New Architectural Stencils by Ann Barnes

Hello Stencil Enthusiast!

Build architecture into your art journal, greeting cards, and mixed media work with these four new stencils by Ann Barnes.

She says, "I am excited to share my newest SG stencil designs: architectural. These four stencils are based on residential architectural design, the foundation of my work in the field. I love the linear quality of architectural plans; each line type and width represent different elements found within the design. A concept is developed into a vision, which begins with a set of plans."

Master Suite Stencil, S871, 6" x 6"

One of Ann's favorite aspects of the Master Suite Stencil design is the unexpected, angled passage that splits the traditional plan. 

"Rectangular spaces throughout the residence sometimes need a shake-up.," Ann says. "Envision yourself encountering a passage that appears to go in an unintended direction, when followed, it brings you to a vaulted space with the finest finishes and the grandest views. This angled corridor brings a lot of interest to the plan as well as the experience and will also create interest when the stencil is used." 

Ann used the stencil as a framework for the design of the art journal spread below. 

Beginning with essentially blank pages and an inspired color scheme, she inked the entire stencil design onto the upper left and bottom right sections of the pages. 

Next, she tore various handmade papers and added them using the stenciled lines as edges and guides. 

She added painted lines and drew lines with paint to create a cohesive design. 

"This was a very different way for me to work in my art journal," Ann says. "I loved the idea of letting the plan layout dictate the design and not having to consider the areas generated, just allowing the creativity to flow. I will definitely be trying this method again in the future." 

Back Hall Stencil, M330, 4" x 4"

The Back Hall Stencil was derived from a floor plan of the more utilitarian areas of the residence. As one enters the back hall they can access the more personal spaces within the residence, a very different experience from the grand entrance of the foyer. These spaces are smaller and more functional. This stencil provides linear graphics with perpendicular intersections and dashed lines. Its small size can have a big impact and would work wonderfully within a linear or grid journaling format. Small sections of the stencil can also be used for mark making.

Ann envisions this stencil being used with inks and paints, perhaps even textural pastes to give the appearance of raised lines within a piece of art. 

Orientation Stencil, M331, 4" x 4"

Every set of architectural drawings references a building geographically as Ann's Orientation Stencil graphically depicts. The elevations are typically labeled north elevation, south elevation, and so forth. Each drawing then contains a graphic that relates the “building north” as depicted on the drawing labels to “true” north. These types of orientation graphics can be as simple as overlapping rotated axis or as complex as the architect desires it to be. 

"I like to include an aerial view of the structure atop geographically accurate compass points," Ann says. "The combination of the circular opening and the roof plan creates a unique graphic."

Foyer Stencil, S872, 6" x 6"

Some of Ann's favorite aspects in architectural design are portals that give glimpses into spaces beyond. She says, "Sometimes these offer only subtle hints while other times they can provide a full understanding of what lies beyond." 

The Foyer Stencil evolved from one of Ann's residential designs. The double story entry contained a barrel-vaulted passage through to the main living space as well as a turned staircase that, when ascended, provided sweeping views of the property all along the upper-level corridor.

This stencil contains both large and small openings. It can be used for the simple repetitive patterns that symbolize the stairs and railings or the more open geometric shapes that form the arched passage, trimmed paneling and cased openings, or as a complete architectural design. 

"The geometric nature of this stencil will lend itself to many different styles of art," Ann says. 

This stencil is perfect for use with all types of inks and paints, as well as different types of mediums. The larger openings are well suited to doodling or filling with color, images, or even ephemera. 

Access different projects by Ann with these stencils on her blog.

Discover these architectural stencils and wonderful alphabet stencils by Ann Barnes on StencilGirl Products.com.