Tuesday, January 5, 2016

How to Use Stencils for Finishing Touches

Happy New Year!  I wanted to show you how I often use stencils for finishing touches in my art journal.  These pics are from a new online class I'm working on, called "Facing Faces."  I hope to unveil it soon!

I glued a sketch into my art journal, and began painting it.  I also adhered a small embellishment I made using embossing paste and my Medallions stencil, from this tutorial (which has a video). 


 Here are more progress pics.





Although her face felt done, somehow, the page just didn't feel complete.  I brought out the Medallions Stencil again, and laid it over the hair.


I also painted up the embellishment, and went over the stenciled area with gold paint.


She still didn't feel "done."  I felt like she needed words.  Seth Apter's stencils for November Stencil Club were perfect!    Now she felt finished.


What do you think?  Do you like her better with or without the stenciled overlay?  With or without the words?  Are there certain elements you feel unfinished without?  I'd love to know.

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19 comments:

  1. I like the stencil overlay, it adds texture and interest to the image. I also like the message, but not the lettering. Personally, it seems distracting. Maybe it would look better in script. Overall, I love the image!

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    1. Thank you so much for being so thoughtful. I am mixed about the lettering.... I go back and forth. Hope you've had a wonderful start to the New Year!

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    2. Thank you, there's a lot going on this year...new grandson😍 is 5 months old.
      If you don't mind, I'm going to try this in my journal too. I love the idea of "storytelling" as a theme. Of course I can get sidetracked.

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  2. She's a beauty. I think I'd like to see the stencil design pushed back a little in the background, but still see it.

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    1. Yeah... I go back and forth with this one...

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  3. I like the overlay, I think it makes the overall more cohesive. I like the lettering too, I think it's an excellent sentiment. Plus I just like words on things :-)

    Mareena

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    1. Thank you Mareena! I appreciate your observations and kind words.

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  4. I like it, but pattern always thrills me :)

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  5. I think she is beautiful. I love the texture the stencil overlay provides, almost like a veil. and the words are wonderful, I like the shadow effect. She is lovely.

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  6. Love the pattern too! Was I supposed to send my broach to someone? Let me know. thanks C

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  7. Love the final version with all the trimmings! It's complex and beautiful. It has a story, makes me want to stay and hear everything she has to say.

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  8. Love the final version with all the trimmings! It's complex and beautiful. It has a story, makes me want to stay and hear everything she has to say.

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  9. Jessica, I love the stencil overlay and the color combo. It adds such visual interest. I find the words a bit large but love the sentiment. I love your script and that might go well with the image.

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  10. Just right Jessica! Love how it turned out. Thank you for sharing your breakout photos and process! Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

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  11. Are you familiar with the artist Kehinde Wiley? Your stencil overlay technique reminds me so much of his striking artworks.
    Nicely done!

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  12. What a wonderful way to use the stencil. I need to think more about using the ones I have.

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  13. Thanks for sharing. I will try this very soon!

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