DIY Big Modern Wall Paintings

Sketch out an idea in advance if you like, or create a random design while you're working on the project. Select two saturated colors for your art that coordinate with your decor. For instance, bring out the orange and blue in a rug by using these two colors for your painting. Alternatively, use black-and-white paint to create a modern feel that will coordinate with any color scheme in your home.

Prepare your canvas by painting a light coating over the entire surface with a base color such as light to medium gray or soft white, or a saturated color such as yellow, so that the background of your painting does not have any areas of blank canvas. Let this dry for about two hours. Use a wide and dry brush and dip lightly into one of the colors and apply a few broad brushstrokes so that the texture of the paint streaks shows on the canvas. Don't worry about being exact, but rather aim to create a random design. It can be as simple as three lines of different lengths, one vertical and two horizontal, or create asymmetry by placing wide stripes on only one side of the canvas, allowing most of the surface to read as one block of color. Let the brushstrokes dry completely.

Apply another layer of wide brushstrokes in one other color, in random fashion as previously done. Partially layer over the previous brushstrokes, or fill in an unpainted area. Let the second layer dry. Using a smaller brush, add a few dry brushstrokes with a metallic paint such as silver or gold over the larger areas previously painted. Let this final layer dry. You can hang the canvas without a frame.