Did you know that you can paint a DIY art over a canvas that you already have and do not use anymore? If you do not have a canvas already, you can purchase one from a thrift store for only a couple of dollars. This is how to create DIY art by painting over a thrifted canvas.
I am participating in the At Home DIY challenge where over 30 bloggers are challenged to do a different DIY project every month. This challenge is where we take an item from a thrift store and create something different. You can purchase an inexpensive item and change it into something prettier and something that will work in your home.
The Art
I like to change up the art in my home often, but it can be expensive. New canvases from the arts and craft store can also be expensive. Thicker canvases are better than the thin ones but the thicker ones cost a lot more so I always look for the thick canvas art when I go to the thrift store. I may not have an idea for what I am going to do with it but I know that I will want to create something for my walls eventually.
Here is the thick canvas at the thrift store and it was under $5. It is in good condition and I know that I can paint over this art piece.
I am drawn to the simple art painted on canvases that I have been seeing while shopping in retail stores. Therefore, by creating my own art, I can use the colors that I like and already use in my home.
Paint
Paint your canvas with Gesso white canvas primer. It usually takes 2 coats but it will cover the original art well. I paint the gesso thick so that my art would have some texture.
Using regular craft paint, I paint the top half of the painting and I paint it on thick to give it more texture. I use beige craft paint but you could use any color that you would like.
Leftover paint from a previous project in the color Hale Navy from Benjamin Moore is the color of the bottom of the art. It is the color used throughout my home so I use this paint for the bottom half of the art. You can use any color craft paint that you would like. I did not paint the bottom half with texture. I painted a smooth coat of the blue on the canvas.
After the painting dries, I took a flat paintbrush and paint a line between the two colors with metallic gold craft paint.
In conclusion, how to create diy art by painting over a thrifted canvas looks as beautiful as the art in the stores and it is special to me. You can create a beautiful home without overspending.
Reasons I love creating my own DIY art.
I made it myself!
It cost me less than $5 because I already had the paint.
When I become tired of it, I can get rid of it without any guilt.
If I want to change it up, I can paint over it.
You may also like the DIY Tripod Floor Lamp that I made for the room.
Christine Cook says
WOW! Such a beautiful painting! I’d totally hang that artwork at my house. Just lovely!
Megan says
I LOVE your painting!!! What a fantastic transformation!!!
Marianne says
Nice project. Love the modern art look you came up with. It looks wonderful in that corner. Pinned.
meegan says
Amazing idea! You would never guess that it only cost $5. It looks like an expensive piece of art. You are so talented. Thanks for sharing.
Anam says
The Wall Art looks so high end and chic. You did an amazing job!
Danielle Pientka says
I love reusing canvases! It’s so affordable and it’s so much better than them ending up in a landfill.
Cindy says
I love this upcycle!!! Such a great, thrift way to create custom art!
Eileen says
This is an awesome upcycle! I’ve never thought of painting over a canvas like that. It’s so pretty!
Lisa says
Love how this came out! Great abstract and also an awesome upcycle of an outdated canvas print. I painted over a canvas last year and it was so fun even though I’m no artist. Love playing around with gesso and paints!
Jeanne says
Brilliant! I’m inspired to try this myself!
Julie says
I’m forever painting over old canvas’s, it’s such an inexpensive way to make new art. I confess I use household paint all the time on them though. Just regular wall paint. Here in the UK we call it emulsion but I think you all call it latex right?
I love the simplicity of your art, and the texture. Maybe I need to invest in some gesso for next time!
Benita says
I love this, it turned out great! I am always looking for ways to have inexpensive art pieces because the stores pieces are so expensive. I also like that you can change it when you want something different! Please consider sharing your project at Celebrate Your Story! Our link party is still open! Have a great one!
Katrin says
Looks gorgeous Sherry, I love the simplicity of it and how easy it is to re-use something old and make it pretty again.
Melissa says
That turned out so beautiful!! And I love your pretty lamp – I have to know where it’s from! Great job on turning an old unused canvas into gorgeous art!