Two Christmases ago, I was really focused on making a handmade Christmas. I had come up with lots of fun handmade gift ideas for my kids, my mom, my sisters, but I was getting a little stuck on what to make for my husband. Until I saw Wit & Whistle’s pixel painting. I liked that it was simple, meaningful, and something that I thought he would like.
The idea is to take an image, pixelize it, and then recreate it in watercolors. The result is a beautiful, abstract image. I started with an image of the famous arch in Cabo San Lucas, which is were we honeymooned. Since I knew I wanted to frame the finished painting, I set up my grid so I would end up with an 8″x10″ painting that would be easy (i.e., inexpensive) to frame. To accomplish that, I scaled my image down to 20 pixels by 15 pixels using GIMP, a free photo editing program similar to photoshop. Here’s what the photo looked like when scaled to 20×15:
Comments + Project Love
Camille {Sugar Baby Boutique} says
Looks amazing!!
Alexis @ persia lou says
Thanks, Camille!
Denise @ My House, My Rules says
I love it! Sort of reminds me of a Chuck Close painting (and Chuck Close just happens to be my absolute favorite artist). I've actually been wanting to try something like this for a long time but been too scared/lazy but now I think I will have to give it a try! Thanks for the inspiration.
Alexis @ persia lou says
You're right – it is a bit like a Chuck Close painting. (In a less amazing way, of course 😉 I think you would like the technique if you give it a shot!
Brandi says
That's so neat! You're really creative.
BeBetsy says
Very cool idea! Thanks for sharing this at our linky party at BeBetsy – BRAG ABOUT IT! Hope to see you again and nice to meet you! Sharon and Denise
April Hoff says
This is GORGEOUS, Alexis! What a great idea! Thanks for linking it up at the Get Your DIY On link up party! Hope to see you back next week!
April Hoff says
Featuring your pixel art on Sunday at our next "Get Your DIY On" link up party! Bring a fall wreath if you can! 🙂
Tammy Snider says
I love this art, it looks so cool. nice job!<br /><br />Tammy @ thecoloreddoor.blogspot.com
Deonna Wade says
Hey it's Deonna! That painting is so great! I didn't know it was an actual picture until I read your post. I thought it was cool even before that 🙂 I would love to try this with Lake Tahoe or some place that is special to us. Very creative
Katie Nathey says
This is such a great idea and the colors are so relaxing too. This is definitely added to my to do list, pinned!
Level 1 Homemaker says
Such a great idea–lovely, too!
Jess @ Spool and Spoon says
It's crazy because I immediately recognized the arch from Cabo San Lucas when I saw it on Facebook (also where my handsome husband and I honeymooned three years ago). Definitely adding something like this to our gallery wall! Love it 🙂