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How to paint a vibrant abstract 4-in-1 piece of artwork

In this guide I take you through the steps to create some artwork that can be hung as a single piece, or separated and hung individually or as a grouping of three or four pieces

10
STEPS
TOOLS

I found these Martha Stewart fine tip tops at Walmart.  The toothpicks and toothbrush are for cleaning these tops after using them

I found these Martha Stewart fine tip tops at Walmart. The toothpicks and toothbrush are for cleaning these tops after using them

To begin, give each canvas two coats of white paint.  When dry, tape the sides of each individual canvas in order  to protect paint and give a neat border.

To begin, give each canvas two coats of white paint. When dry, tape the sides of each individual canvas in order to protect paint and give a neat border.

Run your finger along the edges of the tape closest to the painting surface to protect paint from bleeding under the tape.

Lay your canvasses out together and tape the sides to hold them in place.  I just taped the sides where two canvasses met.  Then tape your pattern, treating it as a single piece.

Lay your canvasses out together and tape the sides to hold them in place. I just taped the sides where two canvasses met. Then tape your pattern, treating it as a single piece.

Always remember to run your finger along tape edges. Doing this will save you time having to repaint areas where paint has gotten under the tape.

Paint the exposed surface , giving second and/or third coats if necessary for good coverage.

Paint the exposed surface , giving second and/or third coats if necessary for good coverage.

When paint is dry, gently remove tape.  You might feel like ripping off the tape like you might rip off a bandage.  DON'T Do IT.  Take your time.  This is the most exciting step!

When paint is dry, gently remove tape. You might feel like ripping off the tape like you might rip off a bandage. DON'T Do IT. Take your time. This is the most exciting step!

Remove tape from the sides of each individual canvas

Remove tape from the sides of each individual canvas

Check your paintin to see if you need to make any repairs

Check your paintin to see if you need to make any repairs

Seems I had trouble with the orange paint.  Just tape and paint the white area to repair.

Seems I had trouble with the orange paint. Just tape and paint the white area to repair.

You may be happy with your painting as it is.  If so, skip the next step and  go ahead and hang it or give to your Mom (you can always make another for yourself)

You may be happy with your painting as it is. If so, skip the next step and go ahead and hang it or give to your Mom (you can always make another for yourself)

I like to live dangerously and this IS a scarey step.  Put the fine tips on your craft paint bottles and paint  some swirls across all four canvasses

I like to live dangerously and this IS a scarey step. Put the fine tips on your craft paint bottles and paint some swirls across all four canvasses

If I decide to hang the canvasses separately, the swirls of colour will help to unify a grouping. This painting is titled, "🎶Good Morning!🎶"

Give your painting(s) a couple of coats of acrylic sealer to protect it.

You can now decide whether to hang your work as one piece, or  you can now decide on a configuration you would like for hanging your work

You can now decide whether to hang your work as one piece, or you can now decide on a configuration you would like for hanging your work

I hope you give it a try. It's a fun way to spend a few hours exercising your own creativity.

Aly sent me some photos of paintings she had created using a taped background for her stencilling.  She has allowed me to share the painting(s) above and on thefollowing pages.

Aly sent me some photos of paintings she had created using a taped background for her stencilling. She has allowed me to share the painting(s) above and on thefollowing pages.

Tap to see a larger view.

Tap to see a larger view.

Thanks for sharing, Aly!

Thanks for sharing, Aly!

  • 4 small canvasses
  • Painter's tape
  • Paint brushes
  • Craft paints in your choice of colours
  • 3 containers of water
  • Fine tip tops to fit the craft paint bottles
  • Paper towel or old rags
  • Newspaper or plastic to protect work surface
  • Toothpicks or paper clips and old toothbrush