Create this colorful outdoor painting using masking tape and Patio Paint Outdoor™.

SUPPLIES

• paper towels
• ruler
• painter's tape
• #2 flat brush
• medium flat brush
• stretched canvas
• cardstock
• small oval paintbrush

INSTRUCTIONS

NOTES:

This project, decorating an art piece for an outdoor wall, is a great family art project. It is wonderful for adults to have fun and relax as well as an easy craft project for kids to express their creativity.

1. Gather the size of canvases you would like to use (I used two 16" x 20"), the Patio Paint Outdoor™ colors, painter's tape, a variety of brushes, a ruler, and some cardstock. Lay out the canvases how you will want them to be when you paint the design.

2. Add colors to the canvases (Fuchsia and Raspberry Red) by dipping a piece of cardstock into the two colors and swipe onto the canvases. (There is no right or wrong to the placement of the colors. Just have fun!)

3. Add some more colors (Tiger Lily Orange and Carnation Pink) with a wide flat brush. (TIP: Paint into wet colors with other colors to leave painterly strokes.) Paint Carnation Pink circles with a smaller flat brush. Layer colors and patterns for an abstract look.

4. Experiment with textures and patterns: Paint on some Geranium Red, using a wide paintbrush. Place a paper towel on the wet paint and press in a circle. Then pull up to reveal a cool texture. Add some simple line patterns on various spots in the painting.

5. Add some Daisy Cream to the brush to add some lighter areas. Play with different ways to paint circles throughout the canvas, applying a variety of the colors. Try some easy dots by pressing a medium flat brush onto the surface.

6. Keep building up colors and patterns until the canvases are covered. (TIP: Don't forget to paint the edges of your canvases.)

7. The patterns and design are the underpainting of this design. Don't worry too much about the design or placement of the shapes.

8. You can use these canvases shown as a guide or just inspiration. When your canvases are covered in color, allow to dry completely for the next steps.

9. Once it is dry, measure out on the canvas the placement of the masking tape or just "eyeball" it and start making a design. (I measured 8" on either side of the center line where the two canvases meet to place my first pieces of masking tape.)

10. Place masking tape on the canvases in the shape of a square in the center. (I measured where the center of that square was and placed a 3" piece of tape.)

11. Place down more tape to create concentric squares. (I did not measure anymore, but you can if you want.)

12. Continue to create a cool design with the masking tape.(I made a herringbone shape on either side of the square.) Make sure to press down the tape securely on the edges to prevent paint from seeping under the tape when you paint the topcoat.

13. Using a 2" flat brush, paint on Blue Bahama onto the entire surface. Let dry.

14. Add a second coat, if needed, and allow to dry to touch.

15. Remove the masking tape to reveal a complementary-colored design.

16. Hang this piece on a patio, porch ,or deck wall to brighten any outdoor decor.

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