Colorful Modern Art

You've probably seen that poster that says "Modern Art = I could do that + Yeah, but you didn't." DIY versions of modern art are harder to pull off than they might seem. Something tells me that trying a design like these below would be a little more doable, especially if your math skills are better than you brush work.

Pure Green Living Magazine


Elle Decor, via Anne Sage

P.S. Notice how these modern pieces are paired with more traditional/antique furniture and rugs. It's the mix that will make your friends wonder how much you paid for that lovely piece of art. It would not be a good idea to put art like this in a room full of IKEA furniture.
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26 comments:

  1. meenal @ maison marigoldMarch 15, 2011 at 5:49 AM

    I think I can pull of the first one...but second one might be tricky!! xx meenal

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  2. Vicky @ Pearl DistrictMarch 15, 2011 at 6:23 AM

    WOW! Now that's art! Thanks for the tip on how to pair furniture!!! Ur the best!!

    xoxo

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  3. laxsupermomMarch 15, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    Love the mix of modern with traditional. That collected look is so liveable. Great pics! Thanks for sharing.

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  4. Tonia Lee SmithMarch 15, 2011 at 7:09 AM

    I love a good mix. When you love it always works.

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  5. Casey Craig ArtMarch 15, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    I too love the mix of the modern abstracts with the more traditional furnishings.

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  6. AndreaMarch 15, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    Love the mix of styles. Great tip.

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  7. UnknownMarch 15, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    Agreed! I try once it didn't go well :(

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  8. LindseyMarch 15, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    I love those pieces, and I think they work well with the more traditional furniture because they are well balanced. The toughest modern art to work with are the pieces that are not balanced in color.

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  9. UnknownMarch 15, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    Totally doable- and great tip about the mixing of styles- thats totally what makes it work! Great inspiration for simple DIY design!

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  10. MaddieMarch 15, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    I was at the Chicago Art Institute this weekend and saw a great modernist painting (by Joan Mitchell) that I really wanted to recreate for my place. It'd be tough, but this post is great inspiration!

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  11. Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}dMarch 15, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Love the second one! So pretty and definitely do-able with a pattern. Thanks for sharing!

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  12. Mary Ann PickettMarch 15, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    Such a good about the importance of mixing high and low.

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  13. jaclyn @ thelateafternoonMarch 15, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    love the colors in the first one! i've definitely had those "i could make that" moments before!

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  14. AnonymousMarch 15, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    I wish I had the skills to pull this off but I think my version would just look like a craft project gone wrong.

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  15. Chic ColesMarch 15, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    The first one is my favorite and would be great in a kids room too!

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  16. Hyphen InteriorsMarch 15, 2011 at 1:09 PM

    Good job on pointing out the key is to mix it with more traditional pieces. Great art!

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  17. Heather (love your space)March 15, 2011 at 2:30 PM

    funny- that second one is in my reference file called "art you can make?"

    I totally agree about placement and what home-made modern art can work with, and also think you need to limit it to one piece per room/living space.

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  18. UnknownMarch 15, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    I completely love the way a piece of modern art can update a traditional interior - and give it panache!

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  19. CourtneyMarch 15, 2011 at 8:39 PM

    This is the first time that I have really identified with modern art, so thanks for the post. My house is full of antiques and I love how the modern is "mashed" so well with the antiques.

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  20. Danielle Sigwalt InteriorsMarch 15, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    Couldn't agree more...love these 2 images!

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  21. HanaMarch 15, 2011 at 10:34 PM

    yes yes! i've been thinking about making my own piece too. love the images! xo

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  22. UnknownMarch 16, 2011 at 12:45 AM

    Wonderful! I'm all about contemporary art these days as a centerpiece of a room!
    http://smallshopstudio.com/2011/03/14/big-now-abstract-art/

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  23. Brandi@ Flights of WhimsyMarch 16, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    I always think I could do that when I see stuff like this. I have a folder on pinterest of art that I like. I know some talented people so I think with a little tutoring I totally could!

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  24. Rachael @ Roco RennieMarch 16, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    Did you notice the books on the table on the second image are colour coordinated to the artwork to bring a sense of completion to the look – love the second image – though my mind would make me study it for hours to work out the repeat.

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  25. AnonymousMarch 17, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    i was just sitting here thinking about that geometric diamond-y looking piece of art....and YESTERDAY i was in lowes staring at the paint swatches like i was lost, and i thought about this post. wouldnt it be AWSOME to try and recreate that piece by using paint swatches cut into geometric shapes, and you could use any colors that you wanted!! i totally think im going to try this, on a small scale first to test it out!!

    thanks for the inspiration!!
    xoxo
    jessica

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  26. ShawnaJune 8, 2011 at 11:58 PM

    "It's the mix that will make your friends wonder how much you paid for that lovely piece of art. It would not be a good idea to put art like this in a room full of IKEA furniture."

    Very insightful.

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