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For as long as I can remember, I never considered myself an artist. Each attempt at painting left me frustrated as my creations never matched my vision. Yet, I couldn’t shake the desire to express myself through art, which led to countless failed pieces ending up in the recycling bin.
In college, I had a roommate who was an art major, and I adored watching her work. Her floral paintings were breathtaking; they were light, abstract, and had a unique texture that made them come alive. About a decade ago, I stumbled upon a magazine featuring a striking abstract piece made up of simple paint strokes. This inspired me to believe I could actually create something worthy of hanging in my home. I shared the image with a friend who encouraged me to give it a shot, reminding me, “It’s just paint; you can always paint over it if you don’t like it.”
Feeling inspired, I ventured to a craft store, picked up a canvas, and bought several affordable acrylic paint colors. To my surprise, my first attempt turned out quite well, and it has proudly hung in my bathroom ever since.
What I didn’t anticipate was how therapeutic it would feel to move paint around on a canvas. It brought me a sense of calm and relaxation. I continued to explore painting, even selling a few pieces along the way—though I often felt compelled to downplay my artistic abilities, which is silly. If you create something, you are an artist, and it’s important to embrace that.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with various techniques that don’t involve paintbrushes, with my favorite being the ruler method. If you’ve always wanted to paint but doubt your skills, it’s time to change that mindset. Gather your favorite acrylic colors, a canvas or another paintable surface, a ruler, and, optionally, a drop cloth. Let’s dive in!
Prepare Your Surface
Before we begin painting, here’s a tip for those who want to frame their work: Cut your paper or poster board to match the size of your frame before you start. I usually use the backing of the frame in one corner and cut carefully, ensuring not to slip. You don’t need a perfect cut—especially if your frame has a matte, as imperfections will be hidden once framed.
Start Painting
Next, create vertical lines on your paper using your chosen colors. I love incorporating white in my paintings because darker shades tend to dominate. If you want distinct separation between colors, consider using white or ivory shades, or let the white canvas serve as your divider. The blending of colors is enjoyable, but remember, it’s your artwork, so do what feels right.
Now, for the fun part: align your ruler with the top or bottom of your canvas and gently glide it across the entire length, then back again. I prefer to use a light touch; you can actually feel the paint shift under the ruler. This often leads to delightful surprises, like unexpected heart shapes.
If you desire more uniform lines, you can press down a bit harder. Keep adjusting until you achieve your desired look. Don’t hesitate to add more paint after swiping a few times. For smaller areas, a frosting knife or even a credit card can be helpful for blending.
Allow your artwork to dry, then frame it or hang the canvas on your wall. I’ve created larger pieces as well, which are incredibly satisfying to make. Just remember to use a drop cloth, as excess paint may run off the edges if you want your lines to stretch the entire canvas.
This project is easy enough for kids to join in on, making it perfect for a girls’ night activity. I’ve enjoyed this with friends over Zoom during the pandemic, and it’s a delightful way to connect.
The best part? It’s straightforward, doesn’t break the bank, and will leave you feeling proud of your creation. Soon, you might find yourself with a painting in every room, just like I do!
If you’re interested in more tips and techniques for DIY projects, check out this related blog post. For authoritative information on home insemination, visit Make a Mom, and for an educational resource on pregnancy, take a look at this Wikipedia entry.
Summary
The ruler technique for DIY abstract art is an easy and enjoyable method for anyone looking to express their creativity. With just a few materials, you can create beautiful pieces that brighten your space. Overcome self-doubt and embrace your inner artist—every creation counts!
Keyphrase: DIY abstract art
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