Upcycling a Framed Print

I like to paint . . . A LOT, but the opportunity rarely presents itself on a regular basis.  My blog partner brought me a blank, framed canvas a few weeks ago.  I finally took a weekend off & did a few things I wanted to do.

This was a pre-made, framed print - it had been purchased at a Blockbuster years ago.  We taped it off & painted the canvas white with a primer.

A lamp & pillow were the color/style inspiration, but that was about it.  I was given free reign to create my own design.  So here I am wondering how to get this started.  Her son wanted a large piece of artwork and I have never, ever tried anything like this.  The print was destined for Goodwill if it didn't get a makeover, so I had nothing to lose.

Original framed picture, primed canvas, inspiration lamp & pillow

It wasn't as hard as I thought.  I liked the freedom & loose style.  It pushed me further and challenged me to try new things.  For example, I didn't have a spray bottle with water, so I gave the painting a misting of Febreze.  It mottled the paint & gave it an unexpected texture.

Ah, an old dog can learn new tricks. I am by no means an expert at any of this, but I can say trying is half the battle. It's not what ya know but what ya do.  I got so inspired I even went out & bought new brushes. There's nothing like a natural bristle that will get the stroke on  . . . Oh Yeah!

Colors added to the canvas, then blended with spray bottle