Easy and Creative DIY Abstract Art Ideas to Elevate Your Home Decor

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 8 min read

Looking for a fun and creative way to elevate your home decor? DIY abstract art is the perfect solution! Not only does it allow you to express your artistic side, but it also adds a unique and personal touch to your living space. In this blog, we'll explore five easy and creative DIY abstract art ideas that you can try at home. Let's get started!

Pour Painting

Pour painting is a popular and mesmerizing technique that involves pouring paint onto a surface, allowing it to flow and blend together in unpredictable ways. This technique results in stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces that are sure to catch the eye!

Materials Needed

To get started with pour painting, you'll need the following items:

Acrylic paints: Choose a variety of colors that you love and that work well together.
Pouring medium: This helps the paint flow more smoothly and can be purchased at any art supply store or made at home using a mixture of water and white glue.
Canvas or other surface: Any flat, non-porous surface will work, but canvas is a popular choice for its affordability and ease of use.
Cups and stir sticks: For mixing your paints and pouring medium.
Protective cover: To keep your workspace clean, lay down a plastic sheet or drop cloth.

Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare your workspace: Cover your work area with a protective cover to catch any paint drips.
Mix your paint: In separate cups, mix your chosen colors with the pouring medium, stirring well to ensure a smooth consistency.
Layer your paint: Pour your mixed paint colors into a single cup, layering them one at a time. You can experiment with the order and amount of paint to create different effects.
Pour the paint: Place your canvas on a flat surface and carefully pour the layered paint onto the canvas. You can pour in a straight line, a circular pattern, or any other design you like.
Spread the paint: Tilt your canvas in different directions to help the paint spread and mix, creating unique patterns and textures. Be careful not to over-tilt, as this can muddy your colors.
Let it dry: Set your canvas aside to dry for at least 24 hours. Once dry, your DIY abstract art masterpiece is ready to be displayed!

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips for making your pour painting experience even more enjoyable:

Get creative with additives: You can add silicone oil or hair serum to your paint mixture to create cells or interesting patterns in your painting.
Use a torch: Gently applying heat from a torch can help pop any air bubbles in your paint and create additional visual effects.
Experiment with pouring techniques: Try different pouring methods, such as the "dirty pour" (mixing all colors in one cup before pouring) or the "flip cup" (flipping the cup of paint upside down onto the canvas) to achieve a variety of results.

Now that you've mastered pour painting, it's time to explore other creative DIY abstract art techniques!

Geometric Designs

Geometric designs are another fantastic way to create eye-catching DIY abstract art. This approach involves using simple shapes and lines to form striking patterns that can be as minimalistic or as intricate as you desire. Let's dive into the world of geometric designs!

Choosing Colors

When it comes to geometric designs, the choice of colors can make a significant impact on the final result. Consider the following tips when selecting your color palette:

Keep it simple: Start with a limited number of colors, such as two or three, to create a clean and modern look.
Go bold: Choose contrasting colors for a more dramatic effect, or opt for complementary colors for a harmonious feel.
Experiment with shades: Use different shades of the same color for a more subtle and sophisticated design.

Creating Shapes

Once you've chosen your colors, it's time to create your geometric shapes. You can use a variety of tools and techniques to achieve clean, precise lines:

Painter's tape: Apply painter's tape to your canvas to create straight lines and crisp edges. Be sure to press the tape down firmly to prevent paint from seeping underneath.
Stencils: Use pre-made stencils or create your own to ensure consistent shapes throughout your design.
Freehand: If you have a steady hand and an eye for detail, you can always draw your shapes directly onto the canvas using a pencil or a paintbrush.

Arranging the Design

With your colors and shapes ready, it's time to arrange your geometric design on the canvas. Here are some ideas to help you create a visually appealing composition:

Repeat patterns: Create a sense of rhythm and unity by repeating the same shape or pattern throughout your design.
Balance and symmetry: Aim for a balanced composition by distributing your shapes evenly across the canvas. You can also experiment with symmetry by mirroring your design along a central axis.
White space: Don't be afraid to leave some areas of your canvas untouched. White space can help create a sense of balance and prevent your design from becoming too cluttered.

Once you're happy with your arrangement, go ahead and fill in your shapes with your chosen colors. Allow your DIY abstract art piece to dry, and you'll have a stunning geometric design to display in your home!

Mixed Media Collage

Another exciting way to create DIY abstract art is by experimenting with mixed media collage. This technique involves combining various materials and textures to create a unique and visually engaging composition. Let's explore the world of mixed media collage and learn how to make your own masterpiece.

Gathering Materials

The first step in creating a mixed media collage is gathering a variety of materials to include in your artwork. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Paper: Use different types of paper, such as magazine pages, old book pages, tissue paper, or even scraps of wallpaper.
Fabric: Incorporate fabric scraps, ribbons, or lace to add texture and dimension to your piece.
Found objects: Look around your home or go for a walk to collect small objects like buttons, bottle caps, or leaves that can be incorporated into your art.
Paint and other art supplies: Use acrylic paint, watercolor, pastels, or even markers to add color and visual interest to your collage.

Assembling the Collage

With your materials gathered, it's time to arrange them on your canvas or substrate. Follow these steps to create a well-balanced and visually appealing composition:

Choose a focal point: Select one or two larger items or areas of color to serve as the primary focus of your collage.
Arrange your materials: Start by placing your focal point(s) on the canvas, and then build around them with your other materials. Experiment with different arrangements until you find one that feels balanced and harmonious.
Secure your materials: Once you're happy with your arrangement, use glue, mod podge, or another adhesive to attach your materials to the canvas. Be sure to press down firmly to ensure a strong bond.

Adding Focal Points

As a final touch, consider adding one or more focal points to your mixed media collage. These can be areas of bold color, interesting patterns, or added texture that draw the viewer's eye. Here are some ideas to create focal points:

Layering: Build up layers of paper, fabric, or paint to create depth and visual interest.
Stencils and stamps: Use stencils or rubber stamps to add patterns or images to your collage.
Hand-lettering: Write or paint words, phrases, or quotes that hold personal meaning or complement the theme of your artwork.

Once your focal points are in place and your adhesive has dried, your mixed media collage is complete! Enjoy your new DIY abstract art piece and the unique touch it adds to your home decor.

Texture Exploration

Ready to dive into the world of texture? Texture exploration is a fantastic way to create DIY abstract art that truly stands out. By using various textured mediums and tools, you can create visually captivating pieces that invite the viewer to touch and explore. Let's discover how to create your own textured abstract artwork.

Using Textured Mediums

There are numerous textured mediums available that can add depth and interest to your abstract art. Here are some popular options:

Modeling paste: A thick, opaque paste that can be applied with a palette knife or brush to create raised textures and patterns.
Gesso: A white, thick primer that can be applied to your canvas and then manipulated to create texture before painting.
Sand or other natural materials: Mixing sand, small pebbles, or even ground coffee into your paint can add an interesting and unexpected texture to your artwork.

Experimenting with Tools

Another way to create texture in your DIY abstract art is by using different tools to apply and manipulate your paint. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Palette knives: Use a palette knife to spread paint thickly on your canvas, creating peaks and valleys of color.
Brushes: Experiment with different types of brushes to create varied textures. For example, use a fan brush to create soft, feathery strokes, or a stiff bristle brush for more aggressive, textured marks.
Unconventional tools: Look around your home for everyday items that can be used to create interesting textures. Examples include bubble wrap, plastic forks, or even an old toothbrush.

Layering Texture

One of the keys to creating intriguing DIY abstract art is layering texture. By building up layers of paint and other materials, you can create a sense of depth and complexity in your artwork. Here are some tips for successful layering:

Start with a base layer: Apply a thin layer of paint or textured medium to your canvas as a foundation for your other layers.
Add additional layers: As your base layer dries, build up additional layers of paint, textured medium, or other materials. Experiment with different thicknesses and application techniques to achieve a variety of textures.
Allow for drying time: Be patient and allow each layer to dry before adding the next one. This will prevent colors from blending together and help to maintain the integrity of your textures.

With your layers complete and your textures looking fantastic, your textured abstract artwork is ready to be displayed! Embrace the tactile world of texture exploration and enjoy the dynamic DIY abstract art you've created.

Acrylic Ink Splatter

Looking for a fun and energetic way to create DIY abstract art? Acrylic ink splatter is an exciting technique that can add movement and spontaneity to your artwork. By experimenting with different inks and splatter techniques, you can create eye-catching, dynamic pieces. Let's dive into the colorful world of acrylic ink splatter.

Selecting Inks

When choosing acrylic inks for your splatter art, consider the following factors:

Color selection: Pick a color palette that complements your home decor or simply choose your favorite hues.
Opacity: Some acrylic inks are more transparent than others, allowing you to create interesting layered effects by splattering multiple colors on top of each other.
Permanence: Ensure that the inks you choose are permanent and lightfast to keep your artwork looking vibrant for years to come.

Splatter Techniques

There are various methods you can use to create splatter effects in your DIY abstract art. Here are some techniques to try:

Flicking: Dip a brush or palette knife into your ink and flick your wrist to release droplets onto the canvas.
Blowing: Place a small puddle of ink on your canvas and use a straw to blow the ink, creating a spray of color.
Gravity: Hold your canvas at an angle, allowing the ink to drip and splatter down the surface.

Feel free to mix and match these techniques or come up with your own unique method for splattering ink.

Finishing Touches

Once you're satisfied with your splattered masterpiece, consider adding some final touches to elevate your DIY abstract art:

Outline shapes: Use a fine brush or pen to outline some of the splatters, creating a sense of structure and intention within the chaos.
Add metallic accents: Use metallic acrylic ink or paint to add a touch of shimmer and shine to your artwork.
Seal your work: Protect your finished piece with a clear varnish or sealant to ensure its longevity.

With your acrylic ink splatter art complete, you now have a vibrant, energetic piece of DIY abstract art to enhance your home decor. Enjoy the process and have fun experimenting with this lively technique!

If you're excited to try your hand at creating your own unique nail art, don't miss Rachael Mangal's workshop, "Affordable DIY Abstract Nail Art Tutorial." This workshop will guide you through the process of creating stunning abstract nail designs on a budget, allowing you to express your creativity and impress your friends with your newfound skills.