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DIY Project: Home Improvement Store Pop Art
Turn Drywall Mud and Paint Into a Minimalist Conversation Piece
I'm a home makeover TV show producer, interior designer and the creator of Decor Demon, lifestyle editorial with an edge. http://www.decordemon.com
I'm a home makeover TV show producer, interior designer and the creator... More »
An art director friend of mine who shall remain nameless (Justine Rubin) can take just about any texture and make it both beautiful and artistic. Come to think of it, knowing her makes me rethink the way I look at everyday items: popsicle sticks make for great architecture, price tags grouped together are surprising material for a woman's skirt, and cardboard cylinders can double as 16-foot stalks of bamboo. In one way or another, nearly every single thing in Justine's home can be considered a form of art. This got me thinking: What basic materials can transform a simple art canvas into something more unique?
$27 and four hours later, after a trip to the art store and Home Depot, I created my own unique piece of graphic, textural pop art using fast-drying joint compound, Oops! paint and 1"x2" MDF trim. The result? Surprisingly, I kinda don't hate it ... like, at all. In fact, my photographer liked it so much, she not only asked if she could keep it but placed it right on top of her mantel. Whether for your own place or to turn a profit, here's a great way to turn a plain canvas into a textural work of art.
$27 and four hours later, after a trip to the art store and Home Depot, I created my own unique piece of graphic, textural pop art using fast-drying joint compound, Oops! paint and 1"x2" MDF trim. The result? Surprisingly, I kinda don't hate it ... like, at all. In fact, my photographer liked it so much, she not only asked if she could keep it but placed it right on top of her mantel. Whether for your own place or to turn a profit, here's a great way to turn a plain canvas into a textural work of art.
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| As a fan of negative space and simplicity, I opted for a high-contrast color scheme and the graphic, organic shape of a horse. Always amused by others' comments, I was especially delighted when my contractor Nick asked, "Are you gonna finish it or just leave it like that?" |
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by decordemon
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| Aside from the two paint brushes and tube of caulk which apparently went M.I.A. as we took this photo, here's what you'll need for this project: basic art canvas, small bag of lightweight joint compound, 1"x2" primed MDF trim, spackle knife and acrylic or latex paint. |
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by decordemon
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| Step 1: Prepare joint compound mix. Joint compound is what will add texture to the canvas. It comes in different weights,18 pounds often being the lightest and most affordable; mine set me back $10. Once the bag is open, powder tends to fly all over the place; it's best to prepare the joint compound outside. Unless you're some sort of decorating masochist who enjoys covering gorgeous things in thick soot, causing others to cough. And in that case, don't invite me over, ever. |
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Step 2: Mix the joint compound. Following the directions on the bag, mix the joint compound powder with water using a spackle knife. As far as what to mix it in is concerned, a bucket will do; however, a drywall mud pan works best and saves a ton of time.
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Step 3: Spread joint compound on canvas. Once it has thickened, spread it onto the canvas with the spackle knife, applying it in different directions so that lines start to appear within the material.
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| Step 4: Attach MDF trim perpendicular to canvas as frame. There are two different methods for cutting the MDF to size: give proper measurements to the home improvement store and have them pre-cut it for you, or cut it yourself using a hacksaw or a chopsaw. If you're doing the cuts yourself, it's also wise to miter the corners for a more tailored look.
Horrified of moving blades, I opted to have mine pre-cut. And since I'd rather get punched in the face then stick around a saw for extra cuts, I opted to butt each strip of trim up against the other, vs. mitering the corners. Each strip can be attached with a nail gun and nails or with a drill and screws. |
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Step 5: Examine for gaps. Once the MDF trim is attached all the way around the canvas, check to see if you've got gaps between art and frame. If you don't, that's great! But you probably will (insert Debbie Downer sound effect here). If so, the next step will solve that.
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| Step 6: Caulk gaps. Fill gaps all the way around canvas with a bead of caulk. Once the bead is in, press it down into the corners until it's smooth. |
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Step 7: Paint base color. Since joint compound comes in a chalky, gray-white tone, it's wise to paint the entire surface a base color before moving onto painting shapes. I used two coats of white, allowing about a half hour drying time between each one.
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Step 8: Trace a silhouette. If you're like me and lack whatever gene makes people good at drawing stuff, tracing a silhouette is a great alternative. Position your canvas directly towards the sun, cast a shadow onto it with your subject/object, then trace the object's lines onto the canvas with a pencil. It's best to go with things that have unfussy, easy-to-read lines. I chose a brass horse. Why? Because I like horses and it was a very hard thing to mess up.
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| Step 9: Paint silhouette. Using a detail brush, paint the silhouette of your object starting from the traced lines, then working your way inward. |
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Step 10: Allow paint to dry. Once your silhouette is perfected, give the paint a day or two to fully cure. If you want the texture to stand out more, adding a coat of glossy sealer with enhance it.
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| Step 11: Pretend you are a real artist and sign the back. While I am certainly not an artist, I cannot express how much enjoyment came from signing the back as though I knew what the hell I was doing. |
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When you're done, and that art is up on the wall, pat yourself on the back for having transformed a $12 canvas into a poppy, textural masterpiece. Now if I could only steal mine back from my photographer...
Next:
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Mobile wallpaper, portable gardens and more great DIY projects
Next:
Sit Pretty With Mis-Matched Chairs
Mobile wallpaper, portable gardens and more great DIY projects
Ideabook published on May 8, 2011.
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Very nice horse though. :)
:P
~m