A while back I shared an abstract art tutorial that I created over an existing framed canvas. This is the 2.0 version of the piece that I did! I love abstract art because it’s simple, yet can add a lot to a space. I liked the piece I previously created, but over time I realized I wanted something that had a bit more texture. So I decided to use the existing piece and simply added some texture to it!
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The Supplies You’ll Need
- A framed canvas – I used an Ikea piece I had from years ago that I no longer cared for the design
- Joint compound or spackle
- Putty knife
- Painter’s tape
- Paint brush
- White paint (any sheen – I used leftover ceiling paint!)
- 1/2 cup of brewed coffee or black tea
The Process
I used screen shots from my Instagram stories for parts of the process because I forgot to take pictures as I went, oops!
First, I taped the frame of the canvas off so that I didn’t get any joint compound on the frame. Then I used my putty knife to haphazardly spread the joint compound on the canvas, in a cross hatch-ish pattern, purposefully creating a lot of visible texture as I went. After I was finished with the joint compound I cleaned out the edges between the canvas and the frame to make sure joint compound didn’t dry in the cracks.
It should be noted that after the joint compound dried I went back and added even more joint compound to create more texture because when I stood far away from the piece after my first pass you could barely see the texture at all even though up close it seemed very “texture-ized”. The more texture the better in this case – don’t be afraid to go heavier than you think you may need!
Tip: Don’t leave the piece with wet joint compound to dry on the floor where your dog (or a person) may step in it, otherwise you may get an unintentional smeared paw print. I figured it just added to the texture.
After the joint compound dried I painted over it with flat white paint, intentionally leaving brush stroke marks.
Once the paint was dry I “painted” over the entire piece with cold coffee. I did this to give the piece more patina – I didn’t want it to be bright white.
Once the coffee is dry (this only took a few minutes) you can admire your new creation!
Don’t be afraid to try something new! You may surprise yourself with what you are able to create.
Linda
October 28, 2020To add even more texture, scrape, write, stamp into the wet joint compound!
Allie
November 4, 2020Yes those are great ideas!
Kim
November 12, 2020Looks great. What did you frame it with? Did you make a frame or use one you bought?
Allie
November 24, 2020Thank you! It was a pre-framed canvas I had on had, I believe it was from Ikea.
Eva
November 25, 2020Hi, how is the painting holding up over time? We’re there any special considerations for the weight? Thanks!
Eva
November 25, 2020And I mean considerations regarding hanging
Allie
January 18, 2021It’s holding up well! It’s really not too heavy – I would guess it weighs less than 5lbs. I hung it using a picture hanger rated for 25lbs so it hasn’t been an issue.
kaycers
March 4, 2021I love how this turned out- so inspired! I wish I had a framed piece on hand, but I’ll start with a regular canvas… thanks you for sharing!
Allie
March 15, 2021I am so glad it inspired you!!
Lori Hurni
April 18, 2021I love how this turned out. I am going to give it a go.
Allie
April 21, 2021I love hearing that you are going to try it!
Emily
July 6, 2021How many coats of paint did you use? Did you find the spackle soaked any of it up?
Allie
July 14, 2021I ended up using 2-3 coats of paint in most areas, but I also wasn’t going for a perfect look so I didn’t mind the raw spackle showing through. Yes – the spackle does soak up a bit of the paint!
Jan
July 10, 2021I just finished mine today. I see little cracks forming. What exactly did you use? Where did you get it? Ty
Allie
July 14, 2021I used DAP brand joint compound that I got from a local hardware store. I did get a few cracks in mine as well because of the heavy application of the joint compound. If the cracks bother you, you could try to lightly fill them with spackle or joint compound and apply touch up paint if needed.