diy projects

Large Scale Abstract Art DIY

Posted on February 27, 2015

Nothing makes my heart sing quite like art. I love finding originals, discovering talented artists, and filling my home with unique pieces. However, not every budget allows for originals and pricey prints. I believe the best way to achieve a curated collection is by blending a variety of mediums, even if that means rolling up your sleeves and filling in the gaps yourself. Purchase a few investment pieces you’ll love forever and mix in less expensive works, such as this large scale DIY canvas.

Not only do oversize pieces make a statement, but they also create texture while taking up a good amount of real estate. My goal for this particular project was to create a large, textural, contemporary piece that can serve as a neutral background for any given vignette. This versatile artwork is one of the easiest DIY projects I have completed and it took less than an hour! Here’s what you’ll need to make your own:

Supply List:
-Acrylic paint (black, white, beige… or any other neutrals you prefer)
-Sand (any color will work- the paint will cover any color you select)
-Paint brushes
-Gel gloss topcoat
-Large canvas
-Foil (for mixing)

The first brush stroke is always the most difficult, but remember- you can’t ruin this project! I started painting heavy lines with the black acrylic:

After the first layer dried, I mixed sand into each color and began layering on the texture. With each layer it seemed to look better, showing lots of dimension and gradation. I even squeezed the paint directly onto the canvas.

Keep adding, mixing, and texturizing until you like the composition. After the painting process is complete, begin adding the gel topcoat. Again, I applied this directly to the canvas with no prior mixing or blending. The topcoat dries clear and glossy, while holding it’s shape. Get creative with your tools- this is the fun part. Use a brush or palette knife to cover the canvas in topcoat; intentionally create thick, uneven brush strokes for extra dimension.

I have yet to frame my canvas, but if you prefer a refined look, try adding a thin frame. It will add sophistication without overpowering the large scale content. Here’s an example I pulled together in Photoshop: