Updated Thrift Store Art

14 August

Welcome to day four's 7 Days of Thrift Shop Flips project!


The thrift stores are full of affordable artwork in the form of original paintings and prints. If you get lucky, you can find a beautiful piece for your home but the rest of it can be pretty ugly or just dated.


Today I want to show you one way that you can update dated thrift store art and at the end of this post, I'll share a few other ideas I have!


Updated Thrift Store Art



Updated Thrift Store Art

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission which helps keep my blog up and running but it won't cost you a penny more)! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.


If you missed the first three projects in this series, you can check them out here:


Upcycled Nightlight

Repurposed Ceramic Hand Figurine

Knock-Off Urban Outfitters Mushroom Jewelry Holder


For today's project, I found this picture at Goodwill for $2.99.


It is a paper print of artist R. Colao's work mounted on a board.


Updated Thrift Store Art

I like to research an artist when I can read the signature so I looked up "R. Colao."


Rudolph (Rudy) Colao, 1927-2014: American artist Rudolph Colao created his still life paintings using actual bouquets or floral landscapes for inspiration. At the age of 33, in 1960, he received the Grand Prize award at the Washington Square Art Exhibit. Texture and lighting, as well as depth, are key features in Rudolph Colao paintings.

In 1995, artist Rudolph Colao won the Rockport Art Association's Excellence in Painting award for his stunning floral still life work. Rudolph Colao paintings for sale are often oil on canvas pieces, and vary in price from moderate to expensive depending on wear and popularity. He was a member of the Allied Artists of America, and taught at two different U.S. art schools. Source: Invaluable.com


Since this is a paper print that has been mounted to a board, I know that this one is not valuable.


Updated Thrift Store Art

 

To update this, I used Sharpie Paint Pens in white, Colored Sharpie Markers, yellow and black Craft Paint, and stickers.


I started by coloring the white daisy flowers with a white Sharpie paint pen.


Updated Thrift Store Art

Updated Thrift Store Art

Updated Thrift Store Art

Then I used regular colored Sharpie markers to color in the yellow flowers, green stems and leaves, and some of the details on the vase.


Updated Thrift Store Art

Updated Thrift Store Art


I also used orange and brown markers in the centers of the daisies to add details as well as some other areas.


Updated Thrift Store Art

Now, you could stop here and you've got a pretty cool updated piece, but I wanted to try using stickers to add more details.


I've had this hedgehog sticker sheet forever, I think they are so cute!


Updated Thrift Store Art


I chose this one to add to the flower picture.


Updated Thrift Store Art


I cut as close to him as I could so that hopefully, you won't be able to tell it's a sticker once I'm done.


I placed it so it looks like he is smelling the flowers, then used markers to blend it so it matches the picture better.


Updated Thrift Store Art


Then I signed my name below the original artist's signature 😊



Updated Thrift Store Art

You can see I also painted the edge yellow. I thought that looked better than the black that was there.


Updated Thrift Store Art


And I used a ruler and paint pen to add an additional border to frame it.


Updated Thrift Store Art


And I painted the back black and added a sawtooth hanger.



Updated Thrift Store Art

You may have also caught sight of some little sticker bumble bees and ladybugs that I added.


Updated Thrift Store Art

Updated Thrift Store Art


And here it is all finished!


Updated Thrift Store Art

Updated Thrift Store Art

Updated Thrift Store Art


It seems like kind of a subtle change but look at the before and after side by side!


Updated Thrift Store Art

Here are some other ideas for updating thrift store art that I've tried.


Updated Thrift Store Art

Check them out here:


DIY Upcycled Thrift Store Painting

Upcycled and Repurposed Picture Frames

Before and After Thrift Shop Flips - More Upcycled Paintings

Trash to Treasure - Upcycled Thrift Shop Paintings


I hope you've enjoyed this post. If you did, make sure to tune in tomorrow for an update of this old fan blade:


Updated Thrift Store Art

And share today's project!


PIN ME!

Updated Thrift Store Art

Posted by: at 14 August Tag:

Comments by Facebook

Comments by Blogger

  1. Your redo of that picture turned out great Tania! I love the stickers you added. They give it some extra personality.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a difference that made! Very cute!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love the updated brighter look! And the sticker additions add some fun whimsey!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

I love your comments! If you want to be notified when I respond to you, check the "Notify Me" button under your comment.