Below are a bunch of shots from our latest project painting alongside Joe Iurato (HERE), Peter Ferrari (HERE), Hamilton Glass (HERE), the Yok and Sheryo (HERE) at Randall’s Island in New York for the 2016 Governors Ball music festival (HERE). We each created interactive murals for festivalgoers and you can see some of the silly shots we took across the festival. It was a blast!!!
I am excited to announce that the graffiti art supplies store Bombing Science (HERE) has PaperMonster umbrellas available!! You can check out the store over at: https://shop.bombingscience.com/choke-urban-creation-umbrella-papermonster.html
Make sure to also stop by and purchase your favorite spraypaints, markers and more over at Bombing Science!!
I am excited to announce that the graffiti art supplies store Bombing Science (HERE) has PaperMonster umbrellas available!! You can check out the store over at:
This summer I will creating a new series of paintings based on comic book female heroes and villains. The series will include some familiar faces including Catwoman, Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, Thor, Batgirl, and more. Below are some progress photos of some of the drawings that will be turned into stencils. Looking forward to posting the process. Stay tuned and follow…
This summer I will creating a new series of paintings based on comic book female heroes and villains. The series will include some familiar faces including Catwoman, Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, Thor, Batgirl, and more. Below are some progress photos of some of the drawings that will be turned into stencils. Looking forward to posting the process. Stay tuned and follow https://www.instagram.com/paper_monster/ to see more.
I am excited to share an exclusive interview with Matthew James (HERE). The interview covers some new details on some future projects, art advice, and my love for sneakers among other topics. Check out the entire interview below!!! Enjoy PaperMonster
I am excited to share an exclusive interview with Matthew James (HERE). The interview covers some new details on some future projects, art advice, and my love for sneakers among other topics. Check out the entire interview below!!!
I am excited to share that PaperMonster has joined Patreon. Patreon is a site where you can become a patron and donate monthly to support your favorite artists. This money goes towards specific goals and projects artists set out by artists. You can help PaperMonster reach specific milestone that will help me be able to control and create a wide range of projects including new prints, stickers,…
I am excited to share that PaperMonster has joined Patreon. Patreon is a site where you can become a patron and donate monthly to support your favorite artists. This money goes towards specific goals and projects artists set out by artists. You can help PaperMonster reach specific milestone that will help me be able to control and create a wide range of projects including new prints, stickers, scarves and more!! The best part????!!! Patrons get first access to exclusive giveaways, PaperMonster products, photos, tutorials and videos. You can check out the page over at: https://www.patreon.com/PaperMonster
Scroll down to see some of my GOALS!!
Click on Image to Visit Patreon
Goal $100 Per Month: PaperMonster PostcardsWith you support I will be able to create postcards based on some of your favorite PaperMonster designs. These have never been created and are completely new!!
Goal $200 Per Month: New PaperMonster Stickers
Once we hit this goal I will have enough funds to create a brand new set of PaperMonster stickers!! These will be normal and clear vinyl stickers. As a token of appreciation all Patreon patrons will receive the new sticker pack to slap on any surface inside or outside!!
Goal $500 Per Month: PaperMonster PrintRelease
Over the years I have only been able to release 3 prints. I have been looking for a way to produce a new series of prints based off my drawings and stencil art pieces. They will range from giclee and layered screen printed releases in a variety of sizes. Patreon patrons will have a first look at the prints and the printing process. I am so excited to be able to create more prints and share my work with all of you!!
Goal $750 Per Month: PaperMonster Pins and Air Fresheners
So this is a completely new challenge. Hitting this goal means that I will be able to start creating PaperMonster diecast pins and other interesting products like air fresheners using some of my drawings and stencil art designs. Super excited to see how these turn out!!
Goal $1,000 Per Month: PaperMonster Skate Deck
I love skateboards, snowboards and wakeboards!! With your support I hope to create a new set of skate decks to be produced and released to the public. I will also create one custom deck fully hand painted and given away exclusively to one lucky patron. Thank you for all of your support and reaching this goal!!
Goal $1,500 Per Month: PaperMonster Scarves
This is going to be huge!! I love clothing and have created several PaperMonster t-shirts across the years. I want to create and release a set of PaperMonster scarves. You can see a concept of one the first designs below.
Goal $2000 Per Month: PaperMonster Umbrellas!! Several years ago I was able to collaborate with Choke to release a custom PaperMonster umbrella. It turned out beautiful!! I am excited to be able to create a new set of umbrellas and release them to the public!!
Each one of my paintings starts off with a simple idea followed by a more detailed sketch You can read more in my Stencil Art Tutorial (HERE). For my “From Experience” painting I started with the sketch you see below. These drawings are so important because they give me a reference point for what will or wont work as a stencil. Below you can some process and progress photos and see how the…
Each one of my paintings starts off with a simple idea followed by a more detailed sketch You can read more in my Stencil Art Tutorial (HERE). For my “From Experience” painting I started with the sketch you see below. These drawings are so important because they give me a reference point for what will or wont work as a stencil. Below you can some process and progress photos and see how the initial sketch turned out as a final painting.
Above you can see the initial sketch. The initial idea started out as a lion/woman combination but after sketching out the concept I realized I wanted the painting to have more symmetry. When I re-drew the sketch prior to cutting the stencil I removed the lion’s mane and turn the lion into a tiger.
Above you can see the final piece. You can see the symmetry and calculated placement of shapes. In the original drawing there were too many shapes that would clutter the stencil and were removed. See if you can spot what was kept and what never made it into the final piece.
This year I will be starting a new project through Instagram (HERE). For years when I was starting to make paintings and stencils I had no money to travel to art shows, collect art, or be actively involved in the art world. I did collect one thing….Inspiration. Between 2005-2007 I collected over 2,000 photos from the internet and any other source I could. Every day I will be posting a new photo…
This year I will be starting a new project through Instagram (HERE). For years when I was starting to make paintings and stencils I had no money to travel to art shows, collect art, or be actively involved in the art world. I did collect one thing….Inspiration. Between 2005-2007 I collected over 2,000 photos from the internet and any other source I could. Every day I will be posting a new photo showcasing artists that inspired me from all across the globe. You will be able to see how some of today’s top street artists came to be. Artists featured will include: Galo, The London Police, Jeremy Fish, Os Gemeos, Tristan Eaton, Banksy, Miss Van, Blu, El Tono, Nano 4814, Flying Fortress, Banksy, Eine, Space Invader, Nuria, D*Face, Alexone, INSA, Blek le Rat, Angry Woebots, Reka, Rone, Shepard Fairey, Kaws, Futura and many MANY MORE!!
To check out the project please visit and follow PaperMonster:
My good friend Luke Cornish aka E.L.K (HERE) put together a group show of the top stencil artists from across the globe. The lineup of artists included: Blek le Rat, Adam5100, B-toy, C215, Eelus, E.L.K., HAHA, Icy and Sot, Joe Iurato, Joshua Smith, Koleszar, Leckomio, M-City, Martin Whatson, PaperMonster, Snik and many more. The show took place at aMBUSH Gallery in Australia. You can see photos and video of some of the work and show opening below.
Continuing with yesterday’s (HERE) story on my Star Wars inspired drawing we come to the man himself DARTH VADER!! When trying to draw such an iconic character like Darth Vader I literally came to a major road block. This character has been drawn and reinterpreted in so many unique and interesting ways. My initial idea came from my work incorporating images of animals and women together.…
Continuing with yesterday’s (HERE) story on my Star Wars inspired drawing we come to the man himself DARTH VADER!!
When trying to draw such an iconic character like Darth Vader I literally came to a major road block. This character has been drawn and reinterpreted in so many unique and interesting ways. My initial idea came from my work incorporating images of animals and women together. Obviously we know that both Vader and Boba Fett are played by male characters in the movie but I wanted to show what expression a woman might have under that mask. Overall, I was extremely happy with the results and can’t wait to turn it into a larger painting.
Click on Image to View Larger
Click on Image to View Larger
Click on Image to View Larger
As I mentioned in my previous post (HERE), for this series I wanted to incorporate my patterns with symbols from the Star Wars Universe. For the Darth Vader drawing I chose the symbol of the empire. Very happy with how it turned out and flows well with my previous pattern. If I did not mention it most people would not even see it. I like that subtlety.
In celebration of the new Star Wars film: The Force Awakens, I have created a new set of three (FREE!!!) iPhone 6 and 6S Wallpapers based on new drawing for future stencil art pieces. You can choose from Boba Fett, Darth Vader and Ewoks. Check below for more!! Enjoy PaperMonster For more info on how to change your phone’s wallpaper visit:…
In celebration of the new Star Wars film: The Force Awakens, I have created a new set of three (FREE!!!) iPhone 6 and 6S Wallpapers based on new drawing for future stencil art pieces. You can choose from Boba Fett, Darth Vader and Ewoks. Check below for more!!
About a year back I was tasked with creating a commissioned art piece based on a statue located at Pennsylvania’s 30th Street Station. Via WIKIPEDIA: “The bronze sculpture, Angel of the Resurrection, that portrays Michael the Archangel raising up a dead soldier out of the “flames of war,” set upon a tall, black-granite base. The statue was created as a memorial for the 1,307 Pennsylvania…
About a year back I was tasked with creating a commissioned art piece based on a statue located at Pennsylvania’s 30th Street Station. Via WIKIPEDIA: “The bronze sculpture, Angel of the Resurrection, that portrays Michael the Archangel raising up a dead soldier out of the “flames of war,” set upon a tall, black-granite base. The statue was created as a memorial for the 1,307 Pennsylvania Railroad employees who died in World War II.”
The statue itself is massive and the archangel has these gigantic sweeping wings that were incredibly difficult to capture in stencil form. You can catch some photos of the piece below and compare it to the original statue in all its massive scale and glory.
The streets are alive with a whole cast of characters across hundreds of walls in Wynwood Miami for Art Basel. Check out some photos and video below. Stay Posted!! More Tomorrow!! Enjoy PaperMonster Above is the incredible work from The London Police!!! I had the pleasure of meeting Chaz at the Wooster Collective Anniversary show a while back. I absolutely recommend you check out their work…
The streets are alive with a whole cast of characters across hundreds of walls in Wynwood Miami for Art Basel. Check out some photos and video below.
Stay Posted!! More Tomorrow!!
Enjoy
PaperMonster
Above is the incredible work from The London Police!!! I had the pleasure of meeting Chaz at the Wooster Collective Anniversary show a while back. I absolutely recommend you check out their work over at:
Last up is the phenomenal talent known as the one and only Ron English. I have so much respect for Ron as an artist. He is consistently taking risk and creating new, playful and familiar characters. These pieces you just have to see to believe. For more on Ron English visit:
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!!
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!!!
Below are a couple of recent process photos of some of the larger pieces that I have been working on. You can see some of the layers and textures that I am developing inside each canvas. Each area on the canvas has a new and unique story. Typically each painting has an average of 10 different types of paper from all across the globe. Stay posted for more progress photos and detailed shots!! For…
Below are a couple of recent process photos of some of the larger pieces that I have been working on. You can see some of the layers and textures that I am developing inside each canvas. Each area on the canvas has a new and unique story. Typically each painting has an average of 10 different types of paper from all across the globe.
Stay posted for more progress photos and detailed shots!!
Below are some images of some new drawings and sketches that I am working on and will hopefully convert into larger stencil canvas pieces. Looking forward to sharing more process shot and photos. Stay posted for more!! For more visit: https://www.instagram.com/paper_monster/ Click on Image to View Larger Click on Image to View Larger Click on Image to View Larger Enjoy PaperMonster For More…
Below are some images of some new drawings and sketches that I am working on and will hopefully convert into larger stencil canvas pieces. Looking forward to sharing more process shot and photos.
Below is a brand new set of PaperMonster Phone Wallpapers for the iPhone 6 and 6S. Click on the image below and hold to save image. For more info on how to change your phone’s wallpaper visit: http://www.imore.com/how-to-change-lock-screen-home-screen-wallpaper-iphone-ipad Stay posted for more wallpapers coming soon!! (Click on image to view and save to phone.) (Click on image to view and save to…
PaperMonster (USA) , A1one (Tehran), and Cabiao (Buenos Aires) have collaborated with Choke Urban Creation (Germany) on a set of artist designed umbrellas. Each umbrella comes in an artist designed box and features a one button auto-open/close feature with an aluminum shaft and fiberglass ribs. These umbrellas are unlike anything you will see outdoors and truly make a powerful and beautiful statement.
I have teamed up with Choke Urban Creation (HERE), a great new company from Germany to bring you a fantastic new product. Below are photos of the new PaperMonster Umbrella based on my original paint “Outlaw”. I am extremely proud of this project and can not wait to share it with everyone. You can purchase your very own at the following link below:
There are few people who truly “give” in the world. Kanye West (HERE) is one of those few. He has been releasing a new music track every week for free and what drove me to do my post was the amazing film he put together titled “Runaway.” It is unlike anything you have seen and I love to see someone push himself and break away from what you would expect. You can catch the entire 30min film for free over at: http://kanyewest.com
or
click on the image below.
Also, make sure to download all of the tracks he has been releasing for free on the site while you are there:
I am excited to share one of my BEST and FAVORITE interviews to DATE!! Recently, I sat down with World-Graffiti (HERE) to talk about my work. the current state of the art world, techniques, paint types, what to expect from PaperMonster in the future and a whole ton of other topic. I was really able to tap into all of the things I want everyone to know or learn more about. You can catch the entire interview for yourself at the following link and check out some excerpts from the interview below:
Thanks to World-Graffiti for a fantastic job!! http://www.world-graffiti.com/2010/10/papermonster-interview-street-art-for-2010-stencil-art/
Click on link to visit entire interview!!
Via World Graffiti:
——
WG – Where do you draw influence from?
PM – I don’t directly draw my influence from one source. I think as an artist you have to create what you want. There are pieces that I make that you will never see because I don’t think they say anything about me growing as an artists. The whole goal is to grow and push your own self yet at the same time you need to know what is going on around you and learn from people around you.
If you don’t feed off the creative vibe around you and use it in a productive way then you will never run out of ideas. REPETITION KILLS. I can NOT stand people who repeat the same image over and over and over. Always the same, no evolution, no new ideas!!! I HATE IT. People get really tired of that and it is what is killing the urban art and gallery scene. It is just bad news overall.
You see more and more galleries just use the same artists who do the same exact thing and the entire scene just needs new life. The same goes for magazines. Over and over you see the same artists and that prevents any new talent from gaining exposure and recognition that they rightfully deserve. It is super sad and one of the main reasons people are not buying magazines. Why,when I can see something new every day online since you have not for the past 2 years.
For me I see it this way; If I wanted to have a quick way out of course I could just repeat a stencil 100 times but what does that say about me and about the time I put into what I do and consider a profession.
WG – Did you always combine the stencils with the collage stuff or did it develop over time?
PM – It was a major evolution process from the very beginning. The collage work has just become this huge chaotic mess of newspaper, textured paper, comics, money, paper from Tibet, and a bunch of other elements that I collage together.
In each painting I always put something that you can connect with immediate, whether it is you see Spiderman, Ninja Turtles, Ren and Stimpy, Robocop, etc. Once I create that connection then I develop a whole story within the painting so one you are sucked in to the painting you can explore on your own.
The goal now is to take that experience and develop it to something that is stronger and allows the audience to go through more emotions.
This past weekend was the opening of Beyond Eden 2010, an art fair that brings together some of the West Coast’s top art galleries under one roof. Although I was not able to make it to the event in person I have gathered some photos from you from the festivities. You can check them out below and I will post several more as more photos are released. Enjoy
-PaperMonster
For More Great Photos Visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandonshigeta/
or http://brandonshigeta.com/blog/2010/10/09/beyond-eden-2010/
or http://blog.andrewlorenzlong.com/?p=1792 Click on image to view larger Click on image to view larger Click on image to view larger Click on image to view larger Click on image to view larger Click on image to view larger
Enjoy
PaperMonster
If you are in Los Angeles this Saturday October 9th or Sunday October 10th you do not want to miss out on an amazing and FREE event bringing together the following galleries under one roof: Carmichael Gallery, Copro Gallery, Crewest, La Luz De Jesus, LeBasse Projects, and Thinkspace!!
PaperMonster will be showing within Crewest Gallery’s booth alongside Man One, Chaz Bojorquez, Miguel Paredes, and Else. You can find out more of the entire event below or at the following site:
LA Municipal Art Gallery at Barnsdall Park
4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Saturday, October 9th 6PM-11PM
Opening Reception with live painting, a sponsored bar, a silent auction for LAMAG, & tunes from DJ Mr. NumberOnederful (Bitter:Sweet) & X-Point
Admission is Free / Open to the Public
Sunday, October 10th 1PM-6PM
Art viewing / Last chance to see the exhibition
Admission is Free / Open to the PublicClick on image to view larger. Click on image to view larger Click on image to view larger
Enjoy
PaperMonster
I am excited to announce that I was recently featured in a new book titled Artaq (HERE) which hosts a range of artists like I have never seen before. If you are tired of seeing the same old artists in every book this is a great chance to see what other people are creating all over the world. Trust me there are some pretty exciting techniques and artists that you will want to look for in the future. Check out more info on the book below and make sure to visit here if you are interested in a copy: http://www.artaq.eu/en/artaq-bookzine.html
Via Artaq
The book presents the works of the winners and the nominees of the Artaq Awards, the urban arts contest organized by Artaq. This contest rewards the artists most representative of the evolution of the street art and the urban arts in 5 categories : Graffiti-Painting-Collage / Sculpture / Digital Art / Photo / In situ-performances. The works are those of 108 artists come from the whole world (Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Congo, Ecuador, Spain, France, Great Britain, Holland, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Portugal, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, USA 192 pages / hard cover / full color, 25 x 19,7 cm / 28 € Click on image to view larger Click on image to view larger
Enjoy
PaperMonster
If you are in the New Jersey area make sure to stop by the opening of the group show Say It Don’t Spray It @ Parlor Gallery which I will be taking part in this Saturday, September 25th. For More Info Visit: http://www.parlor-gallery.com/
Via Parlor Gallery:
Parlor Gallery is pleased to present our new group show “Say It Don’t Spray It” featuring the artwork of Bask, John Koleszar, Billy Chuck, Nick Morris, Casey Gray, Army of One, Lil’ Shy, Joe Iurato, Kris Fisk, PaperMonster, Hiroshi Kumagi, Charlie Owens, Michael Anderson & Michele Senesi.
We hope that you can join us for our opening reception on Saturday, September 25 from 7 to 11 PM! This event is part of City Arts, Asbury Park’s new arts festival!!!
Below is a great video of Koleszar speaking on this stencil art process and even showing an extremely intricate stencil layer which he used on one of the pieces in the show. The “Friends With Knives” stencil group at Crewest Gallery closes this week so make sure to catch it before it is over.
Enjoy
Below is a brand new batch of photos of the Friends With Knives Stencil Group Show curated by PaperMonster opening that took place at Crewest Gallery in Los Angeles California courtesy of stencil artists Henry Quiara. Participating artists in the show included: Blek le Rat, Broken Crow, Chris Stain, Dave Lowell, E.L.K, , HAHA, Joe Iurato, Koleszar, Henry Quiara, Leckomio, Nathan Phaneuf, PaperMonster, Peat Wollaeger, Scotch and Shai Dahan.
For More Visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/henryquiara/
Click on any image to view larger
Enjoy
-PaperMonster Henry Quiara, E.L.K with Blek le Rat in center
Click on image to view larger Nathan Phaneuf crisp clean stencil layering on mirror.
Click on image to view larger Fantastic 3-D sculpture piece by Peat using stencils.
Click on image to view larger Nathan Phaneuf
Click on image to view larger HAHA
Click on image to view larger PaperMonster
Click on image to view larger Great new direction and quality work from Chris Stain
Click on image to view larger Chris Stain
Click on image to view larger Scotch
Click on image to view larger Scotch also featured in LA Times article alongside many of the participating artists
Click on image to view larger Joe Iurato
Click on image to view larger Broken Crow
Click on image to view larger Joe Iurato
Click on image to view larger Dave Lowell with insane photorealism skills
Click on image to view larger Leckomio, Henry Quiara, and Shai Dahan
Click on image to view larger Dave Lowell
Click on image to view larger Insane skill by none other than Koleszar. Huge detail and layering of stencils with precision in this piece.
Click on image to view larger Nathan Phaneuf
Click on image to view larger PaperMonster, Nathan Phaneuf, and Peat W.
Click on image to view larger Click on image to view larger Dave Lowell and John Koleszar
Click on image to view larger Koleszar and Man One (Crewest)
Click on image to view larger Click on image to view larger Click on image to view larger
Enjoy
PaperMonster
Joe Iurato (HERE)
