Hey friends, what’ve you been up to lately? I’ve been feeling artsy lately. That shouldn’t be any surprise. I only spent six years in high school and college studying and making art on a daily basis. Then I went out and got a practical career as a paralegal with a background in finance and taxes. Needless to say, I miss my art. I happen to love impressionist paintings, but I was never very good at it. I am much better at realism, specifically realistic pencil and charcoal drawings. So, when I saw a printed canvas at Target last weekend, I snatched it up. The picture was lovely but it was so obviously not a painting once I hung it up in my foyer. This is how I took a print to painting: real art on a poster budget. Woop!
This is what it looked like before: Pretty, but flat. Flat colors, no real texture, just a sad, printed canvas pretending to be a painting. I got this set of three for $59 at Target. Together, they make up a 36″ by 36″ set. Sadly, I believe this set is sold out at Target because I couldn’t find it to link up for you. But, I really like this version at Wayfair.
It’s kind of blah, right? Here is an up close version of the printed two-dimensional “texture” that looks ridiculous in real life. Notice how the wall to the right behind the painting has more actual texture? Yeah, I’m about to remedy that!
Never fear! Liquitex Gloss Heavy Gel Medium
Paint a light coat over the entire print, then follow up with thicker brush strokes over the brighter patterns. Try to reproduce the painting’s brush strokes as much as possible to give it authenticity. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect, it WILL dry clear, remember?
I know it looks funny now, but wait until it dries. See the big globs of white below? That is where I put extra thick swipes of the medium to match the really bold paint strokes from the original print. It is okay to wait for it to be almost dry (and therefore transparent) again in order to match up the painting. The more you layer, the more authentic it will look in the end.
Remember what it looked like before again? So flat and boring.
But now, it’s high contrast, high gloss and all beautiful! So have I got you encouraged to give this a try?
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I love this and can’t wait to try! Did you say what product you used to paint over? I want to make sure I’m using the right stuff. Thanks!
Yes there is a link to it in the post
You are so fab’, Cajun. I am certain we would be crafting buddies in real life. I love stuff like this. You did an exceptional job. Looks great!
ashley recently posted…My Family is Leaving Me for a Hot Dog Stand…
I’ve never been called Fab before! Woot! I’m gonna need a badge or something that says that, mmmmkay?
Clever idea! Never seen this trick before.
Theresa @DearCreatives recently posted…Inspiration Spotlight Party #Linkup 115 Crafts DIY Decor Recipes
What? How can that be true my Creative Sister? Well, I hope you give it a try real soon Theresa!
That looks stunning! What a great and creative idea! Love it!
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Thank you Carolann. And thanks for introducing me to the SITS Girls (what feels like) a million years ago!
It does look fabulous! Luv quick & easy that turns out perfect. Great job, thanks for sharing. :)
oh my goodness! This is beautiful! The picture just comes to life!
Katherine G recently posted…Mommy And Me Monday: Outside Fun With Tyler
Thank you Katherine! I wish you all could really see the difference it made in person. It’s unbelievable! I hope you try it soon and come back to tell me how yours turned out. Thank you for visiting and taking the time to comment!
That is seriously amazing. I am beyond impressed, esp since I have been looking for new art for our living room FOREVER. I am def checking this stuff out!
lauren recently posted…Jake & the Never Land Pirates Battle for the Book & the Epic Battle Build Sweepstakes!
Thanks Lauren! This is one of those projects I just kinda “winged it” and it came out so great I had to post about it. It was crazy easy. Less than 30 minutes all in for three panels. BOOM!
So cool! I would never have thought of doing that. I am pinning this for when I get some paint inspiration!
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Yay! Thanks Susan!
You are officially my hero! My hubby has wanted one of these split up pictures on canvas forever, but I couldn’t stomach shelling out $150+ on the ones he liked. I will be attempting this even though I am the opposite of crafty:)
Joanna I am so serious when I say I sucked BIG TIME at oil painting in school. I’d always be so despondent because all the other artists would have these totally gorgeous colors. This is so much more beautiful in person. I just couldn’t believe how great it turned out! I hope you share when you get it done!
What a great idea! I know you said it would wrinkle paper, but how bout a thick, almost posterboard like print? I have an awesome print of a piece that was originally done in oil pastels, and would LOVE to give it this treatment!
I think a poster board would be okay, BUT I don’t think this would work on oil pastels because this is meant to be paired with acrylic paint. The directions state specifically not to mix it with oils. You could probably use an oil glaze though. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Oh no, sorry for the confusion, the original was done in oil, the reproduction print is on posterboard like paper. I had hoped to recreate the vibrancy and slight texture of the oil pastel that the real artwork has. :) I will try this on a similar weight paper and hope it won’t wrinkle, Fingers crossed! Thank you again for the wonderful idea!!
Oh good! I would it might definitely work then. Exciting! Come back and let me know how it goes for you!
That actually looks really good.
Thanks friend!