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Emily A. Clark

easy interior decorating ideas

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5-Minute Art Even Your 5-Year-Old Can Do

August 26, 2013

DIY abstract art

 

Since replacing the bookshelves in our living room with my latest Craigslist find, I felt like this wall needed a little something.  So, I spent $32 for four square canvases, grabbed some black paint and a paint brush, and did my own version of this popular art.

 

Painting Abstract Art

 

 

Black and white abstract art

 

 

I used gold Rub ‘n Buff on the edges to give them a more finished look:

 Gold Edges on Canvas

 

 

Abstract artwork

 

 

They’re actually a little more modern than I usually go for, but I think they’re a nice contrast to the watercolor gallery wall on the other side of the room:

 

Watercolor art gallery wall around TV

 

 

And, the beauty of 5-minute, $30 art is that I can always spray over them and change things up if I get inspired to do something else.  Low commitment art works for me.

 

Living room art

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Filed Under: artwork, DIY

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. SHERRY HART says

    August 26, 2013 at 2:44 pm

    And you did that in your spare time???? Plus I spy a new addition to the gallery wall:)

    Reply
  2. Linda {Calling it Home} says

    August 26, 2013 at 2:50 pm

    Mine would not look that good. Trust me, I have tried. Love the gold edge. And I am still envious of that CL find.

    Reply
  3. Kristin@bliss-athome.com says

    August 26, 2013 at 2:53 pm

    Love it Emily :) I actually had my kids help me with mine. When I showed them the West Elm version they thought they were pros…LOL xo Kristin

    Reply
  4. René says

    August 26, 2013 at 2:53 pm

    They look great in your family room! Gold edging is brilliant!

    Reply
  5. Kelli @ Life at 818 says

    August 26, 2013 at 3:00 pm

    simply amazing. they’re perfect!

    Reply
  6. Megan says

    August 26, 2013 at 3:02 pm

    I like! And the gold edge is so cool! Maybe I’ll let my son make some art for our house:)

    Reply
  7. Kimberly Lemmon says

    August 26, 2013 at 3:19 pm

    Hey this could be the start of a lucrative side business for you (and your son) Looks great!

    Reply
  8. embraced by grace says

    August 26, 2013 at 3:20 pm

    Every time I see the lights beside the TV, I wonder if you use them while watching tv? Need to add some lighting to a room with a ceiling that has no lighting. Thanks!!!

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      August 26, 2013 at 3:25 pm

      Yes, we do. No problems with glare or anything like that.

      Reply
  9. Crystal (theweekendhomemaker.com) says

    August 26, 2013 at 3:30 pm

    Love the gold edge detail! It’s the little extras…

    Reply
  10. Yvette says

    August 26, 2013 at 3:31 pm

    Can you tell me what color you have behind your white hutch? The grey neutral. It’s beautiful!

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      August 26, 2013 at 3:35 pm

      Sure, it’s Amazing Gray by Sherwin Williams.

      Here’s the post I did about our paint colors, in case you need it:

      http://emilyaclark.blogspot.com/2013/04/creating-flow-and-our-paint-colors.html

      Reply
    • Yvette says

      August 26, 2013 at 5:37 pm

      Thank you! I actually JUST went to buy a sample for our house on my lunch break! ;) We shall see how it looks on our walls! Thanks again. :)

      Reply
  11. Pat@Life At Lydias House says

    August 26, 2013 at 3:36 pm

    Another great idea and I still can’t believe that you found that great cabinet on Craigslist! Also, I finally got around to posting my Haven update and Mr. Emily Clark made the post. You may want to check it out.

    Reply
  12. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    August 26, 2013 at 4:15 pm

    Looks great! I love the modern touch it brings to that wall with your more traditional cabinet. I’ve been wanting to try this DIY too!

    Reply
  13. Susan says

    August 26, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    I’m sorry, but what you have made is not art…it’s decor.

    There’s a big difference IMHO, and it’s my pet peeve in blogland– because my son is a real artist,

    one who hones his craft on a daily basis.

    When one equates modern art with what five-year-old’s paint…it’s obvious that you have not studied art.

    That said, I do like your cabinet!

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      August 26, 2013 at 5:33 pm

      Well, Susan, I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree :) I remember you left a similar comment on my last attempt at painting abstracts. I guess art is, after all, subjective, as they say. I think art comes in all forms by “artists” of all skill levels. In fact, those pieces created by my kids–not yet professional artists–are some of the ones I value most.

      Reply
  14. Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies says

    August 26, 2013 at 4:58 pm

    Perfect!

    Reply
  15. Katie Lynn Wetherington says

    August 26, 2013 at 5:37 pm

    Those gold edges make all the difference!! And I’m in love with that cabinet!! You should win some kind of award for finding such a gem on CL! :)

    Reply
  16. Laura says

    August 26, 2013 at 7:16 pm

    You have inspired me to give this idea a try!

    Reply
  17. Vel Criste says

    August 26, 2013 at 7:32 pm

    Genius idea again! Love the gold touch on the side Emily, the detail on it is what makes it stand-out!

    Reply
  18. NR Designs says

    August 26, 2013 at 8:16 pm

    Very nice!!

    Reply
  19. JennyBC says

    August 26, 2013 at 10:00 pm

    I really like the contrast to the very traditional piece. It livens it up and gives the room some freshness. Fabulous idea. So jealous of the Craigslist find. and can you tell me more about your sofa in there? I didn’t see any comments about it in your recent sofa post. Love your style!

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      August 27, 2013 at 1:32 am

      The sofa was one of my best Craigslist finds ever. I got a crazy good deal, and it was almost new. The tag says it’s made by Alexvale.

      Reply
  20. marshallhousematters.com says

    August 27, 2013 at 12:00 am

    Love the gold edges. Beautiful!

    Reply
  21. stephanie says

    August 27, 2013 at 1:34 am

    this looks amazing. I have tried to do this myself and can’t;(

    Reply
  22. pam {simple details} says

    August 27, 2013 at 1:43 am

    This room is the perfect example of being patient and letting a room evolve ~ I loved it the first time I saw it, but it just keeps getting better! Love the gold detail, too!

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      August 27, 2013 at 12:38 pm

      Thanks, Pam. I’m not a patient person, but I feel like it’s finally getting there.

      Reply
  23. Lisa Mende says

    August 27, 2013 at 2:47 am

    Who has spare time with 5 kids two of which are twin babies? you are amazing!! and talented i might add!

    Reply
  24. jamie @ [kreyv] says

    August 27, 2013 at 3:11 am

    Great idea…even something I can handle (maybe)! Love the gold sides!

    Reply
  25. Gwen, The Makerista says

    August 27, 2013 at 6:06 pm

    The gold sides make such a difference! I’ve done a few canvas and every time I think about hanging them somewhere they just don’t look great to me. I think finishing the edges is what’s missing, great idea, Emily!

    Reply
  26. Robin @ Happily Home, After says

    August 27, 2013 at 8:52 pm

    Great idea to use Rub n Buff on the exposed sides! Really gives it a nice touch of style and glam. I’ve also wrapped electrical tape around the canvas edges before to give it a sleek modern gallery look and that’s worked well too.

    Reply

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