Decorative painting is a hobby and a way to brighten up your home.
Decorative painting is typically done on three-dimensional objects around the home; however, the same motifs can be applied to canvas. The idea behind decorative painting is to blend into the décor of a room or provide a focal point that's pleasing to the eye, as opposed to a work of art that might have other purposes. Because of this, decorative painting, even on canvas, is usually regarded as a craft rather than an artform, and it is not necessary to have any training in art to create your own decorative canvases.
Decorative Themes
Since the idea of a decorative canvas is to provide decoration to a room, flowers and landscapes are common themes as they are regarded as aesthetically pleasing. Animals and people are also typical themes. These are mostly painted in an abstract or stylized way rather than a realistic one.
Still Life
Still life is often painted in a realistic manner in decorative painting. Household objects such as vases and crockery are often depicted, and these themes are usually preferred by those who can paint at a more advanced level.
Stenciling
If you aren't confident in your ability to paint and there is a specific image you have in mind, try using a stencil on the canvas. Painting with a stencil takes little ability. Look in art stores or search online for the stencils you want.
Faux Finishes
To apply a faux finish to a canvas means to apply paint or other finish to create the appearance of another material, such as wood, marble or leather. The canvas can also be aged artificially by cracking the surface of the paint or distressing leather, which will give the impression that the canvas is older than it really is.
