How to Create Contemporary Art Work to Make a Statement

This is a fun piece of contemporary art work that will literally make a statement. The bonus is the low cost and it's also a quick art project that doesn't require great skill or expensive tools. Make a statement with your own unique contemporary art work.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• ½" thick plywood
• Sandpaper
• Damp cloth
• T-square ruler
• Pencil
• Painters tape (optional)
• 3" Vinyl adhesive letters
• Craft scissors
• Fabric dye
• Water base polycrylic
• Recycled plastic container
• Straw or chopstick to stir mix
• Foam brush
• Plastic sandwich bag or disposable gloves

1. Contemporary art work

   Prepare the plywood for this contemporary art work by sanding the surface well. Round over the edges slightly with the sandpaper. Wipe with a damp cloth and let dry. Count the number of letters and words in the phrase to plan how many horizontal lines will be needed.

2. Working on contemporary art

   Use the t-square ruler to mark level horizontal lines across the wood. Three rows were drawn on the piece of plywood shown. Allow 3" height for each of the lettered rows in this contemporary art and subtract 9" from the total height of the wood. Use the remaining inches to figure equal spacing of top and bottom margins and in between rows. Mark lines lightly with the pencil. Apply painters tape under the bottom of the top row for accuracy.

3. Making contemporary art

   Cut around the letters for the art work ensuring adhesive backing remains in place. Do a rough layout of the lettering for this contemporary piece before figuring the approximate spacing between the letters and words. Note the spacing on any sign will vary, depending on the phrasing, the size of the sign and the letters.

4. Beginning at the top row, pull off the adhesive backing and apply the first letter of the first word and the last letter of the last word. This process makes the application easier. Position the remaining letters on the first line and continue.

5. Working on contemporary art

   Run your fingers along the vinyl letters of the contemporary art work and press to ensure a good adhesion before continuing. This is done to lessen bleeding under the letters when the finish is applied.

6. 

   Slide the sandwich bag over your painting hand to prevent staining the skin. Pour a little polycrylic into a clean, recycled plastic container. Add a few drops of fabric dye and gently stir until any lumps are dissolved. Do not shake the mix or stir vigorously as air bubbles will develop and may alter the finish.

7. 

   Apply a thin coating of the polycrylic mixture onto the top of the plywood first and continue on all four sides. Keep the coating thin. Allow to dry well.

8. Contemporary art work

   Remove the vinyl letters from the statement piece by pulling them off in the direction of the woodgrain to avoid splintering. Hang the contemporary art work or lean against a wall wherever you wish to make a statement.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember the sides of the wood must be square to properly utilize this type of ruler.

• Add additional dye to the polycrylic mix if a darker shade is desired.

• Spray paint or standard wood stain can be used alone instead of adding fabric dye to the polycrylic.