Recently, I've been in the market for wall art. I mean, really it's an ongoing thing. I still have SO many undecorated walls, nooks and even rooms in our home—even though we've been here a whole year! Plus- I like to swap art often. I love change! For all of these reasons, DIY art is a must. It's so easy to customize a space and get that exact piece you are envisioning without hours (hmm, or weeks or months… sigh) of shopping and searching for the perfect solution!
I love abstract art. Our mom is an artist and we're lucky enough to get to "borrow" gorgeous pieces from her collection all the time. For years she tried to coach me on making abstract paintings, but I could never get the hang of it. I would get so frustrated with myself. For the longest time I just could not make one that I liked. I would paint over them every single time. Then eventually I found some styles that worked for me and I started to really enjoy the process! (Thanks, Mom!)
Today I want to share a simple abstract-ish painting that anyone can make. Just choose colors that you love and go for it!
Choosing colors: Choose four or more colors to mix and match that fit your style and your home. Acrylic paints are a great choice for your first big painting. :)
Mixing Colors: Mixing up the perfect shades is my favorite part! Spend as much time as you need creating the perfect tones!
1. Add little "dabs" spaces evenly around your painting. Use a damp paintbrush to create a long, vertical line in each spot. 3. On the outer edges of each line, expand the shape in a pattern that gets smaller with each stroke. 4. This is how the shapes should look for the first paint color. They should cover the entire canvas, even covering over and around the edges. Allow your paint to dry completely between each color.
Next, add smaller messy shapes in a second color. They can be slightly more irregular than the first set of shapes.
Add a few more colors of small shapes (see the light and dark blue colors here) then add some detail within the largest shapes in a coordinating color (see the darker orange).
It really is that easy! After you painting is completely dry, take it outside and seal it with an acrylic sealing spray. Don't forget to sign and date it at the end. 🙂
Are you feeling up to the challenge? I would LOVE to see your paintings, so please leave me a link in the comments or instagram me if you make one! xo. Elsie
77 Comments
Love.
Pretty! LOVE this!!
This is such an awesome idea! And looks amazing, even me with my horrendously bad art skills could get away with doing this! You make everything seem so effortless too! xxx
holljc.blogspot.co.uk
I absolutely love the idea of making my own abstract art but the idea always seems a bit intimidating…
I guess I just need to pluck up the courage. 🙂
Thanks for sharing, Elsie. x
Putting this on my to do list! I want something like this for my kitchen! I’ll let you know how it goes 😀
That easy ? Thanks for sharing !
XX Luba
Six ways to wear fall´s hottest trend – a plaid shirt, today on
http://www.well-living-blog.com
I adore this! Beautiful and intricate but simple to do! I need new art for my dorm, and this is perf!
xo, Juliette Laura
http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/InfiniteStyleShop
it looks simple and nice but I don’t think that everyone is able to make it 🙂 a person still needs this magical ‘something’ in his hand to make some simple spots a work of art 🙂 you have it but eg. I don’t think my painting like this would look so nice! 🙂
Love this! I’ll probably give it a shot to add some more umph to my dorm room!
boyatc.blogspot.com
Cute! Plus there is always something so cool about creating art for your own home.
Hah! Where in the world do you come up with these fabulous ideas? This. Is. Awesome!
Gypsy Plunder Vintage
I took one of your mom’s classes back in 2009 for the RVA weekend and I loved it! She made it seem so simple. Love the post 😉
This is really beautiful. It reminds me of the US southwest. Great colors!
http://liveitinerantly.com
adore. just not sure if mine will come out the same though (totally not a painter).
xx Alecia
I love how this is a twist on modern and native <3 awesome!
<3 Annejelina
Visit my shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrownofCreationShop
I too was sick of barren walls, so I made my own abstract art out of some acrylic paint and some masking tape! You can see a picture of the finished product on my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201609220541156&set=pb.1497676046.-2207520000.1378400236.&type=3&theater!
Wow, this is so cute! I have so many areas in our home that still need a splash of a little something here and there- this seems so easy and budget friendly. Thank you!
So cute! I love it 🙂
You just made me want to try painting. I probably haven’t painted anything besides walls and furniture since middle school!
It came out so well, looks greats!
I love this idea! Thanks for sharing. <3
Loving the colour palette and loving your mum’s work!
I just started painting again this year after a very long time. I enjoy it so much more now but I think it’s because my approach to it is so different. Less worrying about what other people’s reactions to my work will be and more enjoying the process and the fun of being creative.
http://projectsbydc.blogspot.co.uk/p/portfolio.html
that’s brilliant! totally gonna do this soon
Lovely idea! Such great colors! And it would be so easy to make a couple for each of the seasons and switch them out! Love it.
http://sometimesgracefully.com
Great Idea, love the color combos!
CELIA
http://epicceliarose.blogspot.com/
I love this, I don’t usually do abstract like that, I find it really hard! It’s wierd, I find placing things ‘randomly’ hard too 🙂
GREAT idea. This is the perfect way for me to jazz up my dining room!
I definitely want to try that 😀
i love this so much, beautiful pick of colors.
Love it! Looks really fun and interesting, such a great way to brighten up the room
This looks great! And you’re right. I think I could handle this! Thank you for sharing!
xx
youngmildandfree.wordpress.com
OH MY FAB!!! Ive been dying to know how to paint an IKAT like canvas. Thank you soooo much for this post.
It looks great! Abstract is my favorite 🙂
This is a good idea! I always have the worst trouble with abstract as well. Painting in general I am not the best at actually, haha.
I can’t wait to try doing this with my daughter. It looks simple enough for my little eight year old artist to give it a try.
Looks cool! Kind of reminds me of an ikat print.
http://www.fullbellywornsoles.com
great colors!
Wow, your mom’s art is gorgeous. I love yours, too. The two in the photo are so pretty. I’ve painted almost all of the art in my apartment, mostly because of the money (and partially because it’s fun). Getting the colors right is the hardest part for me.
At first I thought it was fabric. This is great! Back in June my boys were going to Grow Camp (fine arts camp) so I decided I needed to grow too. I did an abstract piece too.
Of course yours is much better. Mine is simple colored blocks of different shapes. 🙂 But it sure felt good to create something for our home.
Check it out here http://thefontenotslife.blogspot.com/2013/06/i-think-i-can-paint.html
Love love love the painting but even more obsessed the one behind it!! Is it DIY?
Love these shades.. think I will pick up a few blank canvases 🙂
Rosie x | Every Word Handwritten
such a cool idea! this rocks
xxoo,
nikki
http://www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
Very pretty! I like the colours you chose. Classic.
Love this idea! Since a couple of months i’ve been thinking about doing something ‘creative’ but maybe this should be the project!
Wow, so cute!! That would look great as a pillow or fabric!
xo Becky
Seductive Mania
I love this so much! Looks great!
Love this wall art. I love all your craft ideas.
Thank you for sharing!
Xo,
Belen
Visit my blog: http://www.androbelinsider.blogspot.com
It must be so cool to have an artist Mum, she’d be so proud of you guys! This is so simple but it LOOKS GREAT! Love it!! Xx
http://amyxoblog.wordpress.com/
I love this! And it looks like it wouldn’t take a whole lot of time.
Yay! I’ve been trying to think of a cute idea to make more wall art for my apt. This’ll help! Thanks!
I’m totally trying this and totally pinning this!
I have tried lot of time to make abstract painting, but every time i can’t create attractive painting like your abstract painting. I love to paint but i don’t know why i can’t do this. You are really a good painter. God Bless you!
I love this idea. It would work great with fabric paint too to make a completely unique frock. (She says as running to the local craft shop!)
ROOOH so beautiful ! I’m going to do this week end !I love it !
Xxx
http://alicebradshow.blogspot.fr/
http://alicebradshow.blogspot.fr/
This is great! I actually think I could pull this off. As ever, thanks for sharing!!
Lucy xo | http://www.we-resolve.com
This looks so professional and you don’t really need any artistic talent so to speak
Slightly Skint Blog
What a GREAT idea!
Maria xx
http://www.cheekypinktulip.blogspot.com
I REALLY like these! I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my own very blank walls and this helped a lot!
beautiful and super simple. It reminds me of the pochampally print sarees, the very traditional ones have similar prints.
This is something I’m definitely gonna have to try! Looks gorgeous!
Love this!! IT’s a great way to ad colour and have fun!
That’s so nice! I’m lovin’ fleshy pinks and blues these days too also! 😉
And I’m with you regarding always looking for art -something unique.
As per your request you can click on the links below to check out some of my art!
Thanks
Julie
http://julieloveshome.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/math-art-1-diy-art-piece-3/
AND
http://julieloveshome.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/diy-art-5-tips-to-create-youre-own-abstract-art/
AND
http://julieloveshome.wordpress.com/2013/06/06/metal-wall-art-how-to-make-the-bad-look-good/
So pretty! Putting this on my DIY to do list!
I’ve been struggling with ideas for a painting above my fireplace. This might just be the inspiration I needed to get started 🙂
I love DIY artwork like this – it’s awesome that your mother was able to teach you some things 🙂
Bailey
http://akabailey.blogspot.com
I haven’t painted in years so I’m up for this challenge! Love yours!
Lulu xx
http://luluslittlewonderland.blogspot.com
It turned out great!! I might have to try this soon. I just recently tried your starburst mirror and love it! You can see it here: http://hammerandheels.blogspot.com/2013/09/make-it-starburst-mirror.html
hammerandheels.blogspot.com
Look so cool!
Naomi, x
I love it and the poppies! They go perfectly together. What an awesome painting!
beautiful paiting!
great inspiration!!
http://fashionissue-byzanetbel.blogspot.cz/
Elsie! I had SO much fun trying this technique on a tray! It’s definitely not as abstract and fab as yours, but you can see it at http://healyrose.wordpress.com/2013/09/11/903/ Thanks for making it seem so simple!
Love this! Can’t wait to try!
so cute!!! it could be fit in some of my spaces!
http://coralbyanabelencorredera.blogspot.com.es
looks great. and you’re right, i feel like pretty much anyone could make that. Can’t wait to put something new in my living room 🙂
http://www.carowhack.com
Indeed a very nice post. At paint colors, the website for the specific details and information that you need. Thank you again for writing such a good post.
Explore more about paint colors
Could you show us how to make the painting next to/ behind it? I’m excited to paint some pieces to fill the bare walls in my house!
congratulations excellent site of art and excellent writing