DIY Dog Canvas Art in 7 Easy Steps

As dog moms, we’re always eager to let people know how much we love our pets. Whether it’s a video of them acting guilty after devouring our pantry or a photo of their sweet puppy eyes, showing their unique quirks and personalities definitely puts a smile on our faces.

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For a more personalized way of capturing their true spirit, today I’m sharing Shutterfly’s adorable dog canvas art tutorial. It’s an easy project the whole family can take part in, especially with summer break right around the corner.

All you need is seven materials and your dog’s money-making face.

Take some time to get a photo of your pup’s captivating silhouette – especially her side profile. To make her comfortable and at ease, take her photo while she’s doing her favorite activity. Whether it’s playing in the backyard or lounging in her favorite sunny spot, she’s sure to give you her best pose when she’s relaxed.

Once you have the perfect photo, you’re ready to start your project. Read below for the seven detailed steps!

Start by grabbing these materials:

Pencil
Canvas
Photo print
Scissors
Acrylic paint
Liquid gold leaf
Paint brushes (three different sizes)

Step 1: Select your favorite photo of your pup and print it to match the size of your canvas. We recommend taking a photo of his profile or side angle for an easier stencil.

Step 2: Print and cut out the silhouette. Make sure to get rid of all the blank spaces, especially around the fur.

Step 3: Once you have your cutout, place the shape in the center of your canvas and trace the shape with a pencil. You can temporarily secure it with a piece of tape.

Step 4: With a small brush, trace the silhouette using your gold leaf paint. Once the general outline is done, start filling in the center with the same paint.

Since canvases tend to absorb a lot of paint, I recommend applying two coats. In this step, don’t worry too much about the details as you’ll be able to refine the shape later!

Step 5: With a larger brush, paint the outside of the silhouette in a color of your choosing. Again, apply a couple of coats. For a fun, cloudy texture, use a sponge or paper to apply the paint.

Step 6: With a detailing brush, go back to your gold leaf paint and add any details around your dog’s silhouette.

Step 7: Customize your canvas by adding shapes of his favorite treats, his birthday or a funny pet quote. Allow your canvas to dry for at least six hours and enjoy!