How to paint giant wall art: As well as crafting, I love to paint. Not having a formal art background has never stopped me from painting and creating.
My craft buddy Wendy and I have a thing about painting our dogs, admittedly she is a bit better at it than I am, but that doesn’t stop me. By showing how Wendy painted a giant posterized portrait of her dog Lottie, I’ll show you how easy it is to create your own giant wall art.
It is a bit like the painting by numbers you may have done as a child.
To create your own artwork is easier than you think, all it takes is a bit of practice and confidence. My house is full of stuff I’ve painted. Not because I necessarily think it’s brilliant, but because I’ve created it and it’s personal to me and my family.
After visiting art galleries and exhibitions I often come away feeling inspired. I tap into that inspiration by painting my dog Toby in the style of the artist’s exhibition I have just been to.
In fact, my husband’s favourite painting (chalks actually), is “the woof” instead of the scream. I painted Toby in the style of Munch after visiting the museum in Oslo, just for a bit of fun.
At Christmas I even painted a giant Christmas tree for my wall.
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A Simple Way to Paint Your Own Giant Wall Art of Your Pet
What You Need
- Giant canvas – You can either buy this from an art shop, or do what Wendy and I do which is buy our canvases in the sales or junk shops. We just then paint over the existing artwork with white emulsion paint, to create a cheap white blank canvas.
- Some form of projector, art projector, or overhead projector. You can buy overhead projectors cheap on eBay or you may be able to borrow one from a school or work.
- Paints, we tend to paint in acrylics or gouache.
Easy Way To Paint A Giant Pet Portrait
1.. First, take a picture of your pet, either with a camera or even better on your phone using one of the many photo filtering apps. There are some fantastic free apps that will turn any picture into geometric art. Polygen is one that I use.
2. Next, once you are happy with your picture print it out onto an A4 transparency. So that you can project the image onto your canvas.
3. Project the image of your pet onto the giant canvas. Then simply trace around the image with a light pencil.
4. As I mentioned in the beginning painting this giant pet portrait is a bit like painting by numbers. Using your original posterized pet portrait work out your colour chart for the wall art. Giving each colour a number and then writing the number in the right place on the canvas.
Top tip: Try and keep the number of different colours that you use to under 20. There should be this option on the posterizing app you use.
5. Next, start painting. Just start wherever you fancy and continue until finished. You may want to complete your painting over a couple of sessions.
Simply follow your paint by numbers guide. You will see your giant pet portrait come alive before your eyes.
Personally, I love Wendy’s portrait of Lottie and think it looks fabulous in her house. Everyone who visits admires her artwork especially when they realize it’s Lottie in the painting. I can’t wait to create my own paint by numbers giant wall art of Toby.
If you like this then you may like the tutorial I did on how to create a Map Art Pet Collage portrait.
Lottie and Toby are often around us when we craft and we have even made them some fantastic upcycled denim dog toys to keep them occupied while we paint.
Duncan,stewart
Can’t,wait,to get,started,nama,stay,duncan!!!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you!
Callie
Can you tell me specifically what app you used to make this picture? I love it and I tried the one you mentioned in the post but it doesn’t have nearly the detail that yours has. Thanks!
Claire Armstrong
It was my friend’s son who did it in photoshop using one of their filters. There are a few other apps like Poly Gen you could try.
Helen
Love it so much, I have a boxer and collie, could you tell me how it was photoshopped, ie in what art style cos it’s fantastic xx
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Helen. My friend did the photoshopping but now you can get apps that will do the geometric filter for you such as Polygen.
Renee
This is sooo amazing! I would do a giant bunny. I just got a projector although it is not an overhead art one, it is one you hook up to a dvd/computer. I bet I could do it with a picture from my computer easily though. Thanks for the inspiration!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you. I’m sure the computer projector will probably work even better.
Katy
Thank you for your tutorial – I have always wanted to do this! I have the giant thrift canvas ready to go, and the perfect pic of my pup, however I’m struggling with getting the image just right. I am using Photoshop CC but when I posterize the pic it doesn’t have jagged/sharp edges like yours, it has several more rounded edges. I can reduce the levels but it doesn’t seem to get the same affect as yours. I’ve tried several different photos. Can you offer any tips to help me adjust my pics to get a simple look like yours, please?
Claire Armstrong
Hi Katy, glad to see you are giving it ago. My friend Wendy did the initial picture on Photoshop, I know she used filters to posterize the picture, and I think she used the pen tool to sharpen some of the edges. Unfortunately she’s on holiday at the moment and I can’t quizz her more about it but will when she gets back. Sorry I can’t be more helpful for now. What kind of dog is your pup ?
Judy Coldwell
Thank you so much for this. I’ve been ‘umming and dithering about doing something huge for my living room and this has given me the push I needed.
Judy
P,s, I love Lottie
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! and good luck with it. Do you have a pet you’re going to paint ?
Lora
This is a really cool idea! I wouldn’t have thought about the phone/filter to projector idea!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! It works really well, I’m planning on doing another picture using this method.
Crystal
Thanks for including my tutorial on diy paint by numbers! I love how your pup art turned out!!
Claire Armstrong
Your welcome I thought it would be really useful.
Beth in AZ
this is wonderful! I think I will try it with fabric! If I actually get anywhere, I will send you some pictures.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! I would love to see them.
Mistie
Wow! just Wow! Love this giant work of art. You and Wendy both are super talented! I love your different artworks of Toby, how cool is that. Thanks for breaking down how to do this, it looks simple enough and I would so love to give this a try. Somehow I see my skill level of painting ending in a major fail, but this tutorial would sure make for a great try.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! You should give it ago it is easier than you think, like painting by numbers.
Janine
lOVE THIS PROJECT AND LOVE YOUR POST! WOW, I MAY JUST HAVE TO TRY THIS SOMEDAY!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, and definately give it ago. I bet if you do you’ll be really pleased with the results.
Bambi@QueenBtellsall
I love this! Such a great tutorial. I love to paint art for my home and never considered posterizing a photo and painting it. I have to try this now. Thanks!
Claire Armstrong
Thanks, you should definitely give it ago, the results are very satisfying.
Laura Ingalls Gunn
As an art history major and a dog lover I just ADORE this! I am a bit late to the TOHOT party this week due to my college semester finals but I’m so glad that I didn’t miss this. Have a wonderful week.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! &a good luck in your finals.
Julie
What a fun idea, it looks brilliant and so straightforward to do. We don’t have a furry pet so I’d have to think about what I’d do, maybe a favourite holiday location?
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! You can paint anything large using this technique.
Emma
That came out awesome! I would love to have a large wall art version of my chihuahua – I’ll have to give your technique with the projector a try.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! I’m sure your chihuahua will look great.
Judy Goodwin
I really liked this idea. But you also had a great tip and that was collecting old canvases and painting over them. I’m only a beginner but appreciate your help.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, yes I’m always picking up old unwanted canvases and reprainting them.
Laura
This is amazing and you have inspired me.
I love creating things for my home or making over a found item but I have never felt confident painting art work.
You have inspired me!
Thank you for joining us at TOHOT!
Laura
White Spray Paint
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! Go for it it’s worth a try, you will be surprised about what you can do.
Stacey
That is pretty awesome! Pets are so important to us and I would love to have a portrait of my dog and cat. The graphic quality of this is really neat.
Happy Thoughts of Home. 😉
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! I do love having my dog as my muse as well as my running partner.
jeanie
This is very fun! I’ve been painting animal portraits but never had the nerve to go so BIG! But maybe with the transperancy method, I could. Thanks for the tips!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you! The projection does make it a lot easier.
Chloe
I was just wondering how to posterize the picture. Which filter did you use on paper camera? I really love this painting and hope to recreate it of my own chihuahua terrier!
Chloe
I just saw the above comment. I will try photoshop.
Jennie
I really love this and now I found someone new to follow on Pinterest.
One question though. I went ahead and downloaded paper camera but can’t figure out which style of drawing or picture you used. I can’t seem to get a good rendition of my scruffy dog like yours.
Claire Armstrong
That picture of Lottie was done on photoshop but I have used Paper camera before to get a simplified picture to paint, that it is why I recommended it as I know not everyone has access to photoshop. There are other photo apps that posterise but I haven’t tried them. Let me know how you get on.
Linda
Very clever and creative. We dogs lovers really appreciate something like this! Thank you for sharing at DI&DI.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! We love dogs too!
sherry
I will have to paint a picture of my boxer! Thanks!
Claire Armstrong
I think a boxer would look great they have such distinct faces.
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces
This is such a great project and tutorial…thank you! Following on Bloglovin!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much !
Jenny Kavanagh
Of course I LOVE this. A) It has a dog B) It involves paint. Two of my very favorite things. It doesn’t get any better than this!! 🙂 Hugs, Jenny
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! Yes I love dog paintings too.
Sherry
So cool! I wondered how these large paintings were done. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Merry Monday.
Sandra
This is a really great tutorial! I don’t know if I would ever have the nerve to tackle a project like this. My husband is the artist in the family and we have a wall just waiting for a painting. Thank you for linking up with us at Celebrate Your Story and we hope to see you again soon.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! It is a lot easier then you think so you should give it ago.
Wanda @ From House To Home
Hi Claire…I found your link on the Sweet Inspirations link party. This is totally awesome! I will have to try it for my own pets…pinning!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you! and good luck with it.
Mary - The Boondocks Blog
Absolutely stunning Claire! I love the technique you used. Pinning!
Claire Armstrong
Cheers and thank you very much.
Robin @ Redo It Yourself Inspirations
Amazing work and fantastic tutorial! It looks stunning on your wall, Claire.
You’re featured at this week’s Homemade and Handcrafted! Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, look forward to seeing it.
Jenni
Hi! I love your work, it’s amazing! I was thinking if you can give me the original photo of te Pet or the website or Link that you Get the photo, please!!!! :-)!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! Unfortunately I don’t have the original photo but there is a picture of the original image that was projected in the blog post.
Michelle James
This is so cool! Very creative! Thank you for sharing at #HomeMattersParty
Claire Armstrong
Cheers and thank you.
Tuula @ Thrifty Rebel Vintage
Wow! That turned out amazing. So fun, and you make it look pretty easy to do… one step at a time. I might have to try to do one of my cats someday. I love all your dog paintings done in the different styles too. Thanks so much for sharing at Vintage Charm.!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! I’m sure it would work well with cats as well.
cookie17
Look’s like my daughters dog,great Job
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! Does she have a Jack Russell as well then ?
creativejewishmom/sara
wow, so much fun, can’t wait to see your version too! I’m actually starting taking real painting lessons, you know like with oil, but am going the palette knife instead of brush techniqe for starters so as to learn how to paint semi abstract paintings sort of quickly…..cause I’m never going to have time to actually try to paint something that looks real, or people for that matter! Thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you! I haven’t painted in oils yet but will do hopefully soon. Good luck with your painting course.
Debrashoppeno5
I love your gallery of Toby done in different techniques. And the tutorial you did is very good. I’m all for original artwork in the home.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you very much. Yes it’s lovely having a home full of original art.
Becky @ Flipping the Flip
So super cute! I love the huge size. I did something very similar which you can find on my blog but sadly not as large as you have done. Absolutely adorable and well done.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! I’ll look out for it. You should try a huge one next time it’s kind of fun to do.
Donna Wilkes
I love the idea of painting a pet in the different styles of art. Creative and clever!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! yeah it’s good fun painting the dog in different styles. I was thinking perhaps a Van Gough next, painting him with a bandaged ear.
Rita C. at Panoply
Totally adorable dog (but they are active!!), and what a great way to memorialize a pet or any special occasion/person. Thank you for the tutorial. Visiting from Vintage Charm. 🙂
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, glad you liked it.
wendy
Oh my gosh… I am going to do this of my pug!!!!! Brilliant idea.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you! I bet a pug would look great painted like this.
cyrstal
Cute doggie! 😉
Claire Armstrong
Thank you !
Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled
From another dog lover, what a great show of love you’ve created for your four-legged friend. Love the idea of blowing up a photo via projector for ease of painting. I certainly don’t trust my freehand skills! Visiting from Vintage Charm.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! You should give it ago it’s a lot easier than you think.
Beri
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!
Claire Armstrong
Cheers & thank you!
Colleen
Thank you for the inspiration and great tutorial 🙂 This will be fun to try. Had to laugh at the cat….(s)he looks super unimpressed, lol.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! Yeah I don’t think the cat liked the dog getting all the attention.
Wendy
What an incredibly talented friend you have Claire! Wendy x
Claire Armstrong
I know !
Kristina & Millie
totally cool! I was telling Kristina about doing similar for a big wall mural so glad to see how it’s done! Thanks for sharing and the tute! Over from Handmade party.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you and you’re welcome.
Mary
Hi, I was wondering if that was your post on Hometalk with the wallpaper back splash behind your stove top. I’m sorry but more interested in the brand of the stove. Please provide & advise if you like it. love the look of it & am in the market for a new one.
Claire Armstrong
Hi, Mary the cooker hob is a SMEG one. Thanks