Easy Wall Art Ideas | Chapter Two: Watercolor Stripes

Welcome to Chapter Two in my series on Easy Wall Art Ideas. This is a fun series where I’m hoping to help you come up with solutions on what to hang on your walls, encourage you to make your own art, and save a few bucks too!

Watercolor is one of my favorite mediums! And these stripes are super easy to create. You don’t need to be a painter or even a little bit creative. You just may need to buy a few supplies and follow my instructions. The supplies are reasonably priced and easy to find – and maybe this could lead to your new hobby!?

For these watercolor stripes you’ll need the following materials (all from Michael’s but you could find these at any art supply store):

A basic watercolor paint set. I got mine at Michael’s for $5.99. Get a coupon and it’s even cheaper.

Watercolor paper. There are three different types of watercolor paper: hot press (smooth), cold press (beautiful texture) and rough (self explanatory). I suggest cold press paper and you can buy a full pad or just a single sheet.

A decent round paint brush.

You’ll also need a frame. I had an old 8″x10″ wood one that fit this look perfectly.

To be honest, I’m a beginner watercolor painter. I went to art school so I have some formal training but that was many, ahem, many years ago. But I’ve found that painting with watercolors can be fun and very therapeutic and the more you practice, the better it looks. I recently painted a watercolor calendar and several art prints that are all available in my Etsy shop. I’m getting there.

Painting these stripes are pretty simple but I suggest trying this technique out on a piece of scrap watercolor paper first. After you get the hang of it, cut your watercolor paper to fit your frame. Then get an idea of how many stripes you want – an odd number is always better in design. If you want to use a pencil, go very lightly because it doesn’t erase well after you paint.

When painting these stripes, I used this basic technique: I simply soaked my brush in water and added just a touch of paint. Then I brushed it across the paper. My brush had a lot of water on it – the paint pods were actually filled with water. This helps create the soft, flowing effect of the paint. Then go back over your stripe with another color or more of the same color. Watch the colors spread and blend together.

Continue painting your remaining stripes but don’t be too fussy with them. A little imperfection will only make this piece more unique!

When the paint dries it will look a little different since all the water and color settles into the beautiful texture of the paper.

Add a pretty frame – I loved the natural look of this wood one and it picks up some the colors in the stripes.

Now you have a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to hang on your wall, or lean it on a shelf like I did here. I love this solution since it requires no hammering or nail holes.

Stay tuned for more chapters in this Easy Wall Art Ideas Series next week. And if you missed Chapter One: Painted Cork Board – check that idea out here. Enjoy!