How to paint Cactus art

INSIDE : Learn how to create stunning succulent art in just a few simple steps! This easy DIY tutorial uses acrylic paint and gold leaf to make modern, desert-inspired wall decor.

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This post has been updated since it’s original June 2015 publish date.

Today is the fourth post in my mini series of Easy Art.   I have had such a fun time creating all kinds of different and new art work!  So far, I have made

• Abstract Diamonds
• Diamond Patterns
• A Geometric Peach
• Gold Foil Doily Art
• Watercolor Gem
• Abstract Shape Art
• Pepper Painting Technique
• Spackle DIY Art

So often finding art work that you love for your home can be quite expensive, but guess what… it really does not have to cost much at all!

New Mexico succulent painting

I adore cactus and succulent plants. Maybe it’s because I live in New Mexico and much of our natural landscape is cactus and other desert plants. But, I also find such beauty in the unique characteristics and looks of succulents and cacti.

The shapes used to make this DIY minimalist cactus wall art are very easy for even beginning artists. It’s just a few curved ovals and some straight lines and you are done! And then, I added a little Gold leaf succulent painting to mine at the end.

And you all have LOVED this tutorial SO MUCH… that I made a few other “how to” paint type posts. I did a Tips to draw and paint a colorful pumpkin and Tips on how to draw and paint Autumn Leaves.

The final product is this beautiful gold glimmering Easy botanical art for beginners! Who doesn’t love a little gold foil addition to their painting?

I love the modern feel it gives off and I decided I wanted to create a few smaller succulent paintings to go with it.

This trio of painted succulents look amazing displayed on my fireplace mantel. One is a barrel cactus and the other is a prickly pear cactus.

Let’s get to how to create this beautiful succulent wall art below!

What supplies do I need to paint Cactus art?

• Blank Canvas
• Black Acrylic Paint
• Two shades of green Acrylic Paint
• Pencil
• Paint Brush
• Gold Leaf, 18 Sheet Pack
• Metal Leaf Adhesive
• Soft Brush for brushing away gold leaf

How to draw a simple cactus

Thankfully drawing a modern cactus is one of the easiest things to draw! Here is how, below.

Sketch your basic cactus shape

Begin by using a pencil and lightly drawing a succulent’s basic cactus shape. (I highlighted mine in the graphic below with light gray polka dots, so you could see the shape a little more easily.)

Next, load up your brush with black paint and trace the cactus / succulent pencil lines.  If you can do this with one single smooth line, it’s best.  Just go with big arching type lines.

Add interior cactus lines

Next, add paint lines to the interior of your cactus / succulent. This is the ribs on your plant.  

Add a planter pot shape at bottom

Then, create the planter for your plant with a basic pot shape.  I was going for a very simplified look on this piece of DIY art work, so the less tinkering with and worrying about perfection, the better.

Using your two different shades of green acrylic paint, you can add in the cactus flowers.  If you are wanting to stick with this gorgeous black and white succulent drawing, it would still look amazing just as is.

Add Gold Foil to your Cactus

For a final touch, it is time to add in the gold foil to your succulent piece of art.

Brush on thin lines of metal adhesive glue in between your cactus lines.  Allow the glue to dry until it has a slightly tacky feel – follow the directions on your glue for the exact dry time.  

Then, you can apply your gold foil sheets to cover.  Brush off any excess gold leaf with a clean brush or towel and enjoy!

Note:  The gold leaf goes everywhere, so be sure to brush it off near a trashcan or even outside.

Modern desert-themed DIY decor

And the final Cactus look is so good! This is the perfect home decor piece for a modern desert themed home or just your favorite plant enthusiast.

Succulent Painting

Succulent painting is a quick easy win. And the addition of the small green prickly pear fruit was such a fun add, don’t you think? 

How to paint Cactus and Simple Succulent art

Yield: Makes 1 Painting

Active Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

See easy step by step instructions to create inexpensive wall art. Tips on how to draw or paint a simple Succulent drawing or even a cactus in just a few simple steps! You can become your very own artist.

Print

Materials

• Blank Canvas
• Black Acrylic Paint
• Two shades of green Acrylic Paint
• Gold Leaf, 18 Sheet Pack
• Metal Leaf Adhesive

Tools

• Paint Brush
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Using a pencil, lightly draw a succulent’s basic cactus shape. 
2. Next, load up your brush with black paint and trace the cactus / succulent pencil lines. If you can do this with one single smooth line, it’s best. Make big arching lines.
3. Next, add painted lines to the interior of your cactus / succulent. Then, create the pot for your plant with a basic pot shape. 
4. Then, using your two different shades of green, add in the cactus painted flowers.
5. Finally, brush on thin lines of metal adhesive glue in between your cactus lines. Allow the glue to dry until it has a slightly tacky feel – follow the directions on your glue for the exact dry time. 
6. Apply your gold foil sheets to cover. Brush off any excess gold leaf with a clean brush or towel and enjoy!

Notes

The gold leaf goes everywhere, so be sure to brush it off near a trashcan or even outside.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

ALL THE SUPPLIES FOR ALL THESE EASY PIECES OF ART:

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