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Lolly Jane

DIY Abstract Art Canvas | Easy beginner abstract art tutorial

DIY· Home Decor

30 Mar

 

DIY Abstract Art tutorial. Learn how to paint an abstract painting with acrylic paints and a step by step tutorial. Easy Beginner Level Abstract painting Guide.

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Hi, it’s Ashley from Star and Arrow Designs! I’m so excited to share this DIY abstract art tutorial with you guys, an abstract piece to add a vibrant and textured pop to your home. I wanted to do a piece that ANYONE could do. I am a perfectionist and for that reason, have a hard time letting go to create abstract artwork.

This diy abstract art tutorial shows you how to create abstract wall art with some depth. It’s perfect if you need to add some color to match your color scheme of the room. Love this abstract artwork tutorial! #abstractart #abstractartwork #abstractwalldecor #abstractpainting #abstracttutorial

I was painting with my toddler last week, and in 30 seconds he created a beautiful impasto painting. News flash. Looked like I needed to learn a lesson or two from him: let the fun messy part of art take over.

Love this abstract wall art tutorial! Such a pretty abstract art project, wow! Love the look of this abstract artwork and the step-by-step to create this easy abstract art! #abstractart #abstractartwork #abstractwalldecor #abstractpainting #abstracttutorial

For more art ideas:

  • 13 More Creative Abstract Wall Art Ideas
  • DIY Graffiti Kitchen Island Art
  • Easy Watercolor Flower Tutorial

Supplies to Paint a DIY Abstract Art Canvas Tutorial:

So, here we are, a messy, random and colorful painting tutorial. This was one of my first dips into abstract art AND acrylic paints, so it is by no means perfect, but the process is a fun one! Here it is:

diy abstract art

These supplies contain affiliate links for your convenience. When you make a purchase after clicking an affiliate link, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission. I only recommend products that I personally use and genuinely recommend. Thank you for your support!


  • Butcher (or wrapping paper).
  • Canvas (16×20 size).
  • Texture: This is an optional step, but I recommend using an acrylic gesso to cover your canvas and/or a modeling paste to add some extra texture.
  • Paint: Liquitex Acrylic paints (I already had mine on hand, but here is a great “starter kit” here).
  • Brushes: large painters brush, pieces of chipboard or cardboard for applying paint.
  • Gold Foil Flakes: I used foil that had a variation of shades & color.
  • Elmer’s glue or if you are feeling fancy, Mona Lisa metal leaf adhesive & sealer.

How to paint an Abstract Art Canvas

I set up shop by covering my table with butcher paper. This project WILL get messy so I recommend covering everything you don’t want paint splattered.  

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This first step is optional, but I think it adds a great base to your piece – Paint acrylic gesso over the surface with a thick painter’s brush. This covers the woven canvas texture. Generously add globs of modeling paste onto the canvas. Use a cut strip of chipboard to level out the paste. Be sure to cover the surface of the canvas, but this is meant to build up the texture. Be sure to let this dry before moving to the next step.

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Once you decide where you would like your gold leaf, use a small paintbrush to apply a thin layer of Elmer’s glue or Metal leaf adhesive onto the canvas. Wash your brush immediately with warm soapy water. 

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Apply the gold leaf flakes (I used my fingers) in a thick layer to the glue. There isn’t much rhyme or reason to this part. You will be adding a second layer after painting, so don’t fuss too much about it being perfect. If you are using a sealer, wait for the glue/adhesive to dry before using your brush again to paint it over the flakes. The sealer will flatten and coat the gold leaf. You can watch a time-lapse video of the process here.

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Next, create a color sample. You may have figured out what colors you want to use, but doing a “practice run” will help you figure out how you want to put them all together. I like to do this on a piece of sketchbook or scrap paper.  

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Then, start painting! I squeezed globs of paint directly to the canvas and used pieces of chipboard (cardboard) to lightly stroke down the paint. You can also apply the paint to the chipboard and apply it that way. This keeps the paint thick and easy to blend. It also keeps that yummy thick texture without showing the white canvas or brush strokes. 

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I had a few different chipboard pieces for my different colors but found that I liked keeping the chipboard pieces a little messy because it blends in different colors. Don’t worry about balancing all the colors. In fact, I think the abstract wall art looks best when it isn’t balanced perfectly. 

IMG_6351

Painting an Abstract Art Canvas tips:

  • Layer, layer, layer. This paint is all about layers and layers add dimension.
  • Blend when it is wet, layer when it is dry.
  • Step back or even take a picture of your progress and look at it. I find this helps me see funky spots that need more color or touching up. 
  • Get a second perspective. 
  • React to the gold foil- I used thin pieces of chipboard and really tried to respond to the gold flakes, and used the shape of the gold foil to shape my painting. Beauty in randomness!

Once your paint has dried, you may want to add some more gold leaf. Same steps as above, apply the glue/adhesive and then the flakes. I scattered a couple flakes over the paint to add some more dimension.  

DIY Abstract Art | Learn to make this easy art! Such a great abstract art tutorial!

Voila! I think there are a couple spots I may layer some more, but overall, I am happy with how this project turned out. Like I said, I am a total newbie when it comes to abstract art, but I loved this project! It’s cheap and easy. Once you get started, it’s fun to get crazy with it. XO, Ashley

DIY Abstract Art Tutorial. Learn How To Paint An Abstract Painting With Acrylic Paints And A Step By Step Tutorial. Easy Beginner Level Abstrac

Looking for ways to display your new art? We love Minted’s perfect frames, oooh la lah!

DIY Abstract Art | Love this gallery wall to display your art. Such stylish frames!

Keep up with Ash on Insta, Facebook and her cute Etsy shop full of adorable prints like this tribal nursery art,

Be Brave Little One - Tribal Nursery Art - Indian Headdress Print

and this adorable potted cactus card!

Potted Cactus Card - Modern Geometric Greeting Card - Southwestern Art Card

Also visit more of our home decor ideas like our potted succulent mason jar holder,

DIY Stenciled Succulent Potted Mason Jar Key Holder |via LollyJane.com 

and this awesome industrial message board!

58 Comments

About Lolly Jane

Meet Kelli & Kristi, twin sisters and authors of Lolly Jane. We are two busy wives + mommas who are makers of all things pretty. From signs to home decor and holiday crafts or redoing furniture in between soccer practices, we do it all all while armed with an ice cold Diet Coke. Join us in our DIY adventures! XOXO

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Angela says

    09/07/2020 at 11:24 am

    Love this painting and appreciate your detailed description on applying the gold leaf…looked up many tutorials and most were very strict with limited internet…can become stressful for us newbies out there!

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      09/07/2020 at 11:35 pm

      Hi Angela, this was a post from our very experienced contributor Ashley of Star and Arrow Designs. You’re welcome to contact her directly for more in depth information πŸ™‚

      Ashley: [email protected]

      Reply
  2. Alex says

    08/20/2019 at 8:47 am

    Love this, it’s VERY classy!

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      09/03/2019 at 11:13 am

      Thank you, Alex!! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  3. Dolores says

    01/31/2019 at 12:19 pm

    AM I FOLLOWING THIS RIGHT??YOU PUT THE GOLD LEAF ON FIRST AND THEN PAINT??LOVE..LOVE THE COLORS BUT CANT WRAP MY BRAIN AROUND PUTTING GOLD LEAF ON FIRST??IS THAT RIGHT??

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      02/11/2019 at 10:32 pm

      Hi Dolores! Yes, that’s correct! Her pictures are in the correct sequence so scroll down to see how she created this gorgeous piece πŸ™‚

      Reply
  4. Janet says

    01/27/2019 at 6:00 am

    This is awesome, I love abstract art, but I don’t love the prices that the stores charge for some blobs of color, that don’t usually have all the color combos that I would like. This gives me a great idea of how to do my own.

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      01/28/2019 at 11:27 am

      Oh yay! So glad you like it!

      Reply
  5. Ashley Jaynes says

    07/17/2018 at 2:51 pm

    Haha! I know this is an older thread, but I found it on Pinterest. I started reading through, not paying attention to the creator. Then, I realized it said Lolly Jane. I found the cactus that y’all left at magnolia market a couple of years ago! Too funny ?. This painting is super cute and I’m about to try it!

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      07/17/2018 at 11:04 pm

      Oh no way, YAY! That is too funny you found our cactus all those years ago!! πŸ˜€ Thanks for the comment! xo

      Reply
  6. Prachie says

    07/01/2018 at 6:24 pm

    Loved the painting but I can not access the time lapse video. Could you please share a link to how this painting was created.

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      07/03/2018 at 12:06 am

      Hi there! There is no video tutorial, just the step-by-step directions in the blog post. πŸ™‚
      Thank you for reading!

      Reply
  7. Michael Olds says

    04/28/2018 at 8:43 pm

    What do you do if you paint over the gold leaf ?
    Your project is beautiful !

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      05/03/2018 at 1:31 pm

      Hi Michael, just reapply it over the paint. πŸ™‚ Thanks! Happy painting!

      Reply
  8. steph says

    11/05/2017 at 1:55 pm

    Hi,

    This is beautiful!!Do you have the list of names of paint colour that she used?

    Thanks in advance πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      11/06/2017 at 10:25 pm

      She linked to the paints here: http://amzn.to/2duUJNq

      Looks like Raw Sienna, Bright Aqua Green, Light Blue, Cerulean Blue, Cadmium Yellow Dark Hue and perhaps Unbleached Titanium. Happy painting!

      Reply
  9. Alice says

    10/29/2017 at 12:44 pm

    I love this. As soon as I can find the time, I plan to try it.

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      10/30/2017 at 1:38 am

      Thanks Alice! I think it would be worth the effort, so gorgeous! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  10. Jay says

    09/19/2017 at 8:23 am

    Hi, I am so glad to have seen this . I can’t paint but love 3d art work amd usually add 3d components to canvases I buy to add more ” life ” – like a beach scene – I will add grass and baby turtles maybe sand .
    Your blue and gold leaf is literally something I have had in my mind for nearly a year bit was mot site how to add texture which is important in my art work and the gold leaf I wanted to use but jave always been told it is very hatd to work with unless you are a pro. What you have done is exactly what was in my mind but couldnt verbalise . Amazing ! Bless you .
    Jay , from the Gold coast

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      09/19/2017 at 10:49 am

      So glad it helped, Jay!

      Reply
  11. Kim says

    08/10/2017 at 4:27 pm

    So are you selling this?

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      08/12/2017 at 11:59 pm

      Hi Kim!
      No we’re not- this was a step-by-step contributor post by the talented Ashley of Star & Arrow Designs. She may make you one, feel free to reach out to her (her contact info is in her bio.)
      Thanks! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  12. Alisha says

    07/10/2017 at 10:40 pm

    I absolutely love abstract art and the hint of gold adds a hint of elegance. Too awesome!

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      07/10/2017 at 10:48 pm

      Thanks Alisha! We love this print too (:

      Reply
  13. Jeanine says

    05/12/2017 at 7:30 pm

    I love it! Where did you get the gold flakes?

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      05/12/2017 at 8:32 pm

      Hi Jeanine,

      You can buy them at a hobby store or Walmart (here’s a link: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Speedball-Mona-Lisa-Metal-Flakes/24404342)

      Reply
  14. Kia says

    02/13/2017 at 11:58 pm

    I love this!!! I was about to purchase a piece of art for my living room and decided to try this first. What type of sealer do you recommend? Is this applied just to the gold leaf? Is it applied after the first or second layer of gold leaf?

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      02/14/2017 at 12:43 pm

      Have so much fun! Here is a great sealer: http://amzn.to/2knsoPP Apply after the gold leaf layering.

      Reply
  15. kattykay says

    12/26/2016 at 1:54 pm

    I believe this is the phrase you were looking for, “you could’ve gone out and bought some actual art”

    Reply
  16. marni ellen says

    11/06/2016 at 3:52 pm

    By the way, I love your ideas and tips. I’ve never painted anything in my life, nor have I ever created any original work of art. And until reading through your post, I would not have tried to create a painting, unless it was a “paint-by-numbers.” But now I’m inspired, and I think I’m going to buy the 2-pack of canvasses (excuse me if that is not spelled correctly) and give it a try next weekend. Looking forward to it!!! And I also will be checking out your site in general, hoping to find some more inspirations! Thank you so much!
    P.S. – you and your sister are adorable. Please tell me you’re twins, so I know I’m not having a stroke or something, as I seem to be seeing double.

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      11/07/2016 at 11:13 am

      Hi Marni! I like your style, way to word that girl! Thank you for piping up and haha! Yes we are twins! πŸ™‚
      XOXO

      Reply
  17. marni ellen says

    11/06/2016 at 3:28 pm

    Love this piece of art! Can’t wait to make my own, thank you for the tutorial

    Reply
  18. Eva says

    09/26/2016 at 9:57 am

    Hi,

    It is beatiful. Can you please tell what are the number of the acrylic paints what have you used.

    Thanks, Eva

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      09/26/2016 at 5:20 pm

      Hi Eva: Here are all the colors she used: http://amzn.to/2duUJNq

      Reply
  19. Constance Guerrero says

    05/25/2016 at 9:00 am

    It is so beautiful! Abstract paintings give a special touch to the home. It will be perfect in the living room redecorating project I am working on! I will definitely be creating this artwork. I’m very excited to give it a try! Thank you! πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      05/25/2016 at 9:07 am

      Agree, so pretty!! Good luck, Constance!! Hope it turns out amazing!

      Reply
  20. Lolly Jane says

    04/27/2016 at 9:58 pm

    That’s a really rude comment. Ashley is incredibly talented and her work is GORGEOUS. Sounds like you’re a little jealous, Spirit of Giotto.

    Reply
  21. Nevey says

    04/27/2016 at 9:23 pm

    Wow. Rude!

    Reply
  22. Sandy / frugalable.wordpress.com says

    04/18/2016 at 6:47 pm

    I really love the gold and the blue in this canvas. Gold and bronze are really in trend right now. This is exactly what I want for my living room. Thank you for the inspiration. Sandy

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      04/19/2016 at 12:35 am

      Agree, Sandy! Ashley rocked this painting, it is beautiful! Thanks for popping in πŸ™‚

      Reply
  23. Cortney says

    02/22/2016 at 1:29 pm

    Love this idea for a little pop of color! Great tutorial, and gorgeous color combo!

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      02/22/2016 at 1:37 pm

      Thanks, girls! Your blog is adorbs!

      Reply
  24. Arael says

    09/07/2015 at 3:15 am

    Hi, I love the painting! The colors you used would be perfect in my living room. Do you happen to remember what colors you used? Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      02/22/2016 at 1:36 pm

      Ahhh you’ll have to ask our cute guest poster, Ashley: [email protected]

      Reply
  25. Liz says

    08/13/2015 at 2:28 pm

    Hi!
    How much of these gold leaf flakes would you recommend buying for 3 paintings? I see they’re sold on Etsy in gram size bags.

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      02/22/2016 at 1:36 pm

      Ahhh you’ll have to ask our cute guest poster, Ashley: [email protected]

      Reply
  26. meg says

    04/13/2015 at 6:09 pm

    how pretty. How long did this take you? (including drying time?) were you able to finish it in one sitting?

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      04/14/2015 at 10:58 pm

      Hi Meg! We’ll see if Ashley can answer that for you, stay tuned. πŸ˜‰
      Thanks!

      Reply
    • Ashley says

      04/15/2015 at 4:47 pm

      Hi Meg! Thank you so much.
      Thanks for asking! It took about 3 hours of work time. I did it in two settings, same day. I did the first layer of foil and the top half in the first setting, and the bottom half and finishing layer of foil the second setting. In the second setting (later that afternoon) I also went over some spots in the top I wanted to layer some more. I like working the main layer of paint while it is still wet so that I can blend the colors together a bit.

      Drying time will entirely depend on how thick your paint is. Because I apply the paint directly to the canvas and like it thick, I gave it 2-3 hours in between.

      Hope that helps!

      Reply
  27. Brenda says

    04/01/2015 at 9:08 am

    This is beautiful! I have a hard time being random, too but I will have to try this! And I absolutely love the added gold leaf. Amazing!

    Reply
  28. easypeasy says

    03/30/2015 at 5:36 pm

    This is awesome! I’ve always wanted to try and do something like this but didn’t know where to start, thanks for sharing! πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      03/31/2015 at 4:07 pm

      She’s super talented, right!

      Reply
    • 3evelyn says

      04/18/2019 at 2:34 pm

      Love this.

      Reply
      • Lolly Jane says

        04/19/2019 at 9:44 pm

        Thank you Evelyn! πŸ™‚

        Reply
  29. Louisa says

    03/30/2015 at 6:07 am

    Ooh, pretty! I love the blues with the gold leaf.

    Reply
    • Lolly Jane says

      03/31/2015 at 4:07 pm

      Agree Louisa, it’s gorgeous!

      Reply
      • Ali says

        04/11/2018 at 10:24 am

        Where can we buy the gold leaf blue painting?

        Reply
        • Lolly Jane says

          04/17/2018 at 9:49 pm

          It’s not for sale, sorry!

          Reply

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WELCOME TO LOLLY JANE
We're Kelli and Kristi, identical twin sister DIYers to love to create and spruce up our spaces on a budget. Our eclectic blog is where we share it all... from home decor, crafts, furniture revamps, awesome project roundups, tasty recipes and more...all while armed with an ice cold Diet Coke!
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