Learn how to create beautiful modern art for cheap using this DIY textured, abstract art tutorial.
Lately I have been obsessing over beautiful, textured wall art but the prices I’m seeing range from $400-$1,000. I can’t bring myself to spend that much money on artwork that I can make myself!
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In the summer I converted an old art painting into this beautiful, custom artwork.
This time, I used the same technique but kept it VERY simple with the paint. I love how modern and abstract the artwork looks!
For this DIY Textured, Abstract Art project, you’ll need:
- An old painting or canvas. If you don’t have one, I suggest checking out a thrift store or buying one at Home Goods/TJ Maxx. The main thing you want to consider is the frame style and size. You could also build a frame, but I think this project is super simple if you can just redo an old painting. You could also simply buy a frame and then paint directly onto the glass.
- Joint compound or spackling.
- Paint. I used leftover paint I had, which was Cotton Grey by Behr Paint.
- Paint brush.
- Putty knife. You don’t necessarily need to use this tool, but if you have it you can use it for spreading the joint compound. You can also use a paint brush.
- Painter’s tape or masking tape. I rarely use tape for my paint projects, but this project is one you’ll want to use it on. You don’t want to get any joint compound or paint on the frame!
Step 1: Tape your frame.
It’s important to tape your frame for this project so you don’t get anything on it. You can use either painters tape or masking tape. I only had masking tape on hand so that’s what I decided to use.
Step 2: Create Texture with Joint Compound
For this particular abstract art, I used a putty knife to apply the joint compound. On my previous DIY artwork, I used a paint brush to apply spackling paste to create the texture.
It’s all very similar and they both have great end results. I use whatever I have on-hand at the time and go from there. Feel free to adapt this project to tools and supplies you have on-hand so you don’t have to spend any money!
When you apply it, create any sort of texture you want. There’s no rhyme or reason for me. I just applied the joint compound until I liked it.
Below, you’ll see my first pass at it. I liked it, but I wanted even more texture.
I went back in and dropped bits of compound to create “clumps” all over. It made excellent texture.
Here’s how it looked after I added all the “clumps”:
Step 3: Let it dry!
Don’t skimp out on this step. Make sure you let your artwork dry before applying the paint.
If you make droplets like me, then you’ll need to wait several hours for it to harden.
I actually let it dry overnight to ensure it was dry and hard.
Step 4: Paint
Once the joint compound is dry, you are ready to paint.
For my DIY abstract artwork, I used the color cotton gray by Behr Paint. I had some leftover from an old project, so that’s why I chose that color.
If you don’t have any leftover wall paint to use on your project, I suggest grabbing some craft paint at a craft store or Walmart. That will keep your costs down on this project.
Side note: I actually used some other paints on my DIY artwork originally but after it dried, I decided I didn’t want all those colors so I repainted it one solid color.
The beauty of paint is that if you don’t like it, you can repaint it!
Step 5: Hang it up!
I’m thrilled with how my textured art turned out! I’m still deciding if I want to keep the frame the way it is or make a change. I’m considering sanding it and staining it a light color or painting it black.
I think I have to live with the art for a bit before I decide. Who knows! Maybe I’ll leave the frame how it is!
Here’s how it looks on my wall:
I hope you liked this easy tutorial to update some of your old artwork and easily make a new modern, abstract piece. If you make this, be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see it!
