I was inspired to start painting again after I saw this post over at The New Domestic. I loved what they did and I knew I could do something similar fairly quickly and easily. While Nerissa and Peter chose to go with a grey and an orange-red, I knew I had to choose different colors for my space.
My living room is full of neutrals just like the rest of my house. That's how I like to keep all of the major pieces of a room (except paint in certain instances) and then add lots of color in the accessories. It allows me to make small changes from time to time that really change a room and I don't feel stifled by the colors of the major elements in a room. Anyway, there isn't much color in the living room yet. While we've been on operation paying off some debt, I haven't wanted to spend much on decorating.
After some thought on what colors would work since the living room is open to the dining room and kitchen, I chose to go with a dark red, a bright aqua and black. That color of aqua has been my favorite color as of late so I can't help but be drawn to it! Once I had the color scheme picked out, I was on a mission to get the supplies.
All in all, this art project was quite inexpensive. I did have to make a trip to a different craft supply store because 1/4" painters tape is not exactly common. I ended up having to use something called "Art Tape" that was located in the drafting section. I wasn't sure if it was going to work, but it did and for that I'm grateful. I had worries of having to paint precise white lines.
When I originally started this project, I only intended on doing a pair of paintings. They were finished fairly quickly and I definitely liked the result. I decided to treat the lines from one painting as the starting point for the other and I am glad that I did. The effect is wonderful when you're looking at them. The two paintings weren't enough though. The scale was off and it just didn't take up enough visual space, so I set out to make another one to make a trio and it really worked out for the best. I think the set of three, seen above, fits the scale of our furniture and of our house.
So what did I spend on these three paintings? I'll break it down for you.
Canvas: $16.49 (with one blank canvas free to be used)
Acrylic Paint: $15.38
Tape: $8.97
Varnish: $4.19
Brushes: $5.28 (hello, cheap brushes from Lowes)
Total Cost: $50.31
I know for a fact that if I tried to buy something of similar size and quality, it would have cost a lot more than that. I wouldn't have got back into painting had I not done the work myself, either. My husband just loves what I've done and I think it really makes a statement in the room. It adds a lot of color and adds some serious eye-candy to the room.
When it comes to art and decorating in my home, I'd much rather make something myself than buy it. Not only does it allow me a creative release, it also saves me money. This definitely helps me keep on track with my financial goals. What do you prefer to make rather than buy?
