For today's project, I found this picture at Goodwill for $2.99.

It is a paper print of artist R. Colao's work mounted on a board.

I like to research an artist when I can read the signature so I looked up "R. Colao."

Rudolph (Rudy) Colao, 1927-2014: American artist Rudolph Colao created his still life paintings using actual bouquets or floral landscapes for inspiration. At the age of 33, in 1960, he received the Grand Prize award at the Washington Square Art Exhibit. Texture and lighting, as well as depth, are key features in Rudolph Colao paintings.

In 1995, artist Rudolph Colao won the Rockport Art Association's Excellence in Painting award for his stunning floral still life work. Rudolph Colao paintings for sale are often oil on canvas pieces, and vary in price from moderate to expensive depending on wear and popularity. He was a member of the Allied Artists of America, and taught at two different U.S. art schools. Source: Invaluable.com

Since this is a paper print that has been mounted to a board, I know that this one is not valuable.

 

To update this, I used Sharpie Paint Pens in white, Colored Sharpie Markers, yellow and black Craft Paint, and stickers.

I started by coloring the white daisy flowers with a white Sharpie paint pen.

Then I used regular colored Sharpie markers to color in the yellow flowers, green stems and leaves, and some of the details on the vase.

I also used orange and brown markers in the centers of the daisies to add details as well as some other areas.

Now, you could stop here and you've got a pretty cool updated piece, but I wanted to try using stickers to add more details.

I've had this hedgehog sticker sheet forever, I think they are so cute!

I chose this one to add to the flower picture.

I cut as close to him as I could so that hopefully, you won't be able to tell it's a sticker once I'm done.

I placed it so it looks like he is smelling the flowers, then used markers to blend it so it matches the picture better.

Then I signed my name below the original artist's signature 😊

You can see I also painted the edge yellow. I thought that looked better than the black that was there.

And I used a ruler and paint pen to add an additional border to frame it.

And I painted the back black and added a sawtooth hanger.

You may have also caught sight of some little sticker bumble bees and ladybugs that I added.

And here it is all finished!

It seems like kind of a subtle change but look at the before and after side by side!

Here are some other ideas for updating thrift store art that I've tried.

Check them out here:

DIY Upcycled Thrift Store Painting

Upcycled and Repurposed Picture Frames

Before and After Thrift Shop Flips - More Upcycled Paintings

Trash to Treasure - Upcycled Thrift Shop Paintings

I hope you've enjoyed this post. If you did, make sure to tune in tomorrow for an update of this old fan blade:

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