry. Still, use that drop cloth!
Things You'll Need
- Pencil and paper
- Room in need of decorating
- Canvas
- Paints
- Paintbrushes, sponges, etc.
- Drop cloth or newspaper
- Plastic disposable plates or cups to put paint in
- Cup of water for rinsing out brush
