Piet Mondrian Style Geometric Abstract Art

For whatever reason, I have crossed paths with the same picture frame at multiple thrift stores. Time and time again, I come across different versions of the same eight-pane collage frame. And while I can’t wait to show you how I made this geometric abstract art today, allow me to provide proof.

Same frame, different brand names…different colors and finishes. BUT THE SAME FRAME.

Now truth be told, I’ve already upcycled one of the natural wood versions before. In fact, it’s one of my favorite “super easy” upcycles I’ve completed in recent years.

But this time around, I decided to upcycle the black version that I spotted at a Habitat ReStore. These frames may not be high-quality, but they sure are plentiful. And who am I to deny yet another upcycle idea when they keep finding me while thrifting?

Especially with a vision of Piet Mondrian-style art in my mind?

This post contains affiliate links for your crafting convenience. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All blue, bold, and underlined text is a clickable link, either to a product or to a related post.

Creating Colorful Geometric Abstract Art

I honestly can’t help but chuckle at the fact that I’m tinkering with yet another collage frame. But, I couldn’t shake the idea of this particular project. So, let’s see if I can take the image in my head and make it happen in real life.

First, I removed all the glass panes and frame backs from the frame. Everything was terribly dusty, and I couldn’t help but notice how scuffed and dinged the actual frame was.

So, despite the original color being ideal for this project, I needed to enhance the black with some spray paint. I already had a can on hand, which certainly came in handy.

As the black paint dried, I weighed my options for next steps. The Piet Mondrian art that I was emulating had blocks of blue, red, yellow, and white. And I had a couple of crafty options to choose from:

1. Clean the glass panes and paint them in those colors; or
2. Fill the collage frame with cardstock in those iconic colors.

I decided against painting the glass panes for multiple reasons. While I had those colors of spray paint already, they were in different finishes (satin, glossy, matte, etc.). And since I like to keep my projects inexpensive and approachable, buying all that paint would be cost prohibitive.

So, I picked up several sheets of cardstock from the craft store. I regathered the painted frame (upside-down here), the glass panes (cleaned and dried), and the paperboard frame backs (dusted).

Next, I used the glass panes to trace on the cardstock. I wanted two blue blocks, one each in yellow and red, and four white blocks. Since I don’t have a fancy paper cutter, I had to use plain old scissors to cut them out. 

Because I wanted my geometric abstract art to have a matte finish, I then began layering in all the pieces. STARTING with the cardstock blocks.

Yes, I wanted the cardstock to be the outermost layer in each rectangle. This would ensure that the colors would be bright and the finish would be matte.

Lastly, I then added the glass panes behind the cardstock (to keep them from warping over time) and finished with the frame backs.

Geometric Abstract Art Inspired by Piet Mondrian

With everything reassembled, this is how my wall hanging looked.

As you can see, the bottom blocks are a little crooked. Unfortunately, that’s just how the frame is due to poor construction quality.

But despite the crooked blocks, when I hung it on the wall and gathered some coordinated pieces, I LOVED how it looked.

In fact, the end result was basically a perfect match for the Piet Mondrian-style art vision I had in my head. And I’m so glad I went with the cardstock blocks. A glossy glass finish wouldn’t have looked nearly as good as this.

***

So, what do you think of my upcycled version of geometric abstract art? I may get some hate for the cardstock “cheat”, but that color-drenched uniform matte look would be hard to achieve with painted glass.

Interested in some additional project ideas with thrift store picture frames? This collection is a great place to start:

Craft on!

S

Want to be notified when I publish my next upcycling project tutorial?

Please subscribe here.

Join me on Social Media:

 

 

 

 

 
PIN ME!