For a long time, I struggled with the idea of being an artist. Every attempt at painting left me frustrated, as nothing seemed to turn out the way I imagined. However, I couldn’t shake the need to create and continued trying, only to find my works ending up in the recycling bin.
In college, I had a roommate who was an art major, and I was fascinated by her ability to create stunning floral paintings. They were vibrant and abstract, inviting viewers to appreciate them without needing to inspect them closely. They had a beautiful texture and life that I admired.
About a decade ago, while flipping through a magazine, I stumbled upon the most mesmerizing abstract painting. It was simply a series of colorful brush strokes that inspired me to believe I could create something worth displaying in my home. After sharing a picture with a friend, she encouraged me to give it a try, reminding me, “It’s just paint; you can always paint over it if you don’t like it.”
So, I headed to the craft store, picked up a canvas and some budget-friendly acrylic paints, and got to work. To my delight, the result wasn’t half bad, and it has since found a home in my bathroom.
What I hadn’t anticipated was the therapeutic nature of moving paint on a canvas. It was calming and relaxing, leading me to explore painting further. I even sold a few pieces, often downplaying my identity as an artist—something I now recognize as unnecessary. If you create anything, you are indeed an artist, and it’s important to embrace that identity.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with various techniques that don’t require traditional paintbrushes, with my favorite being the ruler technique.
If you’ve ever wanted to paint but doubted your abilities, it’s time to change that mindset. Gather your favorite acrylic colors, a canvas (or any surface you wish to paint on), a ruler, and a drop cloth if you prefer, and let’s dive into the fun!
Cutting Your Material to Size
Before you start painting, if you plan to frame your artwork, ensure your paper or poster board is cut to fit your frame. I find it easiest to use the backing of the frame as a guide while carefully cutting with scissors. Don’t stress about perfection; any minor flaws will be hidden once framed, especially if your frame includes a mat.
Start Painting
Next, create vertical lines on your canvas with your selected colors. I enjoy incorporating a lot of white, as darker colors can easily dominate. If you want separation between hues, consider using white or ivory shades, or let the canvas serve as your white lines. Personally, I like to blend colors, but the choice is yours—this is your art!
Now for the exciting part: take your ruler and align it at the top or bottom of your canvas; the direction doesn’t matter. Gently slide it across the length of your canvas, then back in the opposite direction.
I prefer to apply light pressure, feeling the paint shift the ruler slightly, which can lead to delightful surprises, like unexpected heart shapes. If you prefer a more uniform look, press down a bit harder. Keep working until you achieve your desired effect. Don’t hesitate to add more paint after several swipes.
For smaller areas, you might find a frosting knife or even a credit card works well to create blended effects. Once you’ve finished, allow your artwork to dry before framing or hanging it on the wall.
Sharing the Joy
This project is easy enough for kids to join in, making it perfect for family fun or a girls’ night in. I’ve enjoyed painting sessions with friends over Zoom during the pandemic, and it’s a wonderful way to connect and create.
The best part? It’s incredibly simple, requires minimal time and expense, and will leave you feeling accomplished. Before you know it, you’ll have a painting adorning every room, just like I do.
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Conclusion
This simple and engaging painting method is accessible to everyone, fostering creativity and self-expression while producing beautiful art to enjoy in your home. So gather your materials and let your artistic journey begin!