A huge ugly piece of artwork

[artquejtion]

Could I whitewash or do something with a very ugly piece of artwork? or does anyone have any ideas how to make it more palatable ?

I bought it a few years ago abroad, I didn't open it for several months as it was in storage with other stuff. When I finally opened it, it definitely was not the one I purchased, At that point I felt it was too late to do anything about it, so just stuffed it in a storage room.

Now I realise, it is a perfect size for a wall I need to put something on, but I think I will gag every time I pass it. It is an abstract painting in red and pink colours, and I prefer more earth tones, so not my taste at all.

It will also be expensive to frame, so I was thinking of whitewashing over the really vibrant colours, or any other creative ideas. Don't think anyone would be interested in buying it, plus it was not an inexpensive purchase !

*artwork reminds me of

If it's valuable or sellable, sell it.

Otherwise get yourself a tub of white gesso and some decent quality acrylics and have fun with it.

Lots of inspiration from contemporary artists to be found on YouTube :

And if you don't like it........ another coat of gesso and start again

[quote Hydrate]Reverse image brought a lot of similar paintings, this reminds artwork me of yours. www.artsy.net/artwork/helen-teede-empty-chest[/quote]
That is a very similar style ! I like that one better than my one though, I think mine is from an Eastern European artist.

Thanks for all the replies, you have given me food for thought and I take on board the words of those of you who have more experience in the art world than I do.

It's back in the store room, so rather than painting over it immediately, I am going to see if I can find the name of the artist and then see if I can sell it or donate it.

Couldn't you do an 'acrylic pour painting' over the top using the colour palette you want? Dead easy. Loads of tutorials on YouTube.

@Malin52 omg that's a brilliant review

I like it.

Don't destroy it, sell it to someone who will appreciate it.

Alternatively, if you like it other than the colours, I suppose you could always use slightly tinted glass to frame it. A brown/yellow tint will transform the the colours to more earthy tones. Although I'm not sure how the artist would feel about that!

You could make a thinned down wash of white oil paint and just go over it so the colours underneath are more muted. Or if you prefer earty colours, a very fine wash of sepia oil paint to make them turn into shades of brown and russet. Could work.

I see a group of cats worshiping a cat lord

Flog it. Quite anish Kapoor so might be a good time

How much did you pay for this monstrosity?

I have an ugly piece of art too. I have no idea what to do with it and what I could replace it with.

FYI, I have asked to have the photos of the artwork removed as I am going to try to sell it in the coming weeks. Will update if I have any luck.

Thanks to everyone for the ideas and comments.

I work in the art trade, I have a fine art education. For me, real fine art is a physical manifestation of a philosophical idea, it holds high value and is a kind of sacred object.

To be comfortable with erasing an artists efforts, it exposes that many people see art as a commodity. I find that really sad.

And yet over the centuries many artists have painted over their own canvases and other people's.

I think art has to have an aesthetic appeal to its owner. The absolutely fundamental function of a piece of art is to be something worth looking at.