You know what it’s like.
You had a great idea. You got all fired up to try it. You dived in with gusto. And then…
😳
It just didn’t work out for some reason.
Happens to all of us, and not just once, and not just when you’re a beginner.
Sorry about that.
But also it’s good news, because ‘failed’ paintings – and I use that term with heavy inverted commas in my mind, because every painting teaches us something, even if it’s ‘not that’ – are always a possibility.
Which means there are always going to be opportunities to experiment and play with the ones that didn’t work out.
So we’re actually winning here. 👍
When I have leftover paint on my palette from a painting sesh I often use it up making backgrounds in my sketchbook or, in this case, on a piece of paper taped to the table.
This one sat there for a few days; that brown was really disappointing me.
The plan had been to make a painting with it but I just wasn’t inspired, so I decided to cut it up.
I thought I might stick the cut up pieces in my sketchbook and make a collage, but then I found that tearing them gave them a nicer edge and made them into their own mini paintings.
Obviously there are a bajillion things you can do with tiny paintings, including making them into lovely gifts; I’m sharing a mere three.
1. Make cards.
This one looks like a tiny watercolour landscape; it will make the perfect simple but pretty birthday card for a friend.
2. Make an Envelope of Joy.
I use mine for payments for my Tai Chi teacher each week, but you could use them for all sorts of things.
Pretty wrapping for a store gift card or some other envelope-sized gift, perhaps.
Or you could write a message on it and attach it to a gift as the card.
3. Write little messages or use the shapes in the pieces to draw images.
I wrote these to myself as these are the sorts of things I need to hear right now, but you could inscribe or stamp anything.
I like the idea of giving these to someone going through a hard time, or leaving them in public places for people to find.
You could also make them into oracle cards, or inspiration cards. Write an action on each one, then shuffle and pull when you’re stuck or feeling uninspired.
👉 Need ideas? This post has you covered!
It’s very pleasing to turn a potential disappointment into something lovely or useful. I’ve found that people love to receive original art.
What would you do with tiny pieces of cut up painting?
👉 For more ways to deal with ‘failed paintings’, see this post, and this post!
Fancy a simple AND easy project to use up some of those ‘failed’ paintings and recreate them into something lovely?
I have just the thing!
The Make Cards From Your Art workshop shows you a very easy to follow process for repurposing that stack of paintings that didn’t work out or just aren’t going anywhere.
It’s also very affordable at just $9. 😊
These are fantastic Tara! Each one became it’s own little masterpiece. Now that “disappointing brown” shines! I’ve cut up pieces as well, into postcards, ATCs…. Re-framing in a smaller way can change everything…
I loved your ideas. I laminated mine and pasted them onto squares of mount board to make coasters. That’s this years Christmas pressies sorted!
Thanks for sharing.
So glad you enjoyed it Dawn!
Great idea! Love this…gonna try it. Thanks for sharing.👍🏽
Mini masterpieces…love it!
you are so freaking smart. seriously. what fabulous ideas. what luscious creativity… <3
Thanks dude! Lovely to see you here. 🙂 x
Lovely ideas.
Thanks for sharing.
Glad you found something useful here!
Lots of inspiration here Tara. It would be fun to even just do something messy with no “plan” and then do this to make smaller works of art. By the way — I love your new profile photo!
Thanks Sherry, and also about the profile photo! When I look a bit less frazzled I may even do one with my actual face!
I love the idea of leaving the little messages in random places. Thanks for the idea!
I liked this and i’ll tryit out thankyou Tara Leaver.
I cut mine into ATC/ACEO sizes, put a premade label on the back, insert into a small, clear envelope, and hide them places I visit: https://www.instagram.com/p/BUkSmG-DLDI/?taken-by=tonyadoughty
and
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUkFw8dDTrD/?taken-by=tonyadoughty
Bookmarks are another good use!
Yes! Both great ideas, thanks Tonya! Love leaving tiny paintings in public places. I used to do it with painted stones too.
Years later and just discovered this post and love all of your ideas but especially leaving them where someone who needs them most can find beauty and encouragement! Thank you!
Lovely to hear that, so glad!
Love your ideas….I have used mine mostly for business cards, trading cards, bookmarks and sometimes I turn them over and cut a shape out, turn it over and see what I have for use in another painting. You can also gesso over watercolour paper and after sealing with a medium paint over with an acrylic paint etc
Oh I love the business card idea! Great ideas Ivy, thanks for sharing!
I make mine into bookmarks and use clear packing tape to seal them and I give them out at art fairs. People have loved getting them.
So clever! Love that idea, thanks for sharing it Irene!
Great idea ????
Love this! Great way to advertise and cost effective using clear packing tape. Smart.
Wonderful. Thanks for sharing…I have lots of paintings that can now be recycled.
Wow cool!
Keeping on the idea of cutting up the failed painting(s) they could be used as gift tags either glued or tied on the paper
Yes! With a hole punched in and some ribbon – gorgeous!
sometimes I use a part of a failed painting to do an ink sketch on- can turn into something worth keeping.
Yes! Nothing is wasted. 🙂
Hi,
What is the criteria of a failed painting?please let me know because I may be collecting a lot of junk.
Thanks
Ha, good question! I tend to use ‘failed’ in inverted commas, since art is so subjective and I’m inclined to be of the mind that there are no failures, just opportunities to learn something. For me, a ‘failed’ painting is one that doesn’t feel right to me, or has gone so far off that I don’t feel I can or that I want to even try to resolve it. Sometimes the energy just drops out, or it just feels like time to let that one go and move on.
Trash to treasure! Recycled art is within the creative juices of an artist.
I just came across this, I love the idea of putting messages on them and leaving them for someone to find. I think it’s a wonderful way to spread some joy, Lord knows we need it. Thank You for sharing Tara. 🙂
Love your suggestions to use failed artwork and your advice, too. I’m a new senior citizen art student with little confidence, many failed painting attempts and a few successful ones.
Can definitely relate to that last bit, as I imagine most artists can. 😉 I think for most of us the number of ‘failed’ paintings will always outnumber the truly magnificent ones, but that’s how we develop and make that stronger work!
Sandra…..2023 has become the embarking of a new venture for making many wonderful items from your “failed” pieces. Enjoy!!
What would be the best way to attach the “failed” print to another canvas?
That’s a good question Ida! Attaching work on paper to canvas is relatively easy – I use a liquid glue {like PVA} or gel medium. You can also attach canvas to canvas this way.
Love all the ideas! I don’t have any failed paintings, just a stack of lessons. That being said, I also have gifts for a life time!
Loving that phraseology. 😉
Soooo, so true! I can relate.
My very dear brother just passed away leaving many unfinished paintings from his over 50 years as an artist. His children found at least 50 stored in a closet, and gave them all to me since I paint as well. I’m so grateful for the ideas here! I have 15 grands. 6 siblings, plus many nieces and nephews with whom to share them in some way. Any other ideas will be genuinely appreciated.
I recently used a ‘failed’ painting to make a distinct name tag for church. I like the book mark and mini painting to turn into a greeting card. Thanks.
This is all soooo inspiring! I love every comment that was made, great
to be in the Art world it’s one big family????.
Love love love it!
Gayle
So glad you enjoyed it so much Gayle!
Hi, Thanks for the creative approach! I work in acrylic on canvas. Any clever ideas, anyone?
I absolutely love the idea of leaving them in public places for others to find. It makes me want to start tomorrow. Thank you!
So glad it inspired you Martha!
What I do quite often is cut out any “good parts” and use them in various ways including cards
Yes! Sometimes there are just parts that are worth saving – thanks for sharing this Linda.
Well, that’s amazing. I have a few of these. Great idea. Thanks. I’ve signed up for emails. Looking forward to more ideas.
Welcome aboard Susan! So glad it was helpful.