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For a long time, I never considered myself an artist. My attempts at painting often left me frustrated because the results didn’t match my vision. Despite this, I couldn’t shake the desire to create. I’d keep trying, but most of my work ended up in the recycling bin. My college roommate, an art major, inspired me as I watched her effortlessly produce stunning floral paintings. I admired how her pieces had a light, abstract quality, where you didn’t need to look too closely to tell that they were art.
About a decade ago, I stumbled upon a magazine featuring the most beautiful abstract artwork I had ever seen. It was made up of various colored brush strokes, and I began to believe I could create something worthy of displaying in my home. After sharing the image with a friend, she encouraged me to give it a try, reminding me, “It’s just paint; you can always paint over it.”
Feeling inspired, I headed to the craft store, picked up a canvas, and some affordable acrylic paints, and got started. To my surprise, the process was enjoyable, and I ended up with a piece that has been proudly hanging in my bathroom ever since. I discovered how therapeutic it can be to move paint around on a canvas—it was calming and relaxing. As I painted more, I even began selling some pieces, all the while downplaying my talent, which was silly. If you create anything, you are indeed an artist.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with various painting techniques that don’t require brushes, and my favorite has become the ruler method. If you have ever wanted to try painting but doubt your ability to create something valuable, it’s time to change that mindset. Gather your favorite acrylic colors, a canvas (or any paintable surface), a ruler, and a drop cloth if you prefer (I sometimes use one, sometimes I don’t), and let’s start creating.
Prepare Your Materials
Before you dive into painting, here’s a tip if you plan to frame your artwork: Cut your paper or poster board to match the size of your frame before painting. I do this by placing the frame backing in one corner and carefully trimming it with scissors. Don’t worry about perfection; minor flaws will be hidden once it’s framed.
Start Painting
Begin by drawing lines on your paper with your chosen colors. I like to use a lot of white, as darker shades tend to dominate. You can create separation by using white or ivory shades, or you can leave the canvas bare for a cleaner look. The blending of colors is appealing to me, but it’s your art—make it your own.
Now for the fun part: position your ruler along the top or bottom of your canvas. Gently slide it across the entire length, then back the other way. I prefer to apply minimal pressure; you can actually feel the paint moving beneath the ruler. This can lead to unexpected and delightful surprises, like the heart shapes I’ve stumbled upon in my work.
You can press a bit harder for more uniform lines, but remember, this is your creation. Keep adjusting and layering paint until you reach the desired look. For smaller areas, I recommend using a frosting knife or even a credit card to create textures.
Once you’re happy with your masterpiece, let it dry, then frame it or hang it directly on your wall.
This technique is not only simple but also a fantastic activity to do with kids, or as a fun girls’ night project—something I’ve enjoyed with friends over Zoom during the pandemic. The best part? It’s easy, inexpensive, and incredibly satisfying. Before you know it, you’ll have artwork adorning every room, just like I do.
For more inspiration, check out this engaging blog post on DIY art techniques. And if you’re interested in postpartum nutrition, this resource offers great advice on the subject. Also, if you’re seeking support for pregnancy and home insemination, this link is an excellent resource.
Summary:
The ruler method of painting allows anyone, regardless of artistic experience, to create beautiful abstract art easily. This technique involves simple steps like preparing your canvas, applying paint, and using a ruler to create unique designs. It’s a therapeutic and enjoyable way to express creativity, perfect for individuals or groups.