4 Piece Painting - a Walk Through the Seasons

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Introduction: 4 Piece Painting - a Walk Through the Seasons

About: Don't take the world to seriously relax a little and enjoy the ride.

Wall art can take so many different shapes and forms depending on the space available, the look of the room and personal taste. I have always enjoyed painting as I find it calming and therapeutic and I wanted to do something different that will carry some meaning. I decided on creating a wall mounted painting that was 4 different canvases mounted together on a simple frame that can be hung on the wall. I wanted all canvases to be connected through design and have the entire piece seem unified.

I have a love of the outdoors if you glance through my past instructables there is a constant theme on enjoying being outside. Living in (southern Ontario) Canada we have very dramatic seasonal changes that happen every year which I personally adore. I can remember specific events with each season and I look forward to doing different activities as the weather changes. I look forward to ice fishing in the winter, fishing a spring trout run, a summer camping trip or fall hikes, there is something magical about the process of seasonal change. Having said that I wanted to create a wall piece painting that represented the seasonal change from spring to winter in an artistic and colorful way.

I decided on creating my own interpenetration of the seasonal process of tree branch more specifically the stunning Cherry tree

Materials needed

  • 4 canvases any size that fits your space mine were about 12x16"
  • Paint and Brushes - I used acrylic
  • Paint Sealer - Spray
  • Wood for frame 1x2 x 6' pieces x 2pc.
  • wood glue
  • wood stain
  • Note pad and pencil to sketchup concepts
  • clamps to hold frame together while it drys

Step 1: Concept Development

Layout

Canvas orientation - Instead of just a straight line I decided to offset each canvas slightly to allow my tree branch to have more character

Before you get started on the actual canvas you want to have a general idea of what you want to do. I deiced on a tree branch which would spread across all 4 pieces of canvas. To make sure I did this correctly I did a few small sketches of how I would want the branch to be laid out.

It's key to think about the end game here. You want all the pieces to have some good interest to the painting as well as have the entire piece together, still feel balanced when its complete.

Step 2: Start Painting!

Painting is the fun part but if you have an extra canvas USE IT as a test piece for colours and brush technique.

Back Ground

Because I was creating a seasonal transition I wanted to represent that in the back ground so in the spring section I wanted to show the lighter colours of spring to help demonstrate the feelings of "new beginnings" or rebirth as the environment comes back to life. As we progress toward summer and fall the back ground colours change with the seasons to again reinforce this circle of life that happens every year. Progressing into winter I used cooler colours along with some hints or purple to symbolize the cool months to come but the beauty of winter such as the first snowfall of the year which is always memorizing to experience.

The Branch

For the branch work in layers and develop depth by adding colours on colours. Use the test canvas to experiment and slowly build layers until you are happy with the branch. Add small branches off the original where you will add foliage and flowers.

The Foliage

For the spring flowers represent this very well then they are replaced by vibrant green leaves in the summer, change colour in the fall and fall off for the winter. I added a light dusting of snow the winter panel as well as some light falling snow to help the painting come to life.

I also made sure to add small pieces of each connected panel to help the whole piece feel unified.

For example there is a small amount of snow in the fall panel signifying the connections of fall to winter I did this for the other panels as well.

***Test your leaf style on the test canvas to get a consistent size and shape of leaf, Same goes for the flowers. Dont be afraid to look online for an image or picture for a reference***

***take your time and enjoy the process. Wine helps***

Step 3: Build the Frame and Seal/stain

Okay! you have this awesome 4 piece painting and now its time to make a frame!

The frame is very basic,, I simply laid out my 4 painted canvases measured them to have a bit of the frame visible on each side. cut your pieces glue and clamp. See my photos for a reference.

After the frame is dry you can attach the canvas pieces by lining them up where you want them make some marks so you don't forget, tap in some finished nails to secure everything in place.

Now its time to seal the canvas I used a gloss varnish from a spray can made specifically for acrylic paint. After that drys you can stain the frame for a more finished look.

Step 4: DONE!

All Done. Overall this was a simple and fun project that anyone can do. Using this process you can try so many different design concepts to really make a piece of art that is unique and special to you.

I hope you liked this Instructable and I hope you try it out !

If you did like this instructable feel free to vote!

Cheers


This is actually a mothers day gift so don't currently have any pictures of it on the wall yet. I will update when once I give her the painting.

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    25 Comments

    0
    Veronica Henry
    Veronica Henry

    Question 3 years ago

    i need an idea for a three part painting on canvas of a family guest house 5x5

    0
    jaya37
    jaya37

    4 years ago

    beautiful!!!

    0
    carolynn934
    carolynn934

    4 years ago

    I have 4 canvases I never used, now I know what to do next!!! Great work, I love it!!!

    0
    agis68
    agis68

    4 years ago

    very cool! nice job I like it and I will make it. I lke also the design and the colors

    Voted

    I've made one some years ago

    thumbnail.jpg
    0
    Corasaurus Rex
    Corasaurus Rex

    Reply 4 years ago

    That is beautiful !! Really well done

    0
    agis68
    agis68

    Reply 4 years ago

    thanx!

    0
    LynnG60
    LynnG60

    4 years ago

    Wow, u are talented!

    0
    wyldecent
    wyldecent

    4 years ago

    This is great! Now I'm inspired to make my own set :-)

    0
    Corasaurus Rex
    Corasaurus Rex

    Reply 4 years ago

    Please do and show me !

    0
    bhscolleen
    bhscolleen

    4 years ago on Step 2

    You have inspired me. The wine does help, doesn't it?

    0
    Corasaurus Rex
    Corasaurus Rex

    Reply 4 years ago

    I am a Landscape Architect and after a glass of wine I come up with some great design concepts so I apply the method to art and yes it totally helps. Too much and well we all know what happens then ha ha. The design attached is an example of a little “wine for thought” in the design process

    65BB64AB-97DC-4BA9-AD22-A79867A42CC5.jpeg
    0
    Handy_Bear
    Handy_Bear

    4 years ago

    I like the concept!

    0
    АлексейД8
    АлексейД8

    4 years ago

    WOW! Sadly... I can't draw at all (((((((

    Pictures and printer?

    Heeeeeeeeeeelp!!!

    I (we, non-artists?) need pictures! ))

    0
    KarenW143
    KarenW143

    4 years ago

    This is wonderful! And I love the back frame idea - definitely going to try this!

    0
    patytrico
    patytrico

    4 years ago on Step 4

    Fantastic! Thank you for share the idea and the process ;D

    Thank you to everyone for the awesome comments. I cant seem to reply to your specific comment because of a glitch but I just want to say thanks and that I am so happy people like the idea and execution of the design and painting !!!!

    0
    red_gear
    red_gear

    4 years ago

    Nice idea. Unfortunately, I can't draw. Maybe I'll make with printer :-)

    0
    WyldStyl3
    WyldStyl3

    4 years ago

    Wow! That looks fantastic! I'd totally buy that.

    0
    HelenaTroy
    HelenaTroy

    4 years ago

    Oh, that's beautiful. You are an artist! I've seen two-part and three-part art, but never four - and never any explanation!

    I'm far from being an artist, but this is something I'm definitely going to have a go at.