Learn how to make DIY abstract art on canvas with just a few simple supplies for less than $25!
The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.
Robert Wyland
I fell in love with the color turquoise while standing by the ocean. The shifting bands of blue and green, the way light plays across the waves — that palette became my inspiration and my happy place.
It felt fitting to bring that ocean mood into my living room, so I painted a large abstract canvas in shades of turquoise, blue, and white. The result looks like a high-end gallery piece, but this was a quick, inexpensive DIY.
A little background: for a couple of years I had been eyeing a slender console table I loved. We already owned an older family table that worked fine, but it didn’t feel like the perfect match for the space under our gallery wall. When I finally saved my birthday money and sold the old table, the new console arrived and looked just right.
After the new table was in place, I started to rethink the gallery wall above it. The original arrangement was a mismatch of frames collected over time — white, black, wood, and clipped frames — and I wanted something more cohesive. I also wanted a large piece of artwork to anchor the vignette. Rather than buy something expensive, I followed a simple abstract technique and made my own canvas for around $22.
I shopped smart: the paint was on sale and I used a coupon for the canvas. If you’re on a tight budget, look for discounts at local craft stores or use smaller canvases that still make an impact when grouped or layered.
What You’ll Need to Make DIY Abstract Art
- Paint — I used a mix of turquoise and ocean-inspired hues along with white and a touch of raw umber for depth. Examples of colors I used: Raw Umber, Kelly Green, Ivory White, Skyline, Baby Blue, Jamaican Sea, and Sea Breeze.
- Paper plate — for mixing small amounts of paint.
- Brush — I used a 3/4″ fine painting brush, but any flat or angled brush will work.
- Canvas — mine is 24″ x 36″, but choose a size that fits your space.
That’s all you need — just paint, a brush, and a canvas.
How to Make DIY Abstract Art
Follow these simple steps and embrace experimentation. Abstract art is forgiving — you can layer, blend, and redo areas until the piece feels right.
1. Plan your flow. Decide whether you’ll work from the top down or bottom up. The easiest approach is to paint one horizontal band at a time, moving across the canvas. Don’t try to block out every color in advance on the canvas — you’ll want wet paint to blend smoothly.
2. Keep the paint wet while blending. Mix colors on a paper plate or directly on the canvas. Work quickly so edges blend naturally; if paint dries, blending becomes harder. Use a clean, slightly damp brush to soften transitions if needed.
3. Build layers and refine. I started with a lighter, white-heavy version, then toned it down with more color. If you don’t like a section, paint over it while it’s still tacky or once it dries. Just be aware that touching up dried paint can be noticeable — sometimes that adds character, but plan touch-ups carefully.
4. Paint the edges. I painted the sides of the canvas so it looks finished even without a frame. If you want a more polished presentation, you can add a simple floating frame later.
The beauty of abstract pieces like this is the freedom: there’s no right or wrong. Blend, layer, step back and assess, and keep working until the composition feels balanced. Small variations and visible brushwork make the piece unique.
I love how the finished canvas echoes the motion and colors of the sea. It anchors the new console table beautifully and sets the tone for styling the rest of the space. If you try this project, adjust colors and scale to fit your room — turquoise and ocean tones pair especially well with warm woods, brass accents, and white walls.
Have you made DIY art before? How did it turn out?
More posts you might like:
- Photo Gallery Wall in the Living Room — see how my abstract art looks now
- 5 Simple Gallery Wall Ideas
- How High to Hang Pictures — top tips for the best placement
