PaperMonster Stencil Art Tutorial
Below is a quick and simple tutorial on how to make a stencil and develop a painting. Leave a comment below if you would like to see more or with any questions!! Enjoy PaperMonster https://www.instagram.com/paper_monster/ The first and most crucial step is really to start with a good drawing. If it looks great as just black and white then you are in great shape. Above is my original working image…
Below is a quick and simple tutorial on how to make a stencil and develop a painting. Leave a comment below if you would like to see more or with any questions!!
Enjoy
PaperMonster
https://www.instagram.com/paper_monster/
The first and most crucial step is really to start with a good drawing. If it looks great as just black and white then you are in great shape. Above is my original working image of a mask with some cool patterns. Usually I use poster paper from your local Staples or even small sheets of paper a little bit thicker than printer paper will work just fine.
Now you can see in the image above that if all of the parts that are black are cut out then the entire piece falls apart and you end up with huge holes for eyes. This is where the concept of “bridges” comes into play. I originally learned about creating these bridges from Blek le Rat while visiting him in Paris. He showed me that you can have these bridges in the stencil and once the piece was ready to be finished you could just cover the bridges by using spraypaint and a brush or even a cotton swap. You don’t need tons of money or materials to make a beautiful piece.
Above is a progress shot of some of the first cuts. For me I always begin with the eyes. If the eyes don’t look good then it is a waste to continue. Now take a look at the photo. You can see very small bridges created near the eyes that prevent it from falling apart. Go slowly. Don’t be afraid to make too many bridges. They will go away in the final piece.
Here is that stencil developing some more. By the look of the blade you can see that this stencil is very small but it may be more helpful to start with a large stencil and not have to worry about making tiny cuts the first time around. The key is practice!!! 
Next is a huge jump. So above you see a final piece. I developed the background and added some pattern and texture with just simple paper and spraypaint. You can create your own style and play with different colors until you see something you like. For me it is always good to show friends and see their response. If it ugly you will see it in their eyes.
Speaking of eyes, look at the canvas. You can see that those bridges over the eyes have been covered up. This is quick and easy to do. You take an empty cup and spray inside of it with your can of spraypaint until it is watery. Take a small brush or cotton swab and complete the bridge. Make sure you use the same color and stay consistent. 
Above and below are two other versions of the same stencil. You can make the stencil larger or smaller and play with the colors and patterns until you find something that fits. Once again, you don’t need expensive equipment or even expensive paint to make something beautiful.
I hope you enjoyed this short tutorial.Leave a comment and stay posted for more!!!
PaperMonster
This past weekend marked the first Urban Arts Festival (HERE) in New Brunswick which brought together amazing outdoor activities for kids and art forms including breakdancing, poetry, and a wonderful mural project/workshop which was put together by Albus Cavus (HERE). PaperMonster along with Will Kasso (HERE) , Leon Rainbow (HERE) and Aja Washington (HERE) were invited to participate and lead the mural project by sharing some of their talents painting on panels and their knowledge of graffiti, stencil art, collage, and painting with the children and families that came out for the festival. Catch tons of photos below from the event and progress shots of each mural.
(Click on image to view larger)
Will Kasso, Leon Rainbow preparing the panels.
Kids having a fanstatic time in the bouncing castle.
Aja preparing her wall.
There were many great performers the entire day.
Aja Washington painting.
There were several panels up for kids and families to paint and create.
On the left you can see my tutoring session with Miss C who learned how to paint a cute kitten.
Aja Washington infront of her amazing panel.
PaperMonster-Detail
While painting the wind was blowing so hard that I needed a kind volunteer to help hold my stencil. In exchange he wanted the color red to spraypaint his name on a different panel.
PaperMonster-Progress
I wanted to attempt some pasting and collage work that I had never done in an outdoor piece and everything turned out great.
PaperMonster-Detail
Out of the hundres of people out for the event I had the pleasure of meeting this teacher and her friends who loved the finished piece.
PaperMonster-Detail
PaperMonster-Detail
I am really looking forward to using this particular stencil on a canvas very soon.
PaperMonster-Detail
I was very suprized how well the stencils held up.
One of my favorite photos of the day. I was standing in the street and he just kept standing infront of the pannel flexing his muscles so I had to capture it and share it with everyone.
The gorrilla is meant to be a head dress for anyone who sits below it.
PaperMonster-Detail
Peter K. of Albus Cavus did a great job at taking this photo and many of the other photos you will see in this post.
PaperMonster-Finished Panel
Click on image to view larger.
Leon Rainbow’s piece was completely done using brushes. He is extremely talented.
Will Kasso and Leon Rainbow working on their panels.
Leon Rainbow-Detail
Leon infront of his finished piece.
Leon Rainbow finished panel.
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Will Kasso- Detail
Will always impresses my with what he brings to every wall he paints on. It is great to see his entire process and he always draws a huge crowd.
Will Kasso and Leon Rainbow working on their panels.
Will Kasso Panel Section
Will Kasso painting inside someone’s blackbook
Will Kasso finished panel.
Click on image to view larger.
I want to thank everyone who came out to help and participate in the festival. I had a fantastic time and it was a great opportunity. I am extremely greatful to have the chance to paint alongside such talented artists and share my work with everyone on these amazing outdoor projects.
Enjoy
-Paper Monster
PaperMonster Stencil Graffiti Artist 