How To Paint Your Own Artwork - And Save Money by Catherine Calder

How To Paint Your Own Artwork - And Save Money by Catherine Calder

Everyone wants to save money. Don't you? Well, painting
your own, color matched art can be a lot easier than you
might think!

Usually the picture that you want for your room will have an
outrageous price. Or maybe you just can't find anything
that matches your new color scheme?

There is a simple way to paint your own pictures and save a
fortune. Not only will you save money but you can exactly
match your dcor as well. Use this easy method and you can
make your own unique pictures.

First decide what size of picture you want and buy a
suitable stretched canvas. It needs to be suitable for
acrylic paints which are water based. Some canvases are
only suitable for oil based paints, and will not work for
this project.

It will be easiest to choose an abstract theme. Abstract
art will look good in most rooms. You can include shapes
from any of the patterns in the furnishings. Use a basic
shape rather than trying to copy the shape in detail. For
example, just use a simple leaf outline rather than showing
every vein in the leaf as it is depicted in the curtains.

Any water based paints used in the room can be included in
the picture for a perfect match. Otherwise take along a
color sample of your paint or wallpaper, as well as any
fabric samples when you go to buy the paints for the
picture.

I like to use acrylic paints as they come in a large range
of colors. It is easy to adapt the colors to match those
that are already in the room. Also acrylics come in a range
of metallic colors which can look stunning.

Another option is to use tester pots of interior paint.
This can be an economic way of buying colors for your
picture - as long as the paints are water based.

Keep the painting simple for the best result. When you see
paintings that you like you can use them as the inspiration
for your own abstract. Simple bands of color can be very
effective. Also blocks of color can look good too. Use
tape to mask off the areas before painting if you want a
crisp edge. Acrylic paints are an adhesive, so remove the
tape before the paint dries - unless you want to the tape in
the final picture!

You do not need to cover all of the canvas. Leaving areas
of the white canvas will help to brighten the final effect.
One method is to just splash on a few colors and leave it to
dry.

If you are unhappy with the result of your efforts simply
paint over the canvas and start again. No stress!

Leave the picture to dry. When completely dry you can
improve or highlight parts as necessary. This would be a
good time to add metallic paints if you are using them.

Once the final coats of paint are dry, give the picture a
coat of acrylic varnish to seal it. Once sealed, it can be
wiped with a damp cloth to keep it clean.

The canvas could be framed, but a lot of modern pieces are
displayed without a frame. In modern surroundings this is a
very good look, and saves on the cost of framing.

It really isn't that difficult to paint your own pictures.
By learning a few simple techniques you will be able to
paint with confidence. When you paint your own pictures you
will be able to match your dcor exactly and repeat the
patterns already used in the room - all at a fraction of the
price of buying one from a gallery. Your own unique
masterpiece!

About the Author
Catherine Calder, author of the Acrylic Painting Course.
This 'No-Draw' painting course shows you, step-by-step,
how to complete 12 pictures, and ideas for more!
For a Free Report about painting your own artwork -
How to Paint Abstract Pictures for Pleasure and Profit
Click here => http://www.learnanddo.com/acrylic.asp