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The Makerista

I'm Gwen, a modern traditionalist who isn't afraid of color. Kansas City.

Making it Work: Updating Thrifted Art

Several months ago I rearranged our living room, opening up a blank space on the wall.  I knew art was the answer, but I also knew it needed to be something large and not too loud (there is already enough going on in the neighboring bookshelves).  Something that size would be expensive, so I kept my eyes open for a piece I could DIY or rehab.

A few weeks ago I popped into a Restore that I don’t frequent but check out when I’m in that area.  I didn’t see anything of interest, but as I was putting the cart back I noticed this thing in all it’s ugliness tucked behind the carts…

I’ve attempted painting before.  My sister and I tried to create some abstract art on smaller canvases, and it certainly didn’t come out how I had envisioned.  But since that attempt I’d done some research on the matter (a.k.a. Pinterest searches) and figured out a few things we didn’t do right.  For one, the paintings looked dull and flat.  We didn’t have any texture.  This big thing had a ton of texture, a modern metal frame, and happened to be the color of the day, making it half price – a whopping $12.  I knew even if I had a painting failure again, it was worth a shot at that price.  
This weekend I pulled out some leftover paint, a few different brushes, and got to work.  First, I taped off the frame, and then Xander helped me paint the whole canvas white. 
I used the white high gloss we paint the house trim with, 2 colors of chalky paint (a matte finish), and a tube of glossy puff paint.  Once the whole thing got a coat of white (I only did one coat, some of the old painting coming through adds depth), I could see the texture better and noticed it went from one corner to another, in a diagonal.  It made sense to take the black along that line.  Instead of just mixing the cream and black together to get some greys, I dipped the stipple brush in both colors and let them mix and blend as I stippled across the canvas.  This added even more depth to the piece.  After stippling, I used a flat brush to dry brush the edges of the black out a bit.  I took the same flat brush to put some cream throughout the piece, breaking up all of the white. 
Then I used a tiny brush to paint the edges with the glossy black puffy paint.  

I’m no Picasso, but it came out better than I had expected, based on my track record.  And I will definitely never look at thrift store art the same.  If you need some art on a budget and are willing to do some digging and get creative, here is what to keep in mind. 
1. Focus on size and shape.  Know what you need.
2. Is the frame something you like?  If the shape is right but the color is wrong, could you paint it?  
3. What kind of texture does the painting have?  Will it work well with what you have in mind for the finished piece?  Lots of texture is best for abstract, but you might want to avoid it if you envision your art having crisp, straight lines.  I think working with the texture you have is key to a look you’ll be happy with.
My husband dubbed it “Smoke on the Water.”  If you know Micah, you’re now giggling.  I’m glad we can have a good laugh with each other, and I’m glad I can make him hang things for me afterwards.  
Voting for the Better Homes and Gardens Blogger Awards ends Wednesday.  I’m so thankful for your support throughout the awards!  It still feels unreal to have this kind of recognition.  You may vote here.
www.bhg.com/bloggerawards

Linking up to East Coast Creative here.


Keep on reading...
A Q&A With Mr. Makerista
Granola Glam Refresh: The Living Room Details
Color Palettes: Looking Beyond Home Decor

Comments

  1. Tuelean says

    Hi ! Great job !
    The way you've textured and painted it remind me what I made for my miniatures hobby game table and diorama.

    Will you make an other one, more red and blue, to call it "Fire in the sky" ??? 😉

    Tuelean from France

  16. Jessie Miller says

    YES! That looks great!

    Old paintings often have the most kick ass texture that would take me an eternity to recreate. You did a marvelous job! XO

  17. Kari Crum says

    That is amazing! I'm pretty sure if I attempted something like that it would not turn out at all. You have inspired me, though, and I'll now be on the lookout for a piece I can try it out with. BTW, I'm over on recommendations from Vintage Revivals and I'm already in love with your blog 30 seconds in:)

    • themakerista@gmail.com says

      You can do it, Kari! Trust me, I was a bit terrified. I am Type A, so abstract things are hard for me, but I've found that the more I try them, the easier they get. Best of luck and thanks for reading!

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