DIY Knock-off Abstract Painting

I am now going to attempt to tell you all how I completed one of the most frustrating DIY projects of my entire life. This project is only second on the frustration scale to painting my kitchen cabinets (I cried). Here's the story: I need to spruce up my living room (see what it used to look like) so my darling friend Wendy from The Shabby Nest could include it in her upcoming book (pretty cool). But, it was right after Christmas and funds were scarce. Not that that really matters because I always try to decorate as cost effectively as possible.

I came across this picture on the cover of the Wisteria Catalog and I knew I needed those vibrant blues and greens in my life (I love color). So I decided to use this image as my inspiration. I have a big vaulted wall behind my couch and it was SO blank. It really needed something and it needed something BIG! 

Wisteria Catalog

This photo was the perfect inspiration! I already had the blue chairs (mine were a re-do from a yard sale) and similar color walls (Mindful Gray, Sherwin Williams). All I needed was gorgeous white sofas (not going to happen, I have kids). The painting in the catalog is priced at about $600. And honestly, if you have the means... it's probably worth it ;)

DIY PAPER SUNBURST MIRRORS

I grabbed some paints at the craft store. But honestly, I am lucky because I own every Americana paint in their new line (perks of being a blogger). So these aren't the only colors I used. I also used several shades of white, dark blue, even lavender. Blending the other colors is what gives the painting depth.

DIY CUSTOM DESK PAD

All these photos of the process are of the first painting I did, which actually turned out better than the one hanging on the wall. The problem was that the first painting (30x40") wasn't big enough for the space when I hung it up.

But, I first covered the canvas in shades of cream and then started adding bits of blue and green.

The process is all about placing the color and blending. I am lucky that my mom, who is actually an artist of sorts, (along with my two older brothers) happened to be over at my house at the time and was giving me tips. Still, it was a lot more frustrating than I had anticipated. A lot more frustrating! I would seriously love to be able to tell you all exactly how to do it... but alas. I can't! I have no idea how I pulled it off! Ha!

BLUE AND PINK GIRL'S BEDROOM

The best I can to is tell you that I first placed the color and then blended it. My mom told me to use a little water to help blend. So I would dip my brush and then dab it on a paper towel and then into the paint. That tip really helped!

FOR MORE IDEAS FOLLOW MY "DREAMY HOMES" PINTEREST BOARD!

My mom also told me to add different colors (specifically lavender) to add depth. If I had stuck with just the paint colors in the photograph above, the painting would have turned out really flat.

MASTER BEDROOM IDEAS

It all worked out and now it's the perfect thing for my refreshened living room. 

PS I texted a picture of it to my brother the fancy artist and he said and I quote, "Nice!" But then I texted, "So it doesn't suck? Don't answer that, if it sucks I don't want to know." And... he didn't reply. HAHA! Well, I may not be ready for the art galleries of Palm Springs. But I saved hundreds of dollars, it fills the space and adds interest and color... and I love it!