Using a Stencil for Art Fundamentals

Hi Everyone!  I hope you had a wonderful holiday! Mary Beth here with a special blog post for you. 

Are you seeking a set of rules for your work? I know I was, especially when I first started out. Being self-taught, I sooooo wanted to organize the mixed media process into a reasonable list of dos and don’ts. I tend to be a researcher by nature and I bought and studied book after book on art fundamentals. I figured this knowledge would guarantee I produce successful work. You are probably laughing out loud by now as you, like me, realize art is such a subjective topic that it isn’t easy to define what even makes a piece successful, let alone trying to produce one on demand. 

Perhaps it is the color and texture. Or lack of color. Or off the charts texture. The disappearing lines, broken lines, bold lines or tiny scribbles, what kind of line is best!? The unity among shapes or total discord between shapes. Aaack, I was overwhelmed. 

See what I mean? Students of Art Fundamentals are often guided by the Elements and Principles of Art but sadly, they are not consistent within the arts or crafts industries. Typically, the Elements refer to the things each of us use to make our art; call these building blocks if you want. The Principles describe what we do with these things. But why can’t everyone just agree as to what they are – my research turned up so many options!!! Can you hear me smacking my head against my desk?

Here is my version, you will see other references online and in books 

Elements

1. Line

2. Shape

3. Color

4. Texture

5. Space 

6. Value

Principles

1. Balance

2. Contrast

3. Rhythm/Repetition/Movement

4. Emphasis/Focus/Contrast

5. Unity/Harmony/Variety

A stencil, by its nature, is a tool that can give us the Elements of line and shape; I contend a stencil may also help us utilize techniques within the Principles as well. Specifically, Rhythm/Repetition/Movement. 

In order to flush out my supposition, I decided to select just one single stencil to create a variety of parts using multiple techniques involving stencils. Next, I would make a piece of art. Actually I made two small paintings; I used the parts I had made and then also used the stencils with paint. 

Supplies 

White paper, text weight

Black paper, text weight

Vintage paper, old book pages

White crayon, pencil or China Marker

91% alcohol

Inexpensive brush to use with alcohol ink

Duralar or Yupo

Sponge for stenciling, brushes for painting

Limited paint palette, I used Golden Permanent Maroon, Daniel Smith Gold Gesso, Golden Black Gesso, Paper Artsy Heavy Cream

Alcohol ink within the color scheme – Tim Holtz Crimson, Pitch Black and Alloy Gilded

Scissors

Brayer

Bristol, Cardstock or Matboard for the actual art Substrate

Matte Medium or Glue Stick

1 stencil with interesting shapes and lines (S869, StencilGirl®Products)

Before I started the project, I tested out my colors to make sure they would provide an interesting punch and work well together. Taking a minute to do that will make an enormous difference in your result.

1. Be aware that Alcohol Ink stains your hands, so you might want to wear rubber gloves. 

2. Use the selected acrylic colors and a sponge to pounce over the stencil on top of your papers. You may tape off part of the stencil to hone in on part of the design. This will also allow you to repeat the same limited area over and over. Try all your colors on different backgrounds. Make sure you have more collage materials than you will need. You can always save them for later.

3. Place the stencil underneath the black paper and make a rubbing with either a white crayon or pencil. 

4. Cut a piece of Duralar or Yupo to the size of your stencil. Flood the surface with alcohol making sure more than half is covered. Place the stencil on top of the alcohol covered surface. Dribble alcohol ink on top. You may add Gold if you like. Blow with a straw, tilt the Duralar, do whatever you like to move the ink around. You may also like to dribble more alcohol or use a brush to add drops of alcohol which will create ‘blooms’. Allow the ink to mix on its own and wait until it is dry before removing the stencil.

5. Clean the alcohol ink-stained stencil by placing it on top of white paper. Swipe over it with a cleaning tool or a cloth covered with alcohol. Continue until you are satisfied with the result. I ended up with two sheets of paper this way. 

6. Prepare the substrate as desired. This might involve painting sections of background color, gluing neutral collage or whatever you might normally do to start a painting. I did a little bit of painting and collage. 

7. Cut up your parts and start moving them around the substrate like puzzle pieces. Try layering them in different ways. When you are satisfied glue them down.

8. Stencil directly onto the background continuing to use the one stencil. I went back and forth from gluing to painting. It was fun to glue down a collage element and then try to stencil a continued line to achieve continuity in the painting. 

Confession Time. 

I had never tried this prior to writing the article. I wasn’t quite sure what would happen, but I suppose that pretty much defines the art process, right? Truly, I was exhilarated with the result and want to try it again with other stencils. This particular stencil, designed by Jennifer Evans for StencilGirl® Products offered up a beautiful blend of organic effects. I chose it because it had different areas – the squarish shapes, the flower, the linear parts – and I thought it had great opportunity. If you decide to try this on your own, I would suggest you also consider a stencil with diverse sections. I know this won’t be the last time I do this project!!

How to Transform Gel Prints into Vibrant Stencil Art Panels

Hello, creative lovelies!

Martice here from @MarticeSmithArt, and I’m excited to share a fun way to transform gel prints into vibrant, stencil-layered panels inspired by the colors of nature and the changing seasons. These steps are approachable but still leave room for playful exploration, so you’ll feel confident no matter where you are on your art journey.

As summer fades into fall, I’ve been inspired by my time at the lake and the lush, tropical plants in my garden. With colder months approaching, I wanted to preserve those vibrant hues and capture the glowing sunsets I’ve been photographing during my quiet moments outdoors.

The result? Home or studio décor I’ll be proud to display—little bursts of joy and inspiration I can turn to whenever I need a creative lift.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to:

• Turn gel-printed papers into vibrant, layered stencil art.

• Capture seasonal colors and inspiration in your artwork.

• Use simple techniques that create a “Wow—you made this?!” effect, no matter your skill level.

Supplies You’ll Need: 

Stencils (My stencils are on sale! Use this code to get 20 percent off: MS20 

Shop here 👉🏽 https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencils-martice-smith-s/2164.htm 

L863 - Graphic Mod Mask 1: 70s Play 

L864 - Graphic Mod Mask 2: Hole In The Wall

L865 - Graphic Mod Mask 3: Bubble

2-3 Smaller, detailed stencils of your choice

Wooden Panels (I’m using 8”x8” panels that I made)

Large sheet of drawing paper (I’m using 18”x24”)

Colored Tissue Paper

8”x10” Gel Plate (or larger size)

Acrylic Paints: Colors of your choice

Scissors

Utility Knife

Pencil 

6” Brayer

Sponge Roller

Paintbrush (for applying gel medium)

Stencil Bristle Brush

Gloss Gel Medium

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Use a gel plate as a stamping block to create the background. 

Using acrylic paints, a rubber brayer, and a gel plate, cover the paper with blocks of color. When these blocks are overlapped, they create another color! If you know me, you know I absolutely ADORE vibrant colors, especially jewel tone hues. 

Allow this layer to dry completely before moving on. 

Step 2: Use detailed stencils on top of the color blocks.

Next, we’re creating a layer that’s packed with small designs, shapes, and marks. Tip: Try rotating your paper as you work. This will help keep your work loose and playful. I like working my way from the background to the foreground. I find that it’s easier to create a sense of depth and dimension.

Allow the paper to dry for a couple of minutes. 

Step 3: Trace the inside part of the stencils/masks to create abstract shapes.

Trace the shapes onto colored tissue paper, then cut them out. This will be our collage fodder. I love the transparency of tissue paper because it lets the background layers peek through, adding visual interest to the piece.

Adhere the tissue shapes to the large paper. Put them in random spots or feel free to place them wherever you like - it’s totally up to you! 

 

Step 4: Place masks on top of your paper and cover them with paint.

I like using a sponge roller for two reasons: 1. It gives a grunge-like, speckled texture (whereas a rubber brayer creates a smooth texture), and 2. I can achieve transparency so that the background peeks through. This effect depends on how much pressure you apply as you’re rolling it across the surface. 

Step 5: Find the sweet spot! Position your panel on an area you like, then trace around it, leaving ¼” around the panel on all sides.

Step 6: Use a sharp utility knife (or scissors) to cut out the paper.

Step 7: Apply a generous amount of gel medium to the wooden panels.

Carefully place your paper on top of the panel, leaving a ¼” overhang on all sides.

Working from the center out to the edges, smooth the paper out to release any air bubbles. I prefer using the side of my hand for this. Allow this to dry before proceeding to the next step. If you cut while it’s still wet, the paper might tear and create jagged, frizzy edges. No bueno! 

Optional: Scribble with paint pens and markers to add more of your personal style. (I used Posca paint markers to add geometric shapes and hand-lettering, and a pencil to create drop shadows.)

Step 8: Brush on a thin layer of gloss gel medium to seal your work. Notice how those colors shine! 

And there you have it—a simple, creative way to turn gel prints into vibrant, stencil-layered panels that bring your favorite colors and memories to life.

Remember, this process isn’t about perfection—it’s about capturing the joy of making and letting your creativity surprise you. Even the simplest techniques can spark something magical.

I’d love to see how you bring this tutorial to life! Share your finished piece with me or tag me online so I can cheer you on. Thanks for stopping by today! 

Find me on Instagram @MarticeSmithArt

My stencils are on sale! Use this code to get 20 percent off: MS20  

Shop here 👉🏽 https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencils-martice-smith-s/2164.htm

Stencils designed by me are on sale with code MS20:

L863 - 70s Play 

L864 - Hole In The Wall

L865 - Bubble

Other stencil used for this project: (Note, this is not on sale.)

L426 - Kilim Pattern