How to Paint Your Own Artwork - And Save Money

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 décor 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 décor 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!

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


AddThis Social Bookmark Button

In The News:


Sector roundup: Home improvement stores, handsets
Forbes, NY - Sep 5, 2008
AP 09.05.08, 2:16 PM ET CHICAGO (AP) - An analyst on Friday said economic forces weighing on home improvement chains The Home Depot Inc. (nyse: HD - news ...

Home improvement winners
Louisville Courier-Journal, KY - Sep 6, 2008
Earlier this year, after seeing an ad, Erin McIntyre debated whether to enter the Better Homes and Gardens Home Improvement Challenge. ...

Dallas Replacement Windows and Energy Saving Home Improvements ...
PR Web (press release), WA - Sep 6, 2008
Future plans include educational guides on selecting a home improvement contractor, professional advice from expert home remodelers, and a question and ...

7 am 28 Today Home improvement mistakes. (N)
Wilkes Barre Times-Leader, PA - Sep 5, 2008
9 am 22 The Early Show A recap of “Stand Up to Cancerâ€; stars from “Paranormal Statesâ€; overcoming painful break-ups; gadgets that help people take better ...

Sector Snap: Home Depot, Lowe's may improve in '09
Forbes, NY - Sep 5, 2008
AP 09.05.08, 11:54 AM ET An analyst on Friday said economic forces weighing on home improvement chains The Home Depot Inc. and Lowe's Cos. ...
Bed Bath & Beyond issued 'Underperform' rating Forbes
all 6 news articles

Man arrested during home improvement fraud investigation
The Daily Advocate, OH - Sep 5, 2008
UNION CITY, Ind. - Union City, Ind., Police officers arrested 28-year-old John Henry Stanley of Gaston, Ind., for several felony warrants on Aug. 28. ...

New license required for home improvement work
Nashoba Publishing, MA - Sep 5, 2008
By Anne O'Connor STATEWIDE -- Planning a home improvement project soon? Starting in October, Massachusetts will require many contractors to obtain a new ...

A handy cut-out-and-keep guide to home renovation. Step one: don't ...
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - Sep 5, 2008
I also suspect that home improvement shows, which have brainwashed the unco-ordinated masses into believing they can be handy, have made it even harder to ...

Don't Bet Against Your House
Wall Street Journal - 7 hours ago
A new roof, property taxes, the cost of your mortgage and various repairs and improvements all chip away at the investment value of a home. ...

American Chronicle

Wood Stoves & Home Improvement
American Chronicle, CA - Sep 5, 2008
If you're interested in home improvement, alternative heating methods, or fuel efficiency, you've probably heard about the new performance standards and ...
home improvement - Google News
Your Ad Here

Games at Buy.com

Holiday Home Store at Buy.com

Planning Permission Tips UK - Permitted Development Allowances - Not the Golden Goose You Imagine

There is a perception amongst most folk that every house is allowed a certain percentage of extension development without the need for formal Planning Permission. People seem... Read More

Get New Floors And Save A Bundle When You Do It Yourself

After years of use, your floor will need to be refinished and that can cost over $1000 for just one room! But if you want to put... Read More

Styles And Varieties Of Locking Mailboxes For Sale

Locking mailboxes made from durable, weatherproof materials are highly desirable due to the built in safety features and the long-lasting exterior. Your mail will arrive safely and... Read More

Deck Design - Why Firm Foundations Are Essential

Preparing a deck design for your backyard is all the rage as a home improvement project for this summer, however there is great temptation to build a... Read More

How To Choose The Canvas For Your Awning

The main factor for the canvas for your awning, it's to choose to do in PVC, because will be light and malleable.Between their advantages we have the... Read More

Log Home Basics

As we start to research log homes, it quickly becomes apparent that there is much more variety than one would ever think. Not only do log homes... Read More

Laminate Flooring is Built for the Twenty First Century

The tradition of hardwood floors dates back hundreds of years, their beauty and warmth have downed the halls of castles and brought elegance to many a modern... Read More

Are You In or Out of Balance?

CLUTTER: When clutter starts to accumulate in an environment, imbalance in our personal, professional and social lives always follows. This can range from health and financial challenges... Read More

Enjoy The Beauty Of Hardwood With The Endurance Of Laminate Flooring

Everyone likes the beautiful, timeless look of hardwood floors. Elegant, yet simple, hardwood is stunning. But take a closer look. Is that hardwood scratched and dented? Are... Read More

Top Ten Remodeling Tips

My husband and I just completed our first remodel. It was a period renovation of a Victorian Gingerbread Craftsman. (I'm so thrilled I can talk about it... Read More

Outdoor Decks - Understanding Seven Elements of Good Deck Design

You're all comfortable in your favorite lounge chair, reading your latest novel with a cool beverage nearby...the aroma of your favorite BBQ drifting from the grill teases... Read More

How To Give Your Home More Space

Have you been wondering how to free up space in your home? Do you live in a dorm or an efficiency where every inch of space counts?Maybe... Read More

Building Your Dream Home ? Part 2

Razing the CottageWith new house plans and permits in hand, subcontractors hired and a Septic Design in process, it was now time to raze the existing cottage.... Read More

Kitchen Design Online ? Understanding the Work Triangle and Kitchen Layouts

Good kitchen design online means having a layout for your kitchen that provides an efficient and pleasant area in which to prepare meals and do related tasks.... Read More

Why Should You Need Tools for Everyday Living

How often you have used tools for your everyday living? The advantage for having power tools, automotive tools or garden tools in your house is really awesome.... Read More

Operation Closet

When the wife comes to you one fine day and says, "dear, I think we need a new closet for the bedroom", the heart surges in joy.... Read More

Repairing a Hole in a Sheetrocked Wall

It is quite simple to repair a hole in a Sheetrocked wall, however there are minor differences in methods of repair depending on how large the hole... Read More

How To Know If Interior Design Is Right for You

Have you ever seen a beautiful house or office building and wondered who did the work? Have you ever wished that you could do some of the... Read More

Home Floor Plan Designing For Your Future Home

Designing Your Own Dream Home for the New Home Builder: What is your dream home? Do you have an idea of what it will look like? Defining... Read More

Home Office: Identifying Your Needs

Not many years ago, the thought of working from home was considered a fantastic vision of the distant future. However, with more and more people setting up... Read More

What is Wire EDM?

What exactly is wire electrical discharge machining, also referred to as Wire EDM? Wire EDM is the process whereby hard metals, those that previously could not be... Read More

Modern Rugs Add Color, Texture, Interest and Space Definition To Your Room

Modern Design is sleek, stark, and spacious with angular and geometric lines. As the look for contemporary design is escalating so is the demand for modern home... Read More

Successful Motor Protection Formulae

As we have discussed before, all overload relays have one major limitation - because they operate on line current, they do not directly sense the motor temperatures.However,... Read More

3 Great Reasons to Shop for Home Lighting Online

If you are a consumer who knows just what brand or style of lighting fixtures you are looking to buy, the internet can save you money. Conversely,... Read More

Door Hardware - the Focal Point of the Home

The door is the focal point of the home which is why door hardware is so important, creating a striking first impression as well as securing your... Read More

Colors: Their Connotations and Perceived Meanings

Throughout the ages, colors have been used to evoke certain emotions, and an examination of the history of color offers fascinating insights into the human condition, as... Read More