Last Updated on December 17, 2012 by Kristi Linauer
You may have noticed that I’m often drawn to DIY projects that are quite time-consuming and tedious (like this and this and this). I really do have to force myself to think of quick and simple projects. So when I decided to replace the paint chip artwork that was above the pet station (I liked that artwork, but it just didn’t seem to have enough oomph for that wall), I decided that I would try my hand at something truly fast and simple. So I purchased a canvas and some small bottles of acrylic paint, and with a vision in my head, I created a piece of artwork in about 30 minutes.
It’s nothing fancy…obvious. It took 30 minutes! But I really like the color variation and the movement. It’s definitely more exciting and colorful than the paint chip artwork.
I didn’t really mean for it to be anything. But of course, because of the colors I use, my “artwork” often turns out looking like a sunset over water. But I really wasn’t intending to create a sunset over water. I just wanted something colorful, with lots of movement, highs and lows, lights and dark, and a fluid look.
It was super simple to make, and you don’t have to have a ton of creativity or talent to make a painting like this. I started by putting drops of acrylic paint on the canvas in zones of color, with green at the bottom, then dark blue, light blue, orange, and yellow. I did the first three colors, and then flipped the canvas around and worked on the last two colors.
After putting the drops of paint on the canvas, I loaded up a slightly wet 2″ Purdy paint brush with white latex paint left over from my ceiling, and just started painting across the canvas with very even strokes. I would add more white paint when I felt it was needed, but I tried not to blend too much. I really wanted the color variations to show.
I did clean my brush between colors, but I also tried to blend between each color just a bit.
It’s no masterpiece, and I’m sure any true artist or art critic would laugh their heads off at my attempt at artwork, but that’s okay! I happen to like it. 🙂 And since it only took 30 minutes of my time, I think it’s a pretty good return on my time investment.

Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I hope you’ll join me on my DIY and decorating journey! If you want to follow my projects and progress, you can subscribe below and have each new post delivered to your email inbox. That way you’ll never miss a thing!
24 Comments
Kathy Strader
November 13, 2012 at 9:50 amSometimes the simple things give us the most pleasure. Arts and crafts do not have to be hard or time consuming to be valuable. I love what you’ve done!
[email protected]
November 13, 2012 at 3:26 pmIt looks beautiful Kristi! i love the colors you used.
[email protected] beautiful life
November 13, 2012 at 7:21 pmHi Kristi! I love the colors and simplicity of the art. It looks great.
Have a “Crazy Beautiful” week!
debbie
November 14, 2012 at 10:24 amLove it.. thats my kind of artwork.. I think it would be even prettier with a quote of some kind on it.
Kristi Linauer
November 14, 2012 at 10:27 amI was actually thinking the same thing. It would make a nice “background” for something like a quote. But then it wouldn’t be 30-minute artwork! 😉 I may add something if I can think of the perfect thing.
Kelli
October 14, 2014 at 8:13 amActually, it could still be 30 minute artwork. You just stick vinyl letters on the canvas before you paint it, then peel them off, and wa-la…your quote is there in white. I recommend painting white over the letters first to prevent the color from bleeding under the letters, though. You can find vinyl letters in the art department of a craft store OR you can cut them out with a Cricut machine (if you have one or know someone who has one). I love making my own “art”. It is easy and fun (and relaxing), and I don’t care if anyone considers it real art.
Maggie
November 14, 2012 at 11:00 pmI think it’s beautiful. And if you love it that’s all that really matters right? It’s your house after all. I love you blog!
Sue
November 15, 2012 at 8:14 amIt looks amazing and I love the fluidity of it. Just wondering if I can do that – believe me, paint and I do NOT get along. I can do a lot of other crafty things but give me paint and a brush and I am a disaster.
Lisa T
November 15, 2012 at 9:20 amI think it looks great. Just like dessert sometimes the simplest ones to make are the best!
Ian Ace
November 15, 2012 at 2:15 pmNice work Kristi! Your beautiful painting blends well with the wall color.
Emmy
November 15, 2012 at 11:28 pmI love this!! Totally looks like something you could have bought in a store. So yes, you should be happy with it.
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November 18, 2012 at 7:51 am[…] วิธีการทำภาพติดผนังสวยๆ แบบง่ายๆ ด้วยตัวเอง ทำได้ไม่ยากครับ หยดสีไว้สามส่วนตามสีที่ชอบแล้วใช้แปรงทาสีทาให้ทั่วกระดาน แค่นี้ก็ได้ภาพที่สวยแบบง่ายๆแล้วครับ … ต้องมองให้เป็นศิลปะด้วยนะครับ – ภาพจาก addicted2decorating.com […]
Jets Jewelry
November 19, 2012 at 8:42 pmLove the art work
DIY: Iridescent Watercolor “Fish Scale” Artwork
December 3, 2012 at 10:04 am[…] for under $20 December 3, 2012 By Kristi Linauer Leave a Comment The 30-minute acrylic artwork that I made to go over the pet station in my breakfast area has since gone to live in the […]
carol
January 4, 2013 at 10:13 amLove everything….have just found your blog….so happy!
Kristi Linauer
January 4, 2013 at 12:25 pmSo glad you found me, Carol! 🙂 Welcome!
Judy
January 18, 2013 at 9:29 pmI love it! I’m going to attempt to make one tomorrow!!!
Di
February 4, 2013 at 1:23 pmHi!
I was hoping you would post a video to show how did you paint it like that. I may be very UNartistic, but it sure looks like art to me. SO even if you would just show it on a paper just to show the technique, it would be great.
Thanks
Angela Kloss
February 12, 2013 at 8:32 pmI love it! Honestly, I’m going to do that for my home. I’ve been wanting art for my walls but I’m very particular. And this is just an awesome idea especially adding on words and phrases. I can’t wait to create my own. Thank you!
Kristi Linauer
February 12, 2013 at 9:09 pmGlad you like it, Angela! If you make one for your home, you’ll have to send me a picture. I’d love to see it! 🙂
Val
April 1, 2013 at 4:20 pmBeautiful! Half an hour? That’s the best part!
Khadija
April 18, 2013 at 7:48 pmDid you realize that this picture looks like you’re standing on the beach, looking over water while the sun is setting?
😀
Renee
August 2, 2013 at 2:31 amIf the “art community” was to talk about your painting and hyped it up proper it could suddenly become a masterpiece worth thousands! I love it, especially that it’s very duplicatable in any color scheme one likes (though I like yours quite well). I love your site and am a kindred spirit. I’ve got to find people who don’t want to do this themselves to buy stuff done by me! Do you make “extras” and sell them? I always start out making something to sell, then being somewhat unable to part with it. Did you ever see that commercial about “Tommy’s Toys”? I don’t even remember what the scenario was really advertising, but probably advertising. Anyway, he says “I’m Tommy and these are my toys” and he’s basically a toy shop owner who loves his toys so much he doesn’t really want to buy the advertising to sell them. Struck me funny. Like you, I don’t have enough walls.
Ms Paulette House
January 11, 2014 at 11:19 pmI enjoy looking at all your projects. You are extremely talented. You are truly blessed in decorating and creating!