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Emily A. Clark

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Why I Can’t Resist Big, Ugly Beach Art

January 14, 2016

I posted this picture on Instagram yesterday and had several people ask me about the large abstract “art”.

large_abstract_art
It’s not exactly a masterpiece. I found it at a yard sale a couple of years ago for a whopping $10, as a not-so-pretty sailing scene, complete with a light, peachy frame. But, it was huge. So, I figured out a way to get it in the back of my van.

It’s not the first time I’ve bought art more for scale than for actual subject matter. My number one tip for buying something for your walls is to go bigger than you think. We’ve all seen—and possibly hung—art that gets lost on the wall.

spray_painting_over_art

This one was an easy fix. I took a can of flat white spray paint and covered the whole thing. (You’re not going for perfect coverage here, by the way. And, the “interesting” texture worked to my advantage, giving it a cloud-like effect. ) When it dried, I taped it off and sprayed the frame gold. I may eventually try my hand at painting something else on it. But, for now, I kind of like the soft white abstract feel against the black wall.

white_abstract

So, when I’m buying art that looks like it would be the centerpiece of a 1980s beach condo, what I’m really thinking about is scale and actually envisioning something more like this:

big_abstract_artBecca Interiors

large_landscape_artHouse Beautiful

navy_white_art House & Garden

oversized_art source unknown

black_white_abstractVeranda

oversized_art_entryway Luxe

living_room_large_art House & Garden UK

 

See more art that inspires me here.

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Filed Under: artwork, DIY, our home, Simple Design Ideas, Thrifting Tagged With: art, decorating, thrifting

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Erin says

    January 14, 2016 at 8:57 am

    You are an evil genius. I love it, especially with the dark wall, white chair and graphic pillow. So good.

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      January 14, 2016 at 9:04 am

      Ha! :)

      Reply
  2. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    January 14, 2016 at 9:37 am

    I’ve been looking for a huge canvas for quite a while. I have the perfect spot for it, now to just find it! Love the photo with your sweet girl!

    Reply
  3. elissa stikeleather says

    January 14, 2016 at 10:44 am

    I love big art and am glad you’re posting about it-there’s just so much still on blogs about gallery walls, which are fine, but Big Art has the ability to give such presence to a space, as proved by your pictures.

    Reply
  4. elaine - visual meringue says

    January 14, 2016 at 11:15 am

    I had to comment because the title of this post alone is awesome. But yes, great tips and always fun to have a big statement piece!

    Reply
  5. Rachel says

    January 14, 2016 at 1:13 pm

    This is perfect! You are right about scale – I find myself wanting bigger so much more often than smaller. Love that you spraypainted this!

    Reply
  6. Whitney Shortt says

    January 14, 2016 at 2:33 pm

    So cool!! Love that you got it for $10 and the scale is perfect

    Reply
  7. Janette @ The 2 Seasons says

    January 14, 2016 at 6:25 pm

    What do you do when there is a light switch (put there by an unknowing electrician) in the middle of a huge blank wall? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      January 14, 2016 at 9:34 pm

      Ugh, why do they do those things?! I think a gallery wall is probably the only option. ??

      Reply
  8. classic•casual•home says

    January 14, 2016 at 8:46 pm

    How creative!!! And frugal. Nice job.

    Reply
  9. Mary says

    January 14, 2016 at 9:03 pm

    Go big or go home!!

    Reply
  10. Rhonda says

    January 14, 2016 at 9:15 pm

    How cool Looks just like this pix from joss and main:
    https://www.jossandmain.com/Choosing-Art-for-Any-Wall-Abstract-Grey-I-Canvas-Print~QTM6572~E25857.html

    Reply
  11. sherry hart says

    January 15, 2016 at 7:29 am

    Somebody up there called you evil…..I totally agree. Oh yeah….the genius part also.

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      January 15, 2016 at 7:37 am

      Probably not the first time I’ve been called evil, but definitely the first time I’ve been called genius :)

      Reply
  12. bonas says

    January 18, 2016 at 5:05 am

    you are very inspiring, I just bought an abstract painting and put it above the fireplace. My wife said to me: you are a genius :) haha

    Thanks emily

    Reply
  13. sjk says

    March 10, 2016 at 6:59 am

    I love the scale and colors of the “art” but what would really make it fantastic is if it were actually art. I think you should try painting something b/c to me it looks kinda like what it is – a painting that has a bunch of spray paint over it :( Sorry, but hopefully you appreciate the honesty? I really do love the idea of it, and think an actual piece of art would make this space really great! Good luck with the kitchen!!!

    Reply

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