Pages

Painted Wall Art for Non-Artists

 Some people think that if you're crafty, you're also an artist--and vice versa.  That's not totally true, however.  In fact, neither Sharon nor myself consider ourselves artists, but we still pretend every now and then.  So, here's what happens when I don a fancy beret and a wooden easel, palette and paintbrush in hand... NOT. 

Painting for the non-artsy 008

This is not an original Tristin idea.  The whole idea came from this World Market print that I like (and costs over $100):


Pretty, huh?  But don't you look at it and say, "Hmm.  I could make that"?

I did.

Here's what you'll need:

Painting for the non-artsy 014

A canvas in the size of your choice (I chose 16x20)
Cream colored paint (I used spray paint since I already had it)
Brown acrylic paint pen
Acrylic paint in colors of your choice
Round sponge brushes used for stenciling

First, of all, I spray painted the canvas with cream spray paint because the canvas was too stark as it came in the package.  This step was worth the little bit of effort.  You can use cream colored acrylic paint if you want, but I already had the spray paint and it's super quick.

Don't be scared, but it's time to start the "real" artsy stuff.  I drew branches using the acrylic paint pen.  Using a pen is SO much easier for us non-artists who are not used to gracefully maneuvering brushes.  I could explain how to paint the branches in words, but here's a picture.  A picture, after all, is worth a thousand words.  You get the picture, right?!

Painting for the non-artsy 004

Once you're happy with your branches, it's time to bust out your palette, a.k.a. a paper plate with globs of paint.  Whatever, let's not get too technical here.

Painting for the non-artsy 005

The next picture is primarily for showing you the sponge brushes I used.  They're pretty awesome to have in your crafty arsenal.

Painting for the non-artsy 002

As I added color to the painting, I felt the need for some extra branches.  So, I busted out the brown paint pen again and added where I wanted to 'cause I keep it real like that.

Painting for the non-artsy 006

Keep on adding colorful circles 'til you get something awesome like this:

Painting for the non-artsy 011

Boo-yah artists.  I just created art!  You can, too.  Seriously. When your friends and family see this art, they're going to start requesting pieces for their own home.  Remember that art of this magnitude, while inexpensive to create, should be sold for thousands of dollars and be placed in a museum.  I kid, I kid.  But really, aren't you impressed?

Painting for the non-artsy 008

In the words of my fav blogger, Thifty Decor Chick, "I luuurvve it!"
Tristin Signature



Edit: I've had more than one request for the colors of the paint used so here goes:

All paints are Anita Brand acrylic paints from Hobby Lobby.

#11079 Terra Cotta
#11189 Hay
#11056 Ocean Blue
#11025 Rust Red
#11061 Baby Blue

136 comments:

  1. SO CUTE!!! And totally doable for those of us who cannot paint worth a lick!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Looks great on your wall!! I'm printing out craft store coupons as I'm typing this. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. That is really cute! And looks "oh so easy!"

    I think my play room might have one of those soon! Even my three year old can help make the "circles."

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love it! I even like yours better than the original!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow, that's amazing!! It looks beautiful!
    ~Mary

    ReplyDelete
  6. That's so neat! What a great idea, I love it! :D

    ReplyDelete
  7. Tristin, I think this is my favorite "crafty girl" project yet. I guess I'm the relative that is putting her order in for one of my own because I'm not going to do it myself. I will however allow your Junebug to paint away over here. I hope that is a fair trade. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love it very cool. Just might have to add it to my list of projects. Thanks for sharing.
    Hugs & Kisses Curly.

    ReplyDelete
  9. T,
    I LOVE IT! It's a very cool design, simple, fun, & stylish. Love all the colors you chose. Don't ya just love those sponge painters?!

    ReplyDelete
  10. This turned out really great! The colors are so fantastic.

    ReplyDelete
  11. well done! i think i'd have issues drawing those nice branches though. took my first painting class.. and it was much harder than i imagined.

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is so cute! Great job. I love it :)

    PS- I'm doing my first ever giveaway on my blog and I'd love if you would come and participate! Check it out: http://mygirlishwhims.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-first-giveaway-and-introducing-your.html

    ReplyDelete
  13. great job, so cute! we're next to each other on oneprettything,isn't that nice? would love it if you'd share this on Sunday at craft schooling Sunday! all the best!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Yay! I'm so happy to have seen this! I'm totally making this over the weekend...thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love it! You picked great colors. I want one (or several).

    ReplyDelete
  16. (Found you via One Pretty Thing)

    I love this! So simple, but still beautiful and effective. I have a great blank spot on my living room wall that's just waiting for one of these!

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is so great! I could totally do this. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I freaking love this! I really want to try this in cherry blossom colors! Thanks for the great tutorial, I'm your newest follower:)

    ReplyDelete
  19. This is awesome! I need a big art piece for our Master Bedroom and everything I have found is a fortune. I think I may have found the perfect solution after seeing your post! Love it
    http://itsybitsypaper.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I like this! Good work! And great tutorial : )
    craft-interrupted.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Looks awesome! I may have to try this in the colors of my baby boys nursery. :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thanks for sharing this idea. I am (now) having 4 of my grandchildren doing this as a collaborative art work for their parents. It is just a small canvas (8" X 10"). Their ages are 11, 9 , 5, and 4. They are having fun.
    Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I like yours better than the original one you show.... Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love this project! What a simple way to create custom art. I like your rendition better than the original - especially your color choices.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Totally AWESOME!

    Your newest follower, Jessica from myworldmadebyhand.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. came over from Five Seconds From Crazy... thanks for the inspiration. I will be making one, or ten of these. So great.
    Stephanie at www.punky-noodles@blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I haven't got to my updates today, but found this through Five Seconds From Crazy even though I am a follower! :D

    ReplyDelete
  28. Awesome knock-off! What a fantastic idea, I think even I could do that! :D

    ReplyDelete
  29. Too cute! And I think you're short-selling your talent. Branches actually aren't that easy (even with a paint pen!) and yours turned out great! Only difference between the circles and leaves is leaves are eye-shaped.

    Put that beret back on! :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oooh you didn't just knock this off, you knocked it out! What a fabulous project! You are so talented! I'd love to have you share this at my VIP party today @ http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/03/vip-party-7.html

    ReplyDelete
  31. That is a wonderful idea! You did a great job with it. Love the bursts of colors!

    ReplyDelete
  32. This is such a wonderful idea!!

    ReplyDelete
  33. You know, I was cruzin the net to find stuff to do with paint chips.... YAY!!! Who needs paint? :) Well, I will need black, bot other than that! I have two sizes of round punches and a hole punch so that will cover it!! WooHoo!!! Thanks!!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. That is awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I've put together a round up of great wall art ieas on Craft Gossip today and included your post. :) You can see it here
    http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/25-awesome-wall-art-ideas/

    If you would like a Craft Gossip badge showing you've been featured, you can grab one here :)
    http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/grab-a-craft-gossip-button/

    ReplyDelete
  36. Saw this on Pinterest and LOVE it! What a great idea.

    Anna
    www.askannamoseley.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Pretty! I have recently gotten into painting and plan on doing a mini wall art gallery over my couch. This would be perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Love it! Great knock off. I love when you can save a bundle by doing it yourself.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I just found blogging and love your blog! I made my own version of this painting on a very thin canvas and framed it! I am very pleased :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I like the original more than this version... In the original there is many layers of colors. Sally put her heart and soul into this painting I dont like the idea of copying her art. How would you feel if you were a hard working artist and then someone came up with a totorial to copy your art? I feel this is wrong.

    ReplyDelete
  42. @Melissa, I'm sorry I wasn't clear and I'm afraid you misunderstood me. I'll clarify. I agree, there's no harm if you just copy it and put it up on your wall. Personally, I'd be embarrassed about doing that but then, I'm a painter. The ethical issue I wanted to draw the author's attention to was writing a blog post that encourages people en masse to copy a specific someone's artwork. I wouldn't get too worked up about this if the circumstances were different -- say, if the artist was deceased, filthy rich, or the blog didn't have a wide readership, but this isn't the case.

    I believe it only really matters if the artist in question minds -- as I said, I would be horrified if it was me but maybe another artist would simply be flattered! I've informed the artist (which I believe the authors really should have done to ask permission) so it's up to her.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I think this is a ridiculous argument. I see nothing being sold on this site or any money being made here. Art is interpretive and honestly this is a very simple design. I'm sure Sally's idea for straight lines with colorful dots on the top was far from an original idea. If you look reeeaaaaally closely, you'll notice that neither of the paintings are Picasso quality. No more originality here than a bowl of fruit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yeah, trying selling that argument to the artist who makes her living on her art.

      Delete
  44. @Anonymous, I could rebut each of the points you make. However, I'm deciding to bow out instead as I can see the tone of this discussion spiralling downward (as online discussions invariably do). The only two people who's opinions on this topic matter - the author and the artist - have been made aware, so my work here is done.

    ReplyDelete
  45. @Anonymous: First, I agree - art is indeed interpretive, and like many great things, often builds upon that which came before. That's great, and all as it should be. So is posting tutorials on how to achieve styles and effects others have discovered - that's just part of the same thing.

    Replicating someone else's work for one's own use...mostly okay, although it's in a fairly grey area.

    However, there's decidedly something off about publishing directions on how to replicate someone else's work publicly, regardless of how 'easy' it is - particularly with the tone that this article takes, mentioning the cost of obtaining a print legitimately. How would the artist feel, reading this?

    Bear in mind that considerations of what makes something intellectual property do not take into account the ease with which the thing can be duplicated by others. That's why we *have* intellectual properly protection - if every piece of IP was impossible for anyone else to replicate, then there wouldn't be any need for copyright.

    Whether it occurs with the use of a paint-brush, or a digital camera and a printer, we're still talking about duplicating someone else's work, presumably without their permission. While it may not be an instant court case, it's most definitely questionable.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I LOVE THIS! It would be adorable to do on an entire wall!

    ReplyDelete
  47. wow i love this project and it looks so easy to make! i have to make one or at least try.

    ReplyDelete
  48. wow11 i like your version better

    ReplyDelete
  49. i like the simplicity and complexity of it.

    ReplyDelete
  50. very clever! and lovely~!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Just finished making one for my daughter's bedroom in Cherry Blossom colours! LOVE it!! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  52. This is so awesome!!! We're definitely going to have to try it. Thanks for the tutorial!!

    ReplyDelete
  53. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I love this! What are the color names that you used? Did you get the brushes at Hobby Lobby?

    ReplyDelete
  55. Just added a link to this on my blog! Thanks again for sharing!! I just LOVE this!!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Wow great work. It is looking like a growing tree.

    ReplyDelete
  57. I just saw this at Bed, Bath and Beyond last night for $80! Thanks so much for showing us to re-create it on the cheap. :) I can't wait to try!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Thanks for the great tutorial. I made this today and it came out great, I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Too funny, I just saw this at World Market and took a pic with my phone thinking it could be made WAY cheaper! Totally going to do it!

    ReplyDelete
  60. I want to do that I want to do that!
    :-)

    ReplyDelete
  61. That is great!!! I appreciate your telling how you did it. I think I can!!!

    ReplyDelete
  62. I saw this on pinterest last week, so my sister & I made one tonight for my living room...for under $20. Plus it looks awesome!! Thanks for the tip.

    ReplyDelete
  63. So, I made this this weekend and it turned out awesome. I used silver (metallic) spray paint and a black acrylic pen to make the trees. To match my room, I used 2 purples, a blue, and a grey. It looks fabulous. My family was VERY impressed. I can't wait to hang it once it dries!! Thank you so much for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Thank you so much for this inspiration!!!!
    We created something very similar for our living room (yours looks much better, but we welcome actually having something on our walls with colors that tie in with the rest of the room)
    You can check out our creation here:
    http://wwwfrozensunshine.blogspot.com/2011/09/big-news-last-of-our-art-and-beginning.html
    THANKS!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  65. I love this piece of art. Everything about it.

    ReplyDelete
  66. I love yours. I like it better than the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  67. I saw this at a wedding, but instead of the leaves being painted on, the guest used ink & stamped a fingerprint! It was awesome! Using the same idea as a Christmas present for the grandparents !

    ReplyDelete
  68. I love this so very, very much. I'm seriously considering making some as Christmas presents.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Yes, this is pretty awesome! Thanks for sharing, we'll have to give it a try!

    ReplyDelete
  70. This is such a fun and easy painting to do, and the colors can easily be changed to match any decor! Thank you for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete
  71. I just stumbled upon your site, and I am going to be late for work. You 2 are so creative! I'm not certain whether I like the projects or the comments better. Thank you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  72. I really love this, it looks beautiful. It makes a great craft idea to do with my kids. Thanks a lot for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  73. OH MY GOSH that's soooooooo awesome!!!!! I cannot, for the life of me, properly control a paintbrush. It's such a pathetic mess. However, I have great handwriting so I know the paint-pen would be my new best friend. Add to that the sponges and I might just be artsy-fartsy afterall. THANK YOU for sharing this oh-so-innovative project. This is amazing. I'm so excited. I want to go to Hobby Lobby RIGHT NOW and buy supplies but it's almost 10pm on a Saturday night AND they're closed tomorrow. So sad. But I'm doing this. Soon. Very soon.
    AWESOME-SAUCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    can you tell I'm just a little excited?!
    haha

    ReplyDelete
  74. I love this!!!

    Do you mind if I feature it on my blog?

    ReplyDelete
  75. So I attempted this... I can honestly say, I have zero talent. My attempt involved me spilling red paint on my canvas. Now Im trying to come up with ideas on what to do on an all red canvas...

    ReplyDelete
  76. Like your version better! Very cute!

    ReplyDelete
  77. I love this project. I just did one for my house today. Had an empty space on my wall and it fills it perfectly. It was so fun and so easy. Thanks for the awesome idea. I'm also going to make some for Christmas presents. Thank you thank you thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  78. I'm making this as we speak. Wish me luck! I have zero artistic skill!

    ReplyDelete
  79. I love the idea, that is going on my wall.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Thanks for the inspiration! I had so much fun creating my own version inspired by both the original painting and your take on the idea.

    I'm a huge fan of art, and I love to create, but have little experience with painting and I loved this project!

    Great idea using the round sponge brushes- it certainly made the project easier.

    Chrysta

    ReplyDelete
  81. I love this idea! You made it seem so simple that I tried it out myself. Even though I'm not very artistic, I think it turned out well (although I prefer your colours). If you'd like to check it out it's posted on my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  82. I love love LOVE this! So stinking cute. Question though...where in the world did you get your acrylic paint pen??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm doing this project now, and I picked up a set of them at Michael's. It was 16 dollars, but now I have multiple colors of acrylic pens. Oh the art to be made.

      Delete
    2. Perfect, thank you so much! Good luck on your project as well :)

      Delete
  83. This is my project for the weekend! I just redid my bathroom and have been looking for something for the wall! Thanks for the genius idea!

    ReplyDelete
  84. Love this!! I am definitely pinning it. Must try someday!

    ReplyDelete
  85. Just brushed a cream-ish color over my canvas & waiting for it to dry. Can't wait to get started!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Acrylic paint pens can be had a Michael's for $2.99 each in the ceramics department. The brand to go with is Garden Craft, Terra Cotta Marker, 3 mm. Good luck.

    ReplyDelete
  87. You used wonderful colours!

    Thanks for sharing!

    Ambra

    ReplyDelete
  88. Love it, can't wait to try to make one.

    ReplyDelete
  89. @last Anonymous: She provided a link to the print which clearly states who the original artist is...nothing unethical about it.

    ReplyDelete
  90. About how much do you think you paid for the materials?

    ReplyDelete
  91. This is pretty tacky... You know you could buy the original print at target now instead of creating a "copy",..

    ReplyDelete
  92. @all Anonymous--I'm guessing it must keep you busy trolling all over Blogland to post (anonymously!) your opposition to knock-offs of art, furniture, etc....

    ReplyDelete
  93. I posted as Anonymous above Kathy....

    While I *totally* understand the need to DIY and save money, advocating plagiarism is not cool and not impressive. The truly creative don't need to copy other people's work.

    It's insulting to call people trolls who actually have legitimate opinions and concerns.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My apology for using the term trolling...perhaps "surfing" thru Blogland is better. I do feel strongly if one feels the need to be critical, they should post using their name instead of anonymously!

      Once again, Blogland is FULL of knock-off designs. For anything original created, there is always someone who can create a similar item (be it a painting, furniture, whatever!) that the rest of us can enjoy & perhaps create ourselves - even when we didn't think we could be crafty at all. Thanks, Two Girls Being Crafty" & all the other wonderful bloggers I follow for being an inspiration & for providing the tutorials!! Blessings!!

      Delete
  94. Love the idea! How do you keep the colors from not fading?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Almost one year later, my colors have not faded, even in my sunny Florida home. If you are concerned about fading, I'd suggest a thin layer of ModPodge over the finished painting, which acts as a sealer. (Please, not homemade ModPodge which is known to yellow very quickly--the real stuff, please!) ; )

      Delete
  95. Awesome tutorial! The picture is beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  96. I think the fake is to childlike... The original is more mature...

    ReplyDelete
  97. I started mine today. Looks good so far. I am using different colors.

    ReplyDelete
  98. Well first i tell you nice templet. Amazing wall art and really impressed with the work. I will surely contact you and will follow you now,,

    ReplyDelete
  99. Very nice. I'd like to try it. Thank-you.

    ReplyDelete
  100. I feel like i would maybe not screw this up. thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  101. Thank u sooo much for this Idea... I just made it but with a different color palete!! And I LOVE IT!! Its so easy and fun and beautiful! Thanks one more time for this wunderful Idea!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  102. i'm working on the branches now and my brand new paint pen ran out half way through. :(

    ReplyDelete
  103. Wow, I'm impressed! It looks beautiful. I've never heard of acrylic paint pens. Will have to try them out. Thank you for the tutorial; I'm going to try it myself soon!

    ReplyDelete
  104. Love your post and finally just did 2 of these today! I posted mine on Pintrest and linked back to this blog post-hope that is OK! The only extra step I did was use distress ink around the edges and through the "empty" spaces to make the paintings look more aged/weathered. Not sure if the link will work-but here are my 2:
    http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/288148_10151099057449810_2071894256_o.jpg

    ReplyDelete
  105. Thanks for sharing your idea!!! We're remodeling our house and this make a nice piece to add to our decor!!!

    ReplyDelete
  106. I was inspired by this project. My entire family are artistic except me. I was finally able to paint something I'm not embarrassed to hang on the wall!!

    ReplyDelete
  107. This problem looks just like its name suggests: the hide of an alligator.
    house painter phoenix

    ReplyDelete
  108. Just finished mine! Looks great. Is there a way i can upload the picture to show you?

    ReplyDelete
  109. can i do it using poster colors?

    ReplyDelete
  110. A perfect match isn't always the best wall color choice so allow at least one of the sample boards to be an imperfect match. It just might be the spark that gives your room that non-formulated designer look.

    ReplyDelete
  111. Thank you for your idea...I made one for myself and it was fun!! Your entry is a like jackpot for someone looking to do a quick but quality art project! - Cheers Aa

    ReplyDelete
  112. Maggie in Nova ScotiaAugust 21, 2012 at 12:21 AM

    Hi everyone, from Nova Scotia, Canada. I have recently learned how to do designs similar to "Zentangles", but I do them in my own looser style. I just found this blog tonight, totally by accident, and thought what fun it would be to do the branches and circles, but put fewer and maybe larger circles. Then add "tangles" around the outside of each circle, filling in the tangles as the spirit moves me. Thought this might be a good idea to share, as I have just joined the blog tonight. Maggie

    ReplyDelete
  113. When it comes to decorating, choosing paint color can really be a challenge. While you may feel that there are so many choices you're bound to find the right one, you may end up feeling that there are so many choices you don't know where to start.

    ReplyDelete
  114. Just made a list of items to buy tomorrow because I am definitely doing this. I've been looking for something for the wall above my stove. I will be using reds/oranges/yellows for the colors. Once the 'painting' is dried I'll zig zag twinkle lights behind it and VIOLA I'll have have a kitchen night light.

    Thanks for the FUN light.

    CHEERS, CC

    ReplyDelete
  115. if u do this painting in 2-3 canvases merging, it'll luk awesome....i like this 1 too.....AWESOME

    ReplyDelete
  116. My friends and I did this project last Thursday...it was great! Even though we used the same tutorial, they all came out very unique. We posted about it on our blog, please check it out...thank you for the awesome and easy to follow tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...