DIY Large Format Art for a Home
Big and bold can be used to describe this DIY large format art display for a home and it is super easy to make as well!
01/10/2022
werner straube - better homes and gardens magazine
Big and bold and large enough for an empty wall, this DIY artwork is an easy one, even if you have no painting skills whatsoever. Not only that, but the abstract look also gives it a modern edge that would fit right in with any 21st or contemporary home. This type of art is known as Tryptych - 3 sections that create a single piece of art.
What you may not believe is that the painting is done on a couple of hollow-core doors that cost around R300 each from any Builders store, and even less if you managed to pick them up on a special offer.
Hollow-core doors are thick and have a laminated surface giving the art a thick base and a nice surface to paint on. The doors themselves are lightweight being hollow on the inside, so not a problem when it comes to mounting them on a wall. But if you prefer, you could also make your own framed stretched canvas using PAR pine and a canvas drop cloth that you can buy at Builders.
YOU WILL NEED:
A suitable material to paint on
White acrylic paint
Medium grey acrylic paint
Dark grey acrylic paint
Painter's tape
Cotton mop
Plastic bucket
Foam paint roller and tray
3 Picture hangers and screws
Tape measure and pencil
HERE'S HOW:
Step 1
Use a paint roller to apply the white acrylic to the surface. You will need to apply a minimum of two coats for complete coverage. Allow drying time between coats and then let dry completely before moving on to the next step. Repeat this for all three sections.
Step 2
Wrap the outside edge of each section with painter's tape. This will ensure that the edges (sides) are not messed up when applying the grey coats of paint.
Step 3
Place all three sections next to each other so that you can paint them all at once. Pour the medium grey acrylic paint into the bucket and dip the head of the mop in the bucket. Shape the mop gently to remove any excess paint and then carefully transfer the mop onto the surfaces to be painted and apply random strokes with the paint. While you are waiting for the paint to dry, clean out the bucket and wash the mop so that it is ready for the next colour.
Step 4
Apply the dark grey acrylic colour in exactly the same way as mentioned in the step above. You can use the original image at the top of this page for inspiration or you can do your own thing. Let the paint dry. Clean the bucket and mop with soapy water.
Step 5
To hang your new artwork, attach a picture hanger at the back of each section to mount onto the wall. Use a tape measure and pencil to mark approximately 200mm down from the top edge and secure the hangers in place on each section. DO double-check that the mounting location is the same on all three sections or they will hang incorrectly.
