8.31.2010

making our own, pagoda style...

Would you like to see a wall in my living room? 


It isn't very exciting is it?  I know.  Something is missing.  I've been keeping my eye out for just the right piece of artwork to put on this plain concrete block wall for 2 years.  The main problem (other than I am a tad picky) is that it has to be big and that usually means mucho expensive.  The wall is 12 feet high and the room is quite large.  I wanted a statement piece instead of a grouping.  The size painting we decided on (see the blue tape above) is 4'x6'. 

Bring on the do it ourselves artwork.   First we bought a giant roll of canvas - Michaels with a 40% coupon!


Then Andrew Henry built a wooden frame to attach said canvas to (my man is VERY handy)...



We watched a "how-to" video on the internet, found we needed a stretcher tool thingy and some paints (more Michaels 40% coupons) and here we go...



You are going to have to wait to see the finished product because obviously we aren't done yet.  This is the part where I should mention something.  Possibly the important part of the project.  Neither Andrew Henry nor I know how to paint.  We have never painted anything other than a wall.  I can't draw (he's not so bad) and we know nothing about oil paint or any of this - wait I think we got acrylic paint, the kind you can wash with water (see what we're working with).  We don't actually even own a paintbrush but we're diving right in because this is our year of adventure (I'll explain that in another post).  Should be VERY interesting.  I figure we knew nothing about how to build a house before we started and it turned out okay so how bad could it be right?

Ha, famous last words.

My question today is - on a scale of 1-10, where are your drawing skills?

Don't forget to enter the necklace giveaway over at Emily A. Clark!

19 comments:

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Good Morning Sweetie...
Oh I cannot wait to see what the two of you have come up with? I know it will be wonderful. What a great idea to do one yourself.

I see all the paints laying out, couldn't tell what colors, but it appears to be many. Yeah the wall of many colors.

I'll be waiting. In the meantime you two have fun, and have a gorgeous day sweet friend.

Country hugs, Sherry

Maria said...

Have an undergrad degree that included many, many, many drawing, painting, color theory, weaving,(you get the picture) classes. And, I have been teaching my boys to draw simple things for a while - so that forces you to break things down to their most basic form and as a by-product, your own skills improve. I also seem to have a knack for 3 dimensional types of art (must have been those sculpture classes). Currently making a paper-mache masterpiece (ha, ha) for the boys. All that said - I'm maybe a 7 - but we have to lump in all of those amazing professional artists - so maybe I'm really lower than that.

I think your painting will be awesome! There is no right and wrong in creative expression (look at your jewelry creations!)I CAN NOT wait to see it!

Reya Mellicker said...

My drawing skills suck, even though once upon a time I earned a B.F.A. in painting.

Everyone knows how to paint! Can't wait to see what you come up with. Acrylics are better than oil. Oil is a commitment! With acrylics you can paint over and over the same thing until you get it "right."

Very cool!!

La Dolfina said...

I think this is very exciting!!!
I take my hat off to both of you and love your adventurous spirit. I on the other hand have no ability and to make matters worse, being the Virgo that I am, I hold myself back from going for it which is why I am so inspired by the two of you!!
I see a masterpiece in your future:)
xo

Jillian said...

Jeanette... you are one creative and inspiring woman.

My drawing skills would be more like a negative 5.

<3

KR said...

I'm looking forward to the finished creation! Such an undertaking, my hat is off to you both! I don't think I can rate my artistic ability, it's been quite some time since I have drawn or painted anything.

Silver Strands said...

WHAT??? I can't believe you left us hanging (so to speak) hehehhee ... looking forward to seeing the finished work!
oxoxo
Denalee

The Redhead Riter said...

I've been thinking about doing this too, but since my drawing skills are

ZERO

I was afraid to try. I'm very interested to see how yours turns out. If you do great, I will venture to give it a try too.

Anonymous said...

My great grandpa came to this country as an artist... I got zilch of his ability

jeanette from everton terrace said...

Nicole - not true you make beautiful cakes!

Laura said...

It's going to look amazing!! Can't wait to see the finished project!
My drawing skills? 3

Decor To Adore said...

I have always wanted to create my own canvas. I cannot wait to see your original art!

Dovecote Decor said...

My drawing skills are average, but after my last post of interior renderings, I long to draw and paint again. BTW, which chair were you dying over--the coif?
Liz

Becca. said...

love the idea of doing some art work, who can beat a bit of painting?!

XOXO, BECCA
www.fashion-train.co.uk

Brandywine said...

How exciting - a blank canvas - don't let all the possibilities stop your progress.

I love the rhythm and simplicity of the brick wall. So my painting would be a painting of that brick wall.

Can't wait to see your creation!

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

My drawing skills are not the skilly ;) Is that a word, I believe not, anyway, you know what I mean.
But I like the idea of having a big canvas ready for family and friends who will paint a little something on that canvas. That way you will get a precious big painting referring to lots of smiles, fun and memories.
Have a beautiful day, Jeanette. xxxx

Kathy Glynn said...

Can"t wait to see the final results!

Fire Byrd said...

Love both these two last posts. I have a nosey gene! and love to see how others live.
As for the painting, whatever you do on it it will be art, and created by you so therefore priceless. And Jackson Pollack made a fortune in his art!

Anonymous said...

is it ready yet? can we see it?