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DIY Abstract Artwork Tutorial

art· Craft Projects· Wall Art

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This post may contain affiliate links from which I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Being creative and creating art for your own home is a lot of fun and can add a special personal touch to your home. With this DIY Abstract Artwork Tutorial I’m trying to show you how to make an easy, pretty and unique pice of art. It’s something that beginners can do for sure.

{This page might take longer to load because I have lots of photos and even an animated gif to show you how to make one of these abstract paintings from my gallery post last week (click HERE if you missed it).}

DIY Abstract Artwork Tutorial

beautiful cream, turquoise and gold abstract art piece

DIY Abstract Artwork Tutorial

Here is what you will need:

• a canvas
• gold leaf and sealer(usually gets sold together)
• artist spatula(my secret weapon)
• acrylic artist paint of your choice (brand doesn’t really matter)
• (sometimes I use a hard bristle artist brush but usually I don’t)

gold foil, spatulas, brushes and canvas needed for easy abstract art
Then I just randomly distribute globs of paint on the canvas:
paint squirted randomly on canvas
That’s where the spatula comes in place. It’s like applying a messy coat of cake icing.
spreading random paint on canvas with spatula
Randomness is key here:
creating textured with spatula and acrylic paint on canvas
I spread out the white first and then slowly work in the color.
mixing a second color into white acrylic paint on canvas
mixing more blue into white acrylic paint with spatula
mixing in more blue with spatula on paint canvas
random patterns of white and blue acrylic paint on canvas
mixing in some black acrylic paint with white and blue on canvas
mixing in some dark green with white, blue and black acrylic paint on canvas
You can add as many colors as you would like.
Then I add the gold foil randomly into the wet paint:
tearing off small pieces of gold foil to apply to wet acrylic paint on canvas
pushing gold foil into wet paint with fingers on canvas
randomly apply gold foil to acrylic paint on canvas
final step of using spatula over paint and gold foil
When the gold foil is pressed into the paint, I lightly go over the edges with the spatula and a little bit of paint to make the edges look more random.
random strokes over gold foil with spatula
Then I let the paint dry and apply some gold leaf sealer to the golden areas.
You can also paint the side of the canvas gold or add a frame.
That’s it all done!
EASY RIGHT?
A slow demonstration for you, just watch the below photo:
And here is another video tutorial of a different painting I made for beginners:

 

 

thin_line
easy to paint blue, green, turquoise and gold abstract art
how to paint beautiful cream, turquoise and gold abstract art piece
colorful abstract art gallery
Also check out my DIY top knot print that anyone with a smartphone can make (click HERE):

Also see how to paint this brushstroke art by clicking HERE.

colorful DIY brushstroke painting

Or if you are into abstract black and white art then check out this post HERE:

Easy black and white abstract art tutorial - Cuckoo4Design

And did you know you can download and print affordable art from Etsy? (click HERE)
10 Etsy shops with great downloadable art for under $6 - Cuckoo4Design

Favorite abstract Etsy art

DIY Abstract Artwork Tutorial
You should give it a try. It really is very easy.
I hope you liked the tutorial and let me know if you have any questions.
Talk to you on Wednesday.

Tschüß

(Youleeya)

more of my art blog posts:

DIY geometric wood wall art

DIY geometric wood wall art

DIY watercolor printable wall art

DIY watercolor printable wall art

DIY fine art reproduction oil painting of my great-grandmother

DIY fine art reproduction oil painting of my great-grandmother

Decorating with photos

Decorating with photos

snowflake and pinecone DIY Christmas canvas paintings

snowflake and pinecone DIY Christmas canvas paintings

handmade display frame with old medals and trophy plaques

What can you do with old sports trophies and medals

DIY Abstract Artwork Tutorial

DIY Abstract Artwork Tutorial

Easy Abstract Art for Beginners

Easy Abstract Art for Beginners

10 Etsy shops with great downloadable art for under $6 - Cuckoo4Design

Downloadable art prints for under $6

abstract art - Cuckoo4Design

My downloadable art on Etsy

Easy black and white abstract art tutorial - Cuckoo4Design

DIY Goodwill Art

Favorite abstract Etsy art

Etsy Abstract Art

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. littledeco says

    February 24, 2014 at 8:43 am

    Amazing !!! I love the final result, thanks for sharing !!! Valia

    • Julia Konya says

      February 24, 2014 at 11:41 am

      Thanks for looking ๐Ÿ˜‰

  2. Summer Hogan says

    February 24, 2014 at 12:15 pm

    Love this tutorial Julia! I think we are going to try our hand at some painting soon and this gives me inspiration. Thanks!

  3. Darnetha {ChippaSunshine} says

    February 24, 2014 at 12:22 pm

    You make it look too easy Julia! Your abstract art turned out great and I love the touches of gold. I’ve always wanted to try my hand at painting, thanks for the inspiration.

  4. Sheryll And Critters. says

    February 24, 2014 at 12:26 pm

    Wow, I love everything you do …… I will have to wait on this one…. well a lot of stuff. I just don’t have a penny now that o put his work into play this January 01. Oh well, I am wishing to save money for a Kreg Mini Jig, in order to make a Pup/End Table/Window seat for my very tiny bedroom. Long story, but I just can not take having the metal crate in my dining/living room for any longer… it is horrible and way too large and I have such tiny space.

    Wish me luck on saving money. I have decided….. no eating, save money….. works. Good way to diet and I know for a fact that if you do not eat, you do lose weight. Of course it is not so healthy, but sometimes necessary.

  5. [email protected] says

    February 24, 2014 at 12:46 pm

    Love this tutorial…I’m definitely going to try it out. Also, I think you would be amazing at Creating with the Stars..are you going to apply?

    • Julia Konya says

      February 24, 2014 at 2:48 pm

      Aww thanks so much.
      I don’t think I could handle the stress right now.

  6. SHERRY HART says

    February 24, 2014 at 12:52 pm

    You made it look easy:). Love it!

  7. stephanie at Stephanie Kraus Designs says

    February 24, 2014 at 12:58 pm

    Oh my!!! looks fantastic. Great job and awesome tutorial but I have a feeling it’s a lot harder than it looks — you have such a great eye which translates into a great eye for creating true art!

  8. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    February 24, 2014 at 1:30 pm

    that is fabulous, julia! love the colors and the addition of gold!

  9. Angela Santaniello says

    February 24, 2014 at 1:37 pm

    You totally made that seem easy…like maybe I could even attempt it! I congrats on making it to the finals!!!

    Angela @ Number Fifty-Three

  10. Anonymous says

    February 24, 2014 at 2:15 pm

    Love the touch of gold!…and of course just voted for you!

    • Julia Konya says

      February 24, 2014 at 2:48 pm

      Thanks so so much!

  11. girlathomeblog says

    February 24, 2014 at 2:54 pm

    This is so beautiful and such great inspiration to try it for myself!

    • Julia Konya says

      February 24, 2014 at 6:25 pm

      Thanks

  12. [email protected] says

    February 24, 2014 at 3:00 pm

    I feel like I would make a giant mess with this but it looks super fun! Yours turned out beautifully!

  13. [email protected] Chronicles of Home says

    February 24, 2014 at 3:49 pm

    I love this – so glad you shared! I have an abstract I bought years ago that I want to modify and I think this technique is just the way to do it!

  14. Sarah @ 702 Park Project says

    February 24, 2014 at 3:52 pm

    I can’t wait to try this! Thanks for sharing!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Julia Konya says

      February 24, 2014 at 6:08 pm

      Thanks for looking ๐Ÿ˜‰

  15. Amber Wills says

    February 24, 2014 at 4:29 pm

    Love the touch of gold. It’s perfect with the texture of the artwork!

  16. Heidi says

    February 24, 2014 at 4:35 pm

    Thank you for posting the tutorial! I am excited to give it a try! ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Julia Konya says

      February 24, 2014 at 6:07 pm

      Let me know how it works out and thanks!

  17. Jennifer BNHblog says

    February 24, 2014 at 4:43 pm

    Those turned out so great! Thanks for sharing : ]

  18. [email protected] says

    February 24, 2014 at 4:44 pm

    Love this! And messily is the only way I know how to put icing on, so maybe this would be perfect for me ๐Ÿ˜‰ Congratulations on making the finals!

  19. Lets just build a house! says

    February 24, 2014 at 5:02 pm

    yours looks so good. I’m so critical of my own artwork that i would probably hate mine LOL!

  20. Brynne Delerson says

    February 24, 2014 at 5:08 pm

    Gorgeous! You make it look so easy ๐Ÿ™‚ Maybe I will get up the courage to try again!

  21. Caitlin @ Desert Domicile says

    February 24, 2014 at 5:36 pm

    You make it look so easy! I’m definitely going to have to try making some abstract art of my own one of these days. I have too many blank walls haha Also, congrats on making it into the Homie Awards finals! Best of luck to you! ๐Ÿ™‚

  22. Gabbi @ Retro Ranch Reno says

    February 24, 2014 at 6:27 pm

    B-E-A-U-TIFUL! I’m going to have to give this a shot!

    And congrats on making the finals…you TOTALLY deserve it! Fingers crossed for the Underdog! ๐Ÿ˜‰

  23. Bethany DeVore says

    February 24, 2014 at 6:28 pm

    I love the way these turned out, the gold leaf adds such a nice touch! I’m so excited for you making it to the finals!! I’m off to vote now ๐Ÿ™‚

  24. Katja @ Shift Ctrl ART says

    February 24, 2014 at 7:17 pm

    This is so awesome. I have painted a few abstract paintings too. I love it. It’s so much fun. I love how yours came out. So pretty and stylish ๐Ÿ™‚

    Oh and I voted for you ๐Ÿ˜‰

  25. Michelle C says

    February 24, 2014 at 8:49 pm

    Can’t wait to try this!!! I voted AGAIN for you : )

  26. Caroline Nolazco says

    February 24, 2014 at 9:22 pm

    Love it! And so proud to vote for you!

  27. Brittany Cramer says

    February 24, 2014 at 11:18 pm

    totally in love with this art project! You should sell y our paintings, seriously. Even if you just gave us the tutorial ๐Ÿ˜›

  28. pam {simple details} says

    February 24, 2014 at 11:33 pm

    Nothing better than a beautiful abstract, unless it has gold leaf!! LOVE it!! I think I’ll try one…

  29. pam {simple details} says

    February 24, 2014 at 11:34 pm

    Oh, btw – CONGRATS!!! So excited for you!

  30. Kim @ NewlyWoodwards says

    February 25, 2014 at 4:11 am

    This is too cool. I love the addition of gold leaf. Such a great touch.

    I want to try some gold leaf. Can you believe I”m a gold leafing virgin? It’s embarrassing.

  31. Scott Kinney says

    February 25, 2014 at 2:10 pm

    This is a really neat idea. I’m always painting on canvas and I’m going to dabble in this. Your work is very nice by the way.

    • Julia Konya says

      February 25, 2014 at 2:38 pm

      Thanks so much Scott

  32. Laurie from Laurie Jones Home says

    February 25, 2014 at 3:23 pm

    What a great tutorial Julia! I’m so happy for you making the finals! You have my vote, you’re one of the nicest and most talented bloggers out there!!! (:

  33. Kelly @ View Along the Way says

    February 25, 2014 at 3:45 pm

    Beautiful! I love seeing it come together on the gif too; that’s so cool! You could totally sell that, my friend.

  34. [email protected] says

    February 25, 2014 at 5:18 pm

    I love this!! Thanks for sharing your tutorial!! I will be trying this soon.

    • Julia Konya says

      February 26, 2014 at 1:19 am

      Thanks Myssie!

  35. Vidya @ Whats Ur Home Story says

    February 25, 2014 at 9:24 pm

    Really pretty Julia. Would have never thought of adding gold leaf! Pinning.

  36. anu says

    February 26, 2014 at 12:59 pm

    Love seeing the process. Beautiful artwork!

  37. [email protected] says

    February 26, 2014 at 8:15 pm

    So yeah, how I missed this is beyond me, BUT I love it soooo much. It looks great and super expensive. Thanks so much for sharing it with us Julia.

  38. Lisa @ Shine Your Light says

    February 28, 2014 at 3:53 pm

    Okay YES now I know what kind of art I want to try next! Thanks so much for sharing this tutorial, it looks like so much fun and I can’t wait to experiment! The colors you chose and the gold leaf look beautiful together!!

  39. deebi27 says

    March 2, 2014 at 6:08 pm

    Thanks for sharing this…I am thinking to make one of these for my daughter’s almost here baby room…you can never start too young for art enjoyment!!! The texture will amazing for touching!!! I just wish I had found this on Pinterest sooner, so I could have voted! It’s fabulous!!!

    • Julia Konya says

      March 2, 2014 at 11:17 pm

      I never thought about that, but you are right, the textured would be great for little ones to touch!
      Thanks so much!

  40. Amy Renea says

    March 3, 2014 at 5:15 pm

    I love this (and YOU) so flippin much!

  41. Mekenzie @ interiorsbykenz.com says

    March 3, 2014 at 9:13 pm

    Your art is so beautiful. I love it!! Art history was my major in college. So I definitely appreciate this!

  42. Aga Tinca says

    March 10, 2014 at 9:08 pm

    Great idea ๐Ÿ™‚ Thx for sharing x

    • Julia Konya says

      March 11, 2014 at 1:48 am

      Thank you!

  43. Danielle Johnson says

    March 23, 2014 at 7:59 pm

    Is it necessary to add the gold leaf sealer? What does it do exactly?

    • Julia Konya says

      March 24, 2014 at 12:42 am

      Hi Danielle, I don’t think it is necessary. Just protection according to what it says on the package of the gold leaf.

  44. Diana @ Your Day Simplified says

    March 24, 2014 at 2:00 pm

    Awesome tutorial. Now I have the courage to take that step and put brush (or spatula) to the canvas. Thanks!

  45. Pulchrior Evenit says

    August 13, 2014 at 10:40 pm

    Sehr hübsch!

    • Julia Konya says

      August 14, 2014 at 7:02 am

      Vielen Dank ๐Ÿ˜‰

  46. Maria Ali says

    December 3, 2014 at 12:19 pm

    How do you hang your DIY art work without frame.

  47. [email protected] says

    December 22, 2014 at 3:26 pm

    Love it..!!! It’s so beautiful. I am definitely trying this soon.

    • Julia says

      December 22, 2014 at 3:58 pm

      Thanks and good luck!

  48. Ricky says

    March 9, 2015 at 2:31 pm

    Where can you purchase the gold foil? I’m keen at giving this a go.

    • Julia says

      March 10, 2015 at 5:41 am

      You can buy gold foil in any craft store here in the US. Hope that helps.

  49. Anshu says

    March 27, 2015 at 7:01 pm

    Hey these are beautiful. Do you sell them somewhere?

    • Julia says

      March 28, 2015 at 9:21 am

      Thanks and no I don’t sell them somewhere.

  50. shruti chalamani says

    May 7, 2015 at 8:17 am

    Hi Julia,

    Your work is just fascinating.

    • Julia says

      May 13, 2015 at 5:01 am

      Hi Shruti, sorry I didn’t see your comment. I was on a little vacation and things have been crazy around here. I would definitely use the peach color, red, yellow and maybe just a mint of purple and green. Good luck!

  51. Arael Seher says

    September 6, 2015 at 7:01 pm

    What is the name of the real paint you use in this tutorial? I love that color! Is the blue you use cobalt blue? Gorgeous art!

    • Julia says

      September 8, 2015 at 1:59 pm

      I’m so so try but I don’t have the tube anymore so I’m not sure what the name was.

  52. gissie says

    September 17, 2015 at 11:21 pm

    Thank you so , Ilove it

  53. Iowa says

    January 5, 2016 at 4:48 am

    Hi Julia, you have done a great job with this canvas, and with all the things you touch ๐Ÿ™‚ you really are great! I first saw your works in the summer of 2015 and since then, this canvas was haunting me, so i thought i should give it a try…
    Thanks for inspiring others !

    • Julia says

      January 5, 2016 at 8:12 am

      That is fantastic! I love how it turned out! Happy New year

  54. martha says

    April 25, 2016 at 7:36 am

    Hello
    I love your posts, specially this one
    I just have a question..
    Can I substitute the acrilyc paint for oil paint??
    thank u

    • Julia says

      April 25, 2016 at 7:43 am

      Sure you can, it just takes longer to dry

  55. Jana Behrens says

    July 10, 2016 at 9:03 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing! Very pretty and so inspiring!

    • Julia says

      July 12, 2016 at 11:43 am

      Thanks I’m glad you like it.

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Cuckoo4Design


I’m a German citizen living in the US who is cuckoo for all things DIY, design and pets. This is my design journey of our small home on a budget. Come stay a while and look around.

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