I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working on this collection of Upcycled Vintage Art… Octopus Vs Ship! I came across these nine paintings (nonupulets!) a few months back. This European style of seascape was very popular in the 80’s and 90’s. These are the remnants of a collection of mass produced replica artwork… the paintings were almost identical, just small changes, but clearly a formula followed. Nicely painted, but not antiques. Which made them perfect for upcycling them so they can be appreciated anew by adding in colourful octopus playing with the ships.
They were flat and not on stretchers, so the first thing I did was mount them to new frames. Then I spent some time considering how to bring a little fun and life to each one. Being similar but different, each octopus had to be unique… tentacles reaching behind, in front and in-between rigging, masts and sails. I drew each onto tissue paper which I used as a guide when painting on the first layer of paint for octopus. (P.S. I laminated the tissue paper octopus to make bookmarks, which I will give with the octopus artwork when they go to their new homes)
Painting on these original paintings is a like mini-graffiti… it has a permanence to it, so I have to go in knowing what I want to paint, and not make any mistakes! (Or if I do, wipe it off really, really fast before it dries!) I am using Liquitex Heavy Body acrylic paint, which will stick to the varnished oil paint surface.
time-lapse reels on instagram :
Be sure to follow me on Instagram, and check out the Octopus Vs Ship art in the Highlights!
finished artwork
I am really pleased with how they turned out… when they are on the wall, the original artists seascape will be the first thing to catch they eye, and then at a second look the quirky out-of-place octopus will bring a bit of whimsy!
Have an “ugly-beautiful” painting that needs rescuing?
Feel free to drop me a line to see if it is suitable for upcycling…
Heather Castles Illustration 