This week’s craft project has me skeered, I’m not going to lie. For the past month and a half I’ve had fun doing a simple and quick crafty thing each week, like making a fall wreath, stenciling a pillow, painting baskets, decorating pumpkins & gourds, making vacation keepsake globes, and taking ceramic paint for a spin on a bowl full of colorful cacti. Each of those projects took under an hour, and they were pretty easy and straightforward (paint this, wrap this around that, caulk this) – so I don’t know what got into me this week and whispered “how about painting a little portrait of your first house?”
It easily took me five times as long as any other Weekly Crafty project that I’ve tackled, but I’m nervous about it. I don’t know, it’s kinda cute and simple and John really likes it (and if you see where it started – woof! – well, it came a long way) but it’s a far cry from those amazing house portraits on Etsy. This blog has always been about sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly though, so here’s how it all went down…
First of all, it’s a 10 x 10″ canvas from JoAnn (snagged during one of their 50% off sales for $4) and I used a set of acrylic paints that I already had, but I think if you need to buy one it’s around $12 at most art/craft stores (unless it’s priced higher at a place like JoAnn since they assume you’ll use a 50% off coupon).
By far the most fun slash cringe-worthy part is watching the progression of this little painting of mine. Here’s a “slideshow” of sorts with ten shots that I snapped as it went – many of which make me groan out loud – but I was channeling Dori pretty much the entire time. “Just keep swimming painting, just keep swimming painting.”
I thought a breakdown of each step might be helpful in case anyone was wondering how I “built” the portrait in about ten different layers/stages, so…
- Step 1: I quickly spread some green paint on the bottom and some blue on the top, just for a base coat for the grass and the sky. They both felt too bright and primary for me, but I thought it was fine for the base, knowing I’d be layering paint on top of it as I went.
- Step 2: I stared at an old picture of our house and then just tried to transfer the shape of the house onto the canvas, capturing the general perspective, and including the chimneys and stuff. I ended up hating how brown/dark it was, but again, I knew I’d be layering more paint on top of it as I went, so I tried not to freak out.
- Step 3: I added the roof in black and some red paint on top of the original brick color I had chosen to de-brown it. I also outlined the edges with a thin line of black, just to give it a little dimension.
- Step 4: I used black paint to add the shutters, the chimney caps, and the lattice thing after I was sure all the red paint was dry (there was about an hour-long break just to avoid any smearing). Oh and for every single step of this portrait I used one brush, which I cleaned throughout the process. It has a nice flat tip, so I could get some good lines for things like the shutters and the lattice just by using the edge of it, so that kept things nice and simple. Although I did think about Bob Ross and his happy little fan brush. Oh Bob Ross, you were such a stud.
- Step 5: With a few shades of green paint, I added the bushes on the sides of the house, and the trees. I just sort of mixed some colors up to get a few different tones (some darker, and some lighter) to hopefully achieve something that looked a little less flat than using all one color.
- Step 6: Next I added all of the white details, so that meant the porch and the window ledges. This is when I realized I hadn’t even accounted for the porch in the roof-line, so I extended it and gave the roof a lighter layer of paint. I also lightened up the neon-ish grass that I started with by mixing a lot of white into a few green globs of paint.
- Step 7: After lightening the grass, I thought it was time to lighten up the trees and bushes, so those got the same treatment. Oh and I was just mixing all of my colors on an old plate and dabbing them on paper towels.
- Step 8: I finally added the two trees in front of the house on the left side, and since I had some gray-brown paint on my brush, I just played around with it on a few other surfaces (like the roof, the trees, the bushes, etc)…
- Step 9: … but it looked dirty and muddled to me, so I layered more light green onto the bushes and trees and realized that a lot of times the roof reflects the greenery around it, so I took some artistic license and made that an even lighter green tone. It seemed a lot more harmonious than the stark white did, so I decided that adding a little tint of color, even to the porch, would make it fit into the scene a little better.
- Step 10: Here’s where I went dot crazy. I thought that it would be fun to use the back of the paintbrush to make some little elevated dots on the bushes in front of the house since they were white azaleas. And when I did it, I loved the look so much…. that I went a little nuts. Before I knew it, I had added them to all the other bushes and even did dark green dots on the tree behind the house. BAD! So I quickly painted those dark dots out of the tree, and left just the ones in the bushes (and a few in the grass) that I thought were sweeter.
Then I stared at it for a good ten minutes and finally said “I’m calling it done.” All told, it was probably five hours of painting (spread across three days) and for the most part I really enjoyed the process. There was something comforting about knowing that I could always just add another layer of paint over something if I didn’t like how it turned out. It was like a challenge with endless do-overs.
After I was sure I was finished, I just let it dry for a good 24 hours and then I realized I should seal it, so I emailed an artist friend of mine and asked what she uses on top of her acrylic paintings to make them glossy and finished looking.
She clued me in on Liquitex High Gloss Varnish, which I think I vaguely remember using years ago in college, so I grabbed some at Michaels (yes, predictably with a 50% off coupon) for about $9 I think, and applied three thin and even coats about four hours apart. I was surprised this stuff was so much money ($18 regular price for a small size) but it’s really thin – sort of like poly – so a small bottle like this could easily last you 30+ paintings. So now that I have it I just have to try not to lose it. And to try and drum up the confidence to paint something else…
Here it is all hung up in a corner of the office. John has been earning mad husband points by saying it looks really nice there, but I think it would look better paired with another painting… maybe of our second house if I ever get the urge to dive back in and make one.
When I peer a little closer, that’s when I say “this is kinda cute” so I thought I’d toss in a little detail shot for you. I debated painting the sides of the canvas white or green or even charcoal but in the end I wrapped the image around the side by just continuing the sky/trees/bushes/grass, which I think ended up being a good call.
So that’s the story of my crafty house portrait pursuit this week. Upon further reflection, I think I wish I had done the middle tree behind the house in the lighter green tone and the two on the outside in the slightly darker green color. That might have looked a little more like the house had kind of a halo of lightness with the darker things on the outside edges.
Have any of you guys attempted a house portrait? Was it with paint? Mixed media like fabric or decorative paper? Did you do something in photoshop with one of those filters like watercolor? Or did you shoot a portrait with your camera and get it all framed up and matted nicely?
Sapphira says
Such a beautiful painting! I think painting the other two houses is a great idea! I think it would also be a sweet homemade Christmas gift for family and friends (but painting their houses instead of your own). If somebody gave me a painting of my house like this I would drop dead! And then I would come back to life so that I could put it on display.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love that!
xo
s
andrea @ my kinda perfect says
you did a fantastic job, sherry! it’s funny, i’m actually sharing some of my own paintings on my blog today (with a little blogiversary week giveaway!)!! i haven’t mustered up the guts to try a scene like you did, but i have a lot of fun painting and tweaking as i go! =)
YoungHouseLove says
Love that! And you should totally give a scene a try! It’s sort of fun to have a photo to keep staring at (and squinting and staring at again, haha).
xo
s
Susan says
I think it’s darling…I also think it would be cute to hang the plate you used as your pallet over the painting-S
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a fun idea! Sadly I washed it off!
xo
s
Rosemarie says
Really cute painting! You might want to give oil painting a try someday. I know it can be a giant pain to wait for all the layers to dry but I feel that oils give a really nice depth of color where acrylic can be sort of flat.
YoungHouseLove says
I used to love oils! I’d love to get back to them sometime!
xo
s
Teddi says
You are such a talented painter! I understand why you felt scared to post this though, coming from a fellow artist who dabbles in a little bit of everything, it’s really unnerving to show people your art when it feels very personal to you. But anyways, I love the painting! Great job! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Teddi!
xo
s
Emily F says
Super cute!!!! I’m jealous of your painting skills, Sherry! And it’s definitely not one of those Etsy prints* – It’s soooo much better!! It’s your beautiful interpretation of your house. And it’s awesome! :)
*I feel like I need a disclaimer here so I don’t hurt any feelings… The Etsy prints are gorgeous and those people are super talented. And I’m jealous of their skills too! :) But yours is extra special because it’s yours. :)
Karen says
So sweet! And a great way to remember a special place.
When my parents sold their house of 40+ years I made them a picture of it out of fabric. It was so much fun to have an excuse to contemplate every little detail.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40668771@N03/10856426245/lightbox/
YoungHouseLove says
OH MY GOSH! It’s amazing and SO creative! Love it.
xo
s
Theresa says
“Happy trees!”
YoungHouseLove says
Love me some happy little trees!
xo
s
Whitney Dupuis says
This is precious!!! I so love it!
Shannon says
You’re so brave! I think it turned out wonderful, especially for one of your first attempts. I never would have known you haven’t ever attempted painting houses before.
How are those cacti doing by the way? I seem to send all my poor succulents and house plants to an early grave. I just over-care for them I guess.
YoungHouseLove says
The cacti are doing great! I am just completely ignoring them. Leaving them in the sun and not watering them or anything! I’m just going to let them get dry to the touch and then think about giving them a tiny sprinkle, but the feedback seemed to be “ignore them and let them get really dry and then when they do, don’t overwater!” – so far, so good.
xo,
s
Heather says
I like it! Back away and don’t look at it for a while and you’ll realize how great it is! Such a sweet little painting of a place you loved.
erin says
looks great!! thanks for sharing this cute project.
Laura & the Shell says
It came out great, Sherry!! I understand being nervous to debut a painting for all the internets to see, but I’m glad you did. You should definitely do the 2nd house too. It would make such a charming pair!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Laura!
xo
s
Laura S says
It’s charming. I can’t tell if you signed and dated it. It’s an heirloom for Clara, lucky girl.
YoungHouseLove says
I didn’t sign and date it but you guys are making me want to go back in and do that. Might be cracking the paints again sooner than I thought!
xo
s
Sarah says
I love it! It’s something you will cherish down the road because its personal and made with love. I have a painting my dad did when he was 8 of our gaga’s house (his grandmother, my great). The story goes it was a rainy day and he was bored so she gave him a Manila envelope and told him to paint what he saw. It’s one of my favorite “paintings” on my walls. Maybe one day this will be in Clara’s dorm room or first home she owns :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s such a sweet story!
xo
s
Tatiana says
I think it’s great, something to cherish. Thank you for sharing, not having my own house, left me inspired to try painting the house of my dear grandma, where I spent my entire childhood.
YoungHouseLove says
So sweet! I’d love to see a picture!
xo
s
Heather (Laptops to Lullabies) says
This looks SO CUTE, and now I really want to make one, too. I think making small paintings of my mom’s house, in-laws’ house, grandparents’ house, etc. would make really nice gifts, if I can swing it!
I think you should paint your next two houses, too — seeing them in a series would be YHL gallery-worthy!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Heather! I’d love to see your paintings if you make them!
xo
s
Haley says
Looks good. I’ve been staring at a blank canvas on the wall for a month or two (yes, I hung up a blank canvas among other ones to try and motivate myself) and i think I might finally paint our house on it.
YoungHouseLove says
Woot! Do it!
xo
s
Jihane says
It’s an adorable idea and an adorable painting. I love how it looks in the corner of the office, next to the plant. I have a similar problem when I paint: I’m often paralysed by the idea that it’s gonna be ugly or ridiculous, and these fears can ruin the pleasure of simply painting… You’ve been brave to share the result AND the process with us and you should be proud of you.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Jihane! You guys are all so sweet. We’re all our own worst critics I think.
xo
s
Tatiana says
*And I also think you should do a triptych, with your first, second and third houses. I would be awesome!!
Thanks again, sorry about the multiple comments, I forgot to mention this idea.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Tatiana!
xo
s
Alison B says
Really cute!
I painted a house portrait for my in-laws last Christmas since they had recently moved out of the “family” home. I grew up painting but was out of practice so I can relate to the nervousness and frustration! In the end it was more cartoon like than I had envisioned it when I started, but they loved it. We are our worst critics!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s so true!
xo
s
Laura says
I love house portraits, and I think your’s looks great! Thanks for the tutorial and confidence booster. Both my husband’s parents and my mom have sold the houses we grew up in, and I would love to try my hand at painting a portrait of those houses for each of them (or at least us…).
YoungHouseLove says
I’d love to see how it turns out Laura!
xo
s
Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats says
Looove this!! It’s really cute!! :)
Ali says
Aw Sherry it looks great! I agree with previous commenters that we are always our hardest critics when it comes to things like this, but if someone else had done it for you, you would think it was the best picture ever. It’s sort of like cooking… Always tastes better when someone else makes it, especially if it’s someone you love. :)
Helene Stenstadvold says
I found a gorgeous appartement in a beautiful old tree-house from 1880. It’s really cheap and it’s in a bad state (wich means its P-e-r-f-e-c-t for my restless mind).
Too bad I’m only 17!!
Aaaah, by reading your blog I just want to renovate something! Tear out all the ugly furniture (black stress-less chairs and crazy amounts of yellow wood, “home” “love” (and all the above) on the walls, and black leather couches)from all Norwegian homes… I BLAME YOU!! haha, I guess I can start with my familys house. Can’t wait to get (and renovate) a place on my own!
Hugs and Kisses from Helene Stenstadvold :)
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Helene that’s so sweet! I can’t wait for you to get a place to renovate! You’re going to have so much fun!
xo
s
janice says
your talent knows no bounds!!!
Mia says
An alternative for a grouping could be something from the backyard (the arch in your wedding) and from the inside (the cozy den or large dog statue in the LR)on smaller canvases.
YoungHouseLove says
So sweet!
xo
s
Lesley | Artsy Forager says
It can be so intimidating to go back to a skill you once had but feel like you’ve lost ( painting is the same for me! ). But I think you got right back into the swing! Your painting is completely charming. I love the perspective of seeing the house from behind those two trees and all the little azalea “dots” totally make the painting. Love it!
I agree with all those who have suggested you need to do paintings for houses 2 & 3 next!
Congrats on taking a scary step towards painting again!
Casey says
Hi Sherry, I really love your painting! It’s so sweet and wrapping the image was a great call, I’m gonna remember that for next time I paint on a canvas.
To answer the comment question, I actually also recently did a portrait of our house but on photoshop (first time using it so I was scared, but I love how it turned out!)
Here’s our first little home:
http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy153/dftbacasey/house_zps28abb666.png
YoungHouseLove says
SO charming! I love it!
xo
s
lizkayl says
That’s a very cute picture!
I think it’s best that you did do the center tree darker- it contrasts better with the roof. Otherwise, the roof may have blended in more and not pop like it does!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Lizkayl!
xo
s
Jessica says
Love it! You should not have been nervous about posting this, it looks awesome! And I love the idea of doing your other two houses and maybe even a whole wall of houses from your childhood and John’s.
Speaking of crafty stuff, does anyone know where I could get a memory quilt made out of my husband’s old t-shirts? I couldn’t convince him to part with them so I figured a blanket was the next best option. I’m not skilled enough to do it myself. I’m in the RVA area. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
I love that idea! Anyone have ideas or tips for Jessica?
xo
s
GreenInOC says
Etsy!!
GreenInOC says
Ooops, hit submit too soon.
Here’s the results from a “t-shirt memory quilt” search on Etsy:
https://www.etsy.com/search?q=t-shirt%20memory%20quilt&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US
Megan says
Never used them, but looks like they’d be good. :)
http://www.projectrepat.com/
GreenInOC says
I totally noticed the painted sides and I say awesome call.
The only thing wrong with it in my opinion is that it isn’t signed! Your kids and grandkids one day will really get a kick out of the fact that Mom/Nonna made it!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks!
xo
s
Amanda says
When my now husband and I were in high school, he painted me a portrait of a house in the country with a big porch. He knew how much I love houses and dreaming about houses (and still do). He is a professional artist now, but was just a kid in high school art class then. It is nonetheless one of my favorite possessions. Your adorable piece reminds me of it. Thanks for the warm fuzzies.
YoungHouseLove says
Love that story!
xo
s
Kathleen says
So cute!
Courtney K says
I love it! You did such a great job. (And I’m so happy to see you painting!)
Anne says
Aw, Sherry, I think it’s great. You should totally do house #2. It would be such nice start to a vignette featuring your homes. Ooooh, now, doesn’t make you wonder what else you could put in a “former homes” vignette? House numbers? Street names?
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a really fun idea! Old keys and street names and house numbers and photos and other little keepsakes would be so much fun in a grouping with a few paintings!
xo
s
Denise says
It looks amazing in the office and you must definitely paint a portrait of the second house and the third when you are ready.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Denise!
xo
s
Bailey says
What a fun project! This came out super cute!
Bailey
Shannon says
Sherry, I’m in love with this sweet painting of yours! I’m so inspired to pain all of a sudden! I adore the last detail shot. The way you made the painting wrap around the sides of the canvas gives it such a finished and fun look.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Shannon! Happy painting!
xo
s
Isabel says
I think you did a great job! You should definitely be proud and don’t underestimate yourself! I know it’s hard not to. I’ve danced all my life and to this day I cringe every time I watch any of my performances. I feel the same about a lot of the scrapbook stuff I do. But I love doing both things so I enjoy and cherish the moment. Maybe your dad didn’t love the drawing he sent you when he first did it but I’m sure you treasure it, as Clara and the future bean will treasure this one. But you shouldn’t stop at one, you don’t want the kids fighting over it when they’re older ;-)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Isabel! It’s so true that we’re our own worst critics sometimes.
xo
s
Chitra says
My brother is renovating our childhood home which my dad built
35 years ago…What a great idea to paint the old house and gift it! Now I have to find an artist who can do that lol!
Thanks
~chitra
Nikole says
Now that is adorable! You should definitely do the other two houses. They would look so cute together! I love the color combination and the azaleas are to die for cute. Wish I had that kind of talent!
Caity says
Echoing everyone else’s comments…this is so charming! I love how sentimental and sweet it is. You did a wonderful job!!
Adrianne D. says
I think it’s cute!
I’ve done a few for gifts in colored pencil. Paint scares me! ;-) I haven’t done my house yet. You’ve inspired me.
John says
Looks great! Glad the electrical tape remained out of sight.
Just add a description on the back of it for the future grandkids.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! Thanks John!
xo
s
Katie says
I LOVE it!!! It looks so cute in your office and is the perfect addition. I also love that you decorate for yourselves and not other people. :)
Lisa says
Very cute!
Next time you can try using some graphite paper – also from Michaels/Hobby Lobby it’s kind of like carbon paper – take a photo, make a black & white copy (blow up or shrink to fit your canvas) tape the photo & the graphite paper to your canvas and trace.
It’s like a big homemade paint by number – and the black & white copy really helps with figuring out shading.
Keep painting!
YoungHouseLove says
So smart!
xo
s
Julie says
I love it, great job!
Lisa says
Whoops, almost forgot – sign the front & maybe put the date/address of the place on the back
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Lisa!
xo
s
Mamaw says
I love it. Love wrapping the art around the sides of the canvas. I’ve got a friend who does this for a living and have thought about commissioning her to paint a picture of our house, but secretly yearn to do it myself. You just gave me the inspiration to give it a try. Thanks for the progression shots. That really helps me see it step-by-step.
YoungHouseLove says
So glad those helped! It was fun to make that little slideshow of the process! I forgot how I did things (and in what order) so I’m glad I shot those pics as I went! Happy painting!
xo
s