Modern Art Project

Have you seen those gold polka dots? They seem to be popping up everywhere, no pun intended. I’ve been seeing these for several months, maybe a year in fact and I’ve become smitten with them. This modern art is a little out of my style, but nonetheless, I’ve been drawn to anything that has those gold polka dots.

Before I go on, let me share where I was inspired by this project. My family and I were on a little road trip to Saugatuck Michigan. And while browsing in a store I came across a sweet little sign that said “Work Hard, Stay Humble, Be Kind”. I don’t know why that little sign inspired me but it totally did! It wasn’t gold, and didn’t have polka dots.

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But I was struck with the words and what they meant to me. After looking at the price tag I decided I could create my own modern art that would be more fitting and much less expensive.

This modern art project is super easy to make and you can create one very easily.

Supplies Needed-

• 9×12 canvas
• Decor Art Paint–  Metallic Vintage Brass, Metallic Pearl
• White Lace paint (Heirloom Traditions)
• Paint brush
• Craft paint brush
• Graphite transfer tracing paper
• Tracing tool
• Quote
• Glass of red wine or your chose of wine. This is totally optional 😉

First Step-

Before prepping your piece, take a sip of red wine. Now were ready to start painting and creating our modern art. To prep your canvas by painting your background. I wanted a washed golden look. To achieve this I dipped my paint brush into a little water, then brushed on a coat of White Lace. Once that was almost dry, but not quite, I again dipped my paint brush into water, then I slightly dipped my paint brush into the Vintage Brass paint and painted that on my canvas, using light and long brush strokes. I didn’t want a lot of color. I was going for a softer look. When that color was almost dry, but not quite, I again dipped my brush into water, then into Metallic Pearl, and using long and light strokes I applied that to my canvas.

Lettering-

First step take another sip of wine. Again this is totally optional, but it’s helpful. Especially while you’re waiting for your canvas to dry. Once your canvas is completely dry, it’s time to start tracing your letters for your modern art. I created my quote using fonts on my computer, then printed it out to the size I wanted.

I cut this out to make it easier to trace. Place your graphite tracing paper to your piece, carbon side down. Then place your quote on top. Decide where you want your quote to sit. You can place it in the middle, or slightly off angle. Do whatever you want.

Once you decide on where you want your quote, and it’s placed just right start tracing it, using your Tracing Tool. Make sure you don’t press too hard. If you do, that tool will make a hole in your canvas.

When you’re done tracing your canvas will look like this.

Now it’s time to start painting those letters.

Painting And Adding Polka Dots-

Using a small Craft Brush, and Vintage Brass paint, I started painting my letters  using DecoArt metallic Vintage Bronze. This took two coats of paint. Use a brush that’s smaller than your writing.

Once you’re done painting your letters it’s time for those cute gold polka dots to your modern art piece! Using that same paint Vintage Brass, create polka dots using your brush. You can use a Round Tipped craft brush or a Flat Tipped craft brush. Start by dipping your brush in a little paint, then make a C, after making a C, go back and make a backwards C. It’s an easy way to create a circle.  Don’t worry if it’s not perfect. Another way to make dots is to find a small rod that you can dip into the paint, then apply it to your piece. It’s like using a stamp.

Make sure that your polka dots are uneven and scattered. I applied some of mine on the edges too.

I decided not to add polka dots to my entire canvas. But do whatever makes your heart happy. Now that your finished, take another sip of wine and relax. You did it! See that wine does help with relaxing as you’re creating your art.

I haven’t decided where I’ll add this polka dot art just yet. I’ve been making lots of changes around here. I’m going from one project to the next, not in any order. As I finish, I’ll share the details.

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Shopping Guide For Supplies-

9 x 12 Canvas

Graphite tracing transfer paper

Tracing tool

Paint brush

Craft paint brushes

White Lace paint– *Use coupon code for 10% off WHITELACE*

Red wine