Young House Love

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How To Make A Geometric Painting On A Canvas

What is it about painting that makes me feel all frenchified and beret-worthy? Anyway, I finally got around to painting one of the giant (and deeply discounted) 40 x 30″ canvases that we scored for $23 from Michael’s thanks to 50% off with an additional 25% off on top of that (more details about how that happened at the end of this post). Ever since discovering this inspirational poster design from here (thanks to my good friend Pinterest) I knew I wanted to adapt it a bit. You know, go wide instead of vertical and have some fun with a few $2 paint samples from Lowe’s (total spent on paint: $9 for three pots which I then mixed with white craft paint that I had on hand to create a ton of different tints of the same few hues).

First I used a yardstick to space out equal vertical lines (I just used the width of the yardstick itself to keep things even) which I drew with a pencil:

Painting Stripes

Then I used the corner of a little card that we got in the mail (from an oil-change place) to create those angled peaks to mimic the prism-like shapes from my inspiration.

Painting Angles

Painting Angles2

Then I just filled each shape in with a variety of shades of blue and green (all derived from the three test pots of paint from Lowe’s and some white craft paint to make some of the shapes lighter). As for the specific paint colors, I used testers of Tropical Waters, Embellished Blue, and Thermal Spring by Behr. Here was what I was left with at first:

Painting Dark

It was fun and kind of high-energy, but the contrast was a little too much for me. So my foray into painting reminded me why I love painting so much: you can always paint right over it. So I mixed up a much lighter shade of greeny-gray and went over all of the darker green parts for a much more subtle tone-on-tone effect. I ended up here:

Painting Finished1

Painting Detail3

I love the imperfect lines and painterly brush strokes and the varied shades of the same few tones. The only thing I don’t like is the location. It just doesn’t feel right in our bedroom since the walls are a similar shade (and we thought the tone on tone look of the art might layer in nicely but it’s feeling a bit too monotone-ish and blah for us). So we’re thinking we might hang it in the dining room once we have a nice big buffet or console to go under it near the front entryway. Or it might end up somewhere else entirely. Just not on a soft blue-green wall. I guess I just like tone on tone art that’s not also on a wall of that tone. Go figure.

Painting Finished1

I went into this project expecting it to take an evening or two and it actually took a while longer (maybe four or five two-hour sessions) but in the end I almost didn’t want it to end. It’s just fun to paint again. Maybe I’ll tackle something else soon. I hope so. Have you guys painted any canvases recently? It totally took me back to my high school and college days (I took every art class my high school offered and then went off to art school in NYC for college- where I somehow ended up with a BFA in Advertising Design). Although using the paint pots from Lowe’s definitely made me smile since I’m used to paying five million dollars for oil paint (ok, that’s an exaggeration, but it wasn’t always cheap for a broke college kid).

And speaking of art school, that’s where a drawing professor of mine dubbed me “the narrator of life.” Apparently I’d just sketch and jabber on about everything as it happened (ex: “oops, I dropped my charcoal” or “now for the foreground” or “yikes, it’s noon already”). I sound really annoying right? Thankfully most of it was under my breath. My teacher had to lean in and ask what I was saying, which prompted me to realize that I was actually saying things out loud (I was in the zone, I knew not what I did). That “narrator of life” nickname embarrassed me at the time, but now I find it hilarious that my actual profession is essentially to narrate my life. Who would’ve thought. Maybe I should hunt down that professor (on Facebook?) and tell him where I ended up. Just don’t tell him I used house paint instead of oil paint. Scandalous.

Comments

  1. Stephanie Phillips says

    PLEASE find that professor for me and tell us what he says! ;)

    Looks great! I actually really like it on that wall.

    Reply

  2. Caitlin @ Desert Domicile says

    LOVE it!

    I have a 36″ x 48″ blank canvas I purchased about 3 months ago hanging above my bed waiting to be painted. It’s still in the original packaging (so it doesn’t get dusty/dirty before painting) and I have to admit, I’m a bit intimidated by it but I think your painting may have gotten my creative juices flowing a bit :)

    Reply

  3. Kim at Yellow Brick Home says

    Hurrah for painting again, Sherry! Sometimes I get weirdly nostalgic about art school…

    I feel very lucky that I still get to paint every week! I paint pet portraits on mini canvases for clients, although oddly enough, I’ve yet to paint our own 3 kiddos. Gotta get on that.

    And your painting is fabulous, too!

    Reply

  5. Kate (Southern Belle Simple) says

    I spray painted an old canvas recently and was really happy with the results. It’s kind of a textured surface, solid green. Then I took a navy blue sharpie and drew a little squiggly line across the bottom of it. It looks very funky and fun! I love it!

    Reply

  8. Randi says

    One of my best friends painted a canvas for my birthday a few years ago… she added a decoupaged bird (made from scrapbook paper) and wrote an Emily Dickinson quote with a marker pen. Best present ever! :)

    When she told me how easy it was for her to do, it inspired me to paint a canvas and use it as my “guest book” at my wedding. Everyone signed with Sharpies.

    For anyone who isn’t sure about painting and doesn’t want to waste money or “ruin” something… this is the best way to get started! It is so fun and you’re right, you kinda don’t want to stop! Ha.

    Reply

  9. Kristen @ Popcorn on the Stove says

    I like the painting in your bedroom! I think the blues & greens are dark enough that they don’t melt into the wall, but it’s still bright in contrast to the dark chair. Maybe that’s just how it photographed. But I also think it’ll look nice in the dining room!

    PS – this post makes me want to whip up out my paintbrushes, too! I was an art kid in HS (and ended up studying art history and art in college). The last thing I painted was this on the walls of our apartment.

    Reply

  10. Jacole says

    We have sooo much in common! I love creating art for practically nothing…$2 paint at Hobby Lobby, foam brushes, on free cardboard from a box/packaging! Ahhhh, I’m a cheap-o for life! Love it!

    P.S. My husband talks to himself CONSTANTLY. Drives me crazy cause I always think he’s talking to me. But now I see your side of it…Narrator of Life fits him perfectly too! :)

    Reply

  11. Clare says

    I used to paint a lot, but I’ve traded in my brushes for Illustrator, which I LOVE! I’ve been doing little dog drawings (see ’em here )!

    Reply

  12. Vicki K says

    West Elm Drapes:

    Sherry – I know you have decided to pass on the drapes as the color seems to be not what you are looking for. And I know that you are a total DIYer. But, you know sometime you just need to treat yourself to something that you really love. You and John save so much money on all your projects.Driving 5 hours to a fabric store has got to cost $$$$. You probably could have ordered some drapes for the amount you would have spent on that trip. Just saying…. Treat yourself!!!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We’re going to be out near that fabric store visiting friends and family so we’ll swing by while we’re in the area. We’d never drive five hours just to go fabric shopping. Haha. We’re crazy but not that crazy. As for treating myself, someday I will…

      xo,
      s

    • SG says

      What’s the name of the fabric stores that you’ll be visiting? I’m in the DC area and am wondering if they’re near me.

    • YoungHouseLove says

      It’s called Mary Jo’s in Charlotte. So much fun! We’ll blog all about it when we go (we actually went there once before and blogged about that trip a while back).

      xo,
      s

  14. Sarah Mc says

    Personally I like the dark colors better but the lighter one is also nice and works well in that spot. Great idea!
    I think even my non-crafty or creative self could do something like this (though not as well).

    You’ve got me HOOKED on pinterest now too!

    Reply

  15. Carolyn says

    I love this post! It’s always fun to read about big house projects, but sometimes it’s actually the little projects like this that inspire me the most. Can’t wait to see what else you paint in the future!

    Reply

  16. Rebecca @ the lil house that could says

    Thanks for sharing your unconventional-for-the-art-world method! I took quite a few art classes in college and one thing that always turned me off was all the rules… No pencil first, no outlining, no using pure white or black, big picture first, then details blah blah blah. I mean, just as long as the outcome is pretty, that’s all that matters, right? :)

    Reply

  17. Robin says

    I think my mom is one of those “narrators” although she confines her narration to the movie theater, much to the dismay of everyone sitting around her. (Mom, hush! We don’t need you to tell us what’s happening on the screen.)

    I’m so impressed with that canvas! I think that some custom-painted curtains are in your future, my dear.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I just heard that today. How insane is that?! Not that I know what it means either, but it does sound lofty. Little do they know I’m waaaay to un-fancy for it. Haha. Shh. Don’t tell.

      xo,
      s

    • Vanessa says

      Sherry, do you ever invite people to join Pinterest? Cause I’ve been sweating the “waiting list” for a while…

      :)

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Drop in on our Facebook page and just ask someone to email you an instant invite! People trade them super fast over there so there’s no wait!

      xo,
      s

  21. Kate says

    I favor the first one a bit more, with the bolder greeny-grays, but the final product still looks great!

    I’m cringing reading through the comments because I keep waiting for “Bob” to weigh in ;)

    Reply

    • threadbndr says

      ???? Who is “Bob”? What did I miss? (When the comments get up into the high hundreds, I start skimming and obviously I missed something!)

      Side note – The weird thing is that I can remember when Sherry would squee when comments went over 100 and I remember that time when the comments broke with the volume. Good times.

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I still squee when we get over 100 comments. It’s amazing. As for Bob, he’s a fun little art critic of ours. Some people aren’t sure about him – he’s kind of strong willed at times. Haha. My guess is that he’ll comment (maybe not today though) and that he actually might like this. But he’s a wild card. Could totally hate it too!

      xo,
      s

    • Kait says

      @Kate,
      I totally am too!
      @Sherry, that came out great! Congrats on finishing it! Not a single one of my canvases are finished. Not one…

    • Jacqueline says

      My first thought as I read this post was, “Wow! I love it!”

      The second? “Bob!”

      Haha

    • Hanna says

      Poor Bob, he is the reason I’ve been reading through all the comments too. :D

  24. Ashley says

    I have a BFA in graphic design but took every painting class possible in college. Something about dragging a brush with paint across a blank white surface and all is right in the world. Walking down the paint brush and paint isle at Hobby Lobby is seriously my therapy! HA. Def ate my weight in Raman noodles in order to pay for art supplies in college… SHEESH!

    In other news… I kind of like the painting on that wall. Maybe it’s just the angle and looks good because I’m not seeing the whole room, but it’s kind of calming and spa like in a modern reminds-me-of-rain sort of way :)

    Also, did you guys watch Modern Family last night?!? “Hysterical wife, hysterical wife, hysterical wife…jackpot!(cups hands together)” haha

    Reply

  27. ashley says

    Nice Sherry – er, Chéri? :) I like the location but I understand your aversion to tone on tone on tone on tone on tone. I took a watercolor class last summer but haven’t picked up the brush in awhile. Now I’m inspired to try something like your pinned art so I can play with color layering. Looks like pretty seaglass.

    Reply

  30. melissa says

    I love love LOVE to paint … and the funny thing is I forget how much I love it until I’m in the middle of a project & it’s just … bliss.

    I’m currently working on a series for the baby room of one of my very best friends & it’s so very fun. All in neutrals (browns, beiges, etc), with little pops of baby blue & red-orange. There’s one main canvas with a whole scene of cute critters, and the supporting, smaller canvases are different patterns (there’s an argyle, a cable-knit, stripes, dots, paisley) … so fun & easily mix & match-able for her :)

    Reply

  31. Erin says

    Looks great!

    So glad you did this post. I’ve been toying with the idea of doing my own art for awhile now, mostly because the budget is GONE and the walls are bare. But unlike you, I’m no artist. I can copy pretty good though. But my question is how do I start? So I go to Michael’s and get a canvas and then what? Do I have to prime it? What about this Gesso or Geeso or something like that stuff that I’ve heard about? Do I just start painting? Help!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Nope, I didn’t prime it at all. Just got my blank canvas and started penciling in my lines and using craft paint and wall paint for the colored prism shapes. It’s definitely “unorthodox” but I’m a girl who went to art school in NYC and I boldly scream whisper “whatever works!” Haha.

      xo,
      s

  32. Melanie says

    My neighbor actually goes to FIT in NYC, I asked her on facebook if he is still there, but I haven’t heard anything back yet!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Ooh do tell! From the looks of his site (which two sneaky readers found) he’s no longer teaching there. Which is a shame. He was awesome. He’s one of the only teachers I remember actually.

      xo,
      s

  33. Kate says

    I learned that i talk to myself when am painting or drawing when i was in high school. Once, some girls in my class ‘caught’ me in the act and i had no idea i was doing it, i looked at them like they were crazy. Then 5 minutes later, i was talking to myself about how I’m totally not someone who talks to themselves and they caught me again. and i still didn’t believe them, it was hilarious. now i know it and accept it.. it keeps the brain moving.

    Reply

  34. jaime says

    Sherry, this painting is so cool and graphic. I LOVE it! Perfect to use for those sample paint pots, too! I’m always ripping out magazine pages for some recreated art of my own…you’ve inspired me to get started!! :)

    Reply

  35. Adrienne says

    I am officially inspired! We have a big blank space behind the couch that I’ve been saving for something special. And what’s more special than something I make myself, right?
    Those colors are actually perfect for our space too ;)

    Reply

  37. Bobby says

    lookin good :). I don’t know if I’d have the patience to paint that! Also, I have some problem where I like everything framed. this would look nice framed. But i am also aware that is a problem of mine and is unnecessary – it looks great as is :)

    Reply

  38. Christie says

    I love it! Totally works in your space. Great call on lightening the darker green lines. You should definiely do another painting soon. Kudos!

    Reply

  40. Carolyn says

    Love it! I was so excited when I saw “painting” and “canvas” upon opening the page. I’ve been waiting with great anticipation to see what you do with those, and you certainly didn’t disappoint! I wish I could paint, but my creativity lies in the sewing and knitting realm of crafting.

    Reply

  41. Urban Wife says

    Ok, you finished inspiring me for the day! I am sitting here at my desk trying to work but cannot stop scribbling dress patterns on a blank sheet of paper. Unrelated to this post but seeing your work of art and reading your quilt post from the other day, I am gaining enough confidence to foray into the DIY camp. Thanks more than you know!

    Reply

  42. Elaine says

    To help us non-painter, can you fill in what kind of brushes you used and any other materials information that would cause me to fail at this cool project?? Thanks!!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh gosh, I just used tiny craft brushes. The cheap ones from Michael’s for around $3 that come in a three pack with quarter-inch widths (so I could get into those tiny points). Other than that all I needed was a $1 bottle of white craft paint that I already had and the three pots of paint from Lowe’s that I mentioned by name in the post. You can do it!

      xo,
      s

    • YoungHouseLove says

      From Lowe’s I got three little test post of Olympic No-VOC paint color matched to the paint swatches I mentioned in the post. It comes in a satin finish but it’s interior house paint (not acrylic paint). As for the white craft paint that I mixed, that was just a big tube of white craft paint from Michael’s for 99 cents a while back.

      xo,
      s

  43. Christie says

    Also, where did the floor lamp in your bedroom come from? I need something like that in my guest room.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That moves around the house (it used to be in the living room before we added the table lamps on the new console) but it was originally from Home Depot a few years back. I think it was $45 which is really good for a floor lamp with a big drum shade. Hope they still have it!

      xo,
      s

  46. Sarah says

    Your post earlier today had me on the hunt for new curtains…now I have to stop at Michael’s for canvas and paint!!

    Reply

  47. Lori @ Richmond, BABY! says

    Do you have any leftover college paintings stored somewhere? I had fun digging through some up in our attic. I found one of the hubs’, put a frame on it, and hung it in our bedroom. It looks great and let’s just say he was a little shocked when he came home that day and saw it! :)

    Reply

  48. Caroline says

    Sherry, did you sign and date your painting? I’m sure one day it will be a family treasure to hand down to Clara or the next bean and they’ll wonder who/when Ma painted that “sooo early 2000’s painting!”

    My Grandmother passed last fall and I got one of her paintings, it is my treasure. :-)

    Reply

  50. Ali Miller says

    Sherry, did you extend the colors onto the edges of the canvas, or did you leave them white and paint on the front only? I always feel like when I do something like this it looks frame-less and unfinished. But..when I see them online (like yours) it looks fabulous!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I left the sides of the canvas white (but I figure I can always paint them if I want down the line). The clean edge is nice for now- but I think it’ll depend where we put them (might want something like bold navy if they end up in the playroom, etc).

      xo,
      s

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