How To Paint Your Own Artwork - And Save Money

© 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 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' -- http://learnanddo.com/acrylic.asp