I posted this picture on Instagram yesterday and had several people ask me about the 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.
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.
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:
source unknown
See more art that inspires me here.
Erin says
January 14, 2016 at 8:57 amYou are an evil genius. I love it, especially with the dark wall, white chair and graphic pillow. So good.
Emily Clark says
January 14, 2016 at 9:04 amHa! :)
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
January 14, 2016 at 9:37 amI’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!
elissa stikeleather says
January 14, 2016 at 10:44 amI 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.
elaine - visual meringue says
January 14, 2016 at 11:15 amI 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!
Rachel says
January 14, 2016 at 1:13 pmThis is perfect! You are right about scale – I find myself wanting bigger so much more often than smaller. Love that you spraypainted this!
Whitney Shortt says
January 14, 2016 at 2:33 pmSo cool!! Love that you got it for $10 and the scale is perfect
Janette @ The 2 Seasons says
January 14, 2016 at 6:25 pmWhat 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.
Emily Clark says
January 14, 2016 at 9:34 pmUgh, why do they do those things?! I think a gallery wall is probably the only option. ??
classic•casual•home says
January 14, 2016 at 8:46 pmHow creative!!! And frugal. Nice job.
Mary says
January 14, 2016 at 9:03 pmGo big or go home!!
Rhonda says
January 14, 2016 at 9:15 pmHow 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
sherry hart says
January 15, 2016 at 7:29 amSomebody up there called you evil…..I totally agree. Oh yeah….the genius part also.
Emily Clark says
January 15, 2016 at 7:37 amProbably not the first time I’ve been called evil, but definitely the first time I’ve been called genius :)
bonas says
January 18, 2016 at 5:05 amyou 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
sjk says
March 10, 2016 at 6:59 amI 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!!!