5. Textured Canvas Art with Joint Compound
If you love the look of expensive, minimalist textured paintings found in high-end galleries, you will be thrilled to know you can recreate this style at home for a fraction of the cost. The secret ingredient is joint compound, a common drywall repair material available at any hardware store. When applied to a basic artist canvas, it allows you to create beautiful, three-dimensional plaster-like art.
Spread a thick layer of joint compound across a cheap stretched canvas using a putty knife. While the compound is still wet, use tools like a notched trowel, an old comb, or even your fingers to sweep elegant arcs, waves, or geometric lines into the surface. Let the plaster dry completely for twenty-four hours until it hardens. You can leave it raw and chalky white for a clean Scandinavian look, or paint over the textured surface with a warm neutral acrylic paint to add depth and shadow.