Learn how to DIY abstract canvas art with some black and white paint. This minimal look is perfect for your modern home!
That awkward spot above your bed…
Do you get all sentimental and get your favorite wedding picture blown up or do you go a little more modern with an architectural piece? Maybe you add some wallpaper and forego the need to fill the space above the bed?
I’m embarrassed to even remind you what the space above our bed looked like for the past few years, but for the sake of all mommas neglecting themselves and their bedrooms out there….don’t feel bad.
This is what our wall looked like for the past 3 years.
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I mean, what was I even thinking?! How can I call myself a DIY/home blogger and my bedroom — that I look at every single day — looks like THAT!!
Anyways, I digress.
Enough was enough.
I thought long and hard on what type of piece we wanted up there and we decided to go with some abstract canvas art to pull some more white to the main wall to contrast the dark wall.
This abstract painting was so easy to make and I love how it turned out in our updated monochrome modern master bedroom!! Let me show you how to make your own!
This would be perfect to put in your bedroom, living room, have the kids help and put it in their room. The idea is so simple I love that we just went for it and I love how it turned out!
Materials
- 24×36 Canvas
- White paint
- Black paint
- Rag
- 1 1/4” outside corner trim (I picked up mine from Home Depot for less than $2/foot)
- Miter saw
- Brad Nailer
- Matte black spray paint
Instructions
1. Paint Base Coat
Most canvases are a little off-white when you buy them fresh from the store. I like to paint a few coats of white to get a true white before I start working on canvas.
2. Rag Painting
Once the base coat is try, dip an old rag into your black paint. I just used a disposable tupperware to hold the craft paint.
Don’t think too hard about this. Make a few swipes on a sheet of paper to get the feel of the rag with paint and then just go for it.
Trust your gut and don’t overdo it! Stop before you regret going too far. This process literally took like 2 minutes.
Set it aside to dry while you make the frame.
3. Cut Frame
I like the look of the mitered corners so by using this corner trim, I’m able to cut at 45 degree angles and then wrap the canvas with the finished frame. I love how it turns out! Let me show you how to do it.
Start by butting one end of your trim against your miter saw fence and cut one end off at a 45 degree angle. Be sure the trim is in the full path of the saw blade to make a clean cut.
Now, take your measuring tape and measure from the straight edge 24.25” and make a mark. This is where the outside of your next angle will be cut.
If this doesn’t make sense reading it, just wait till you have the corner trim in front of you and can look at the miter saw at the same time. Cutting trim angles can be super confusing, so just bear with me. I promise it is easier to do than to say how to do it.
I found it easiest to cut one small piece of trim that I could use as a guide to make sure my angles were correct when I was cutting so that everything would line up correctly.
If you’re using a miter saw, you’ll need to alternate the blade from +45 degrees to -45 degrees.
Cut two trim pieces where the long edge is 24.25” and two trim pieces that are 36.25”. That extra 1/4” leaves you a little wiggle room for the canvas that is wrapped around the frame since not all canvas are stretched properly.
Give your trim a few coats of matte black spray paint before attaching them to your canvas painting.
To attach the frame, just place the canvas on a flat surface with the painting facing upwards. Place the trim right on top so the 45 degree corners are on top of the canvas and the corners all line up properly. Use your brad nailer to add 2-3 nails on each side of the frame and you’re good to go!
I love how this abstract canvas art turned out and I’m so glad we decided to DIY art rather than buying something.
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