Turning Photos Into Paintings: Simple Watercolor Art

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Growing up, I always have had a love for art. Whether an impressionistic oil painting, abstract acrylic or dreamy watercolor, viewing beautiful artwork simply stirs my soul. While I have never been able to master any of those mediums, I certainly do appreciate those whose talent is apparent. As Charlie and I have traveled these past couple of years, I have particularly kept my eyes out for artwork that would remind me of our journeys and experiences, while also benefiting local artisans. Unfortunately, time, investments or suitcase sizing has limited the pieces that have come home with us, however the desire to utilize meaningful art has never faded.  

To solve this dilemma, I began to search out ideas for how to turn photos into paintings. I found that with the QniPaint app, quality textured paper, matboard and antique frames, you quickly can turn the photos from your travels into watercolor art you are excited to display throughout your home.

Supplies

• QniPaint app
• Digital photo
• Quality textured paper
• Matboard or a pre cut mat
• X-acto knife
• Metal ruler
• Cutting mat
• Frame

Turning Your Photo To Watercolor Art

1. The first step of creating your watercolor art, is to turn your photo into a watercolor. To do so, download the QniPaint app and then select an image that you want to transform.

2. Once selecting an image, you will be able to choose from a variety of settings to make your watercolor more or less vibrant, rigid, fluid etc.

3. After you feel it is to your liking, simply save your image and viola! Your watercolor is ready!

Framing

1. Having finished your watercolor (fasted project ever!), print it out onto your quality textured paper. I believe this step helps it to feel more like a true watercolor print, however if you cannot get any quality paper, then you could try it with traditional printer paper.

2. Once your art is printed, cut it out, but leave some white remaining around the edges.

3. If you are using a frame with a mat already included, then just insert your art and you are finished!

4. If, however, you were like me and had picked up a couple of frames at a local antique store, then proceed to your cutting mat to cut your matboard and prepare your frame. If your frame has a back on it, take it off to reveal the inner portion of the frame.

5. I have found that many antique frames are not standard sizes, so I was not able to use a precut mat. If yours is, you certainly could use a precut mat, but if not, or if you want an usual color mat, then lay your matboard on your cutting mat and measure out your outer rectangle.

6. Before cutting out your exterior though, measure your interior rectangle that will be cut out for your art piece. Be sure to make it slightly smaller than the measurements of your art so that it thoroughly covers the sides.

7. Cut out your inner rectangle and then your exterior rectangle with your Exacto knife. Be sure to keep your metal straight edge over side that you plan on saving in case your knife goes astray, as it will prevent from cutting into the portion you are framing. Likewise, by cutting the interior first, you will have more to hold onto then if you were to flip the steps.

8. Once you have finished all your cuts, assemble with the watercolor print and then you are ready to install!

Final Thoughts

I absolutely loved how this simple project transformed our artwork and felt it was the perfect way to incorporate pictures of our travels into our guest room (read all about our guest room transformation HERE). While certainly these watercolors won’t stop my hunt for local pieces throughout our travels, they do provide a great solution if the perfect piece just can’t be found.

Do you know someone who would love to catalog their travels with watercolor prints or who you might want to create a watercolor artwork gift for? Pin now or share with a friend to remind you for later!

Happy painting!

Chloe

If you want to add similar artwork to your home but aren’t sure which picture to start with, click below to download 10 FREE watercolor prints to start off your collection!