This past week I had the pleasure of painting alongside some 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).
Each of the murals were interactive and put together by Take 5 (HERE) with each artist inspired by a GovBall performer. My mural was inspired by Robyn. Joe Iurato’s mural was based on Beck. Peter Ferrari was inspired by De La Soul. Hamilton Glass’ mural was based on Kanye West and The Yok and Sheryo made a mural based on Action Bronson. Below you see a collection of some progress from my mural painting next to the incredibly talented duo the Yok and Sheryo.
Stay posted for more photos!!
A huge THANK YOU to my love for helping me prepare and work on the mural!!
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.
Over the last couple of weeks I have been posting a ton of photos of some of my favorite works of art from the street art world. This week on the Street Art Archive we have art from Rone, Jose Parla, AJ Fosik, Fafi, Leckomio, Futura, Nano4814, Sixeart, Nuria, El Tono, D*Face and Matt Siren. You can check out more details on these photos over at: https://www.instagram.com/paper_monster/ or…
Over the last couple of weeks I have been posting a ton of photos of some of my favorite works of art from the street art world. This week on the Street Art Archive we have art from Rone, Jose Parla, AJ Fosik, Fafi, Leckomio, Futura, Nano4814, Sixeart, Nuria, El Tono, D*Face and Matt Siren. You can check out more details on these photos over at:
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 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.
Last up we have the legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett. For this Star Wars character I wanted to stay in line with the Darth Vader concept (HERE). Boba Fett is a very calm, collected and calculated character with no major spurts of emotion throughout the movies. I wanted to juxtapose that with a very aggressive facial expression. Very excited to turn this one into a larger canvas piece. For you…
Last up we have the legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett. For this Star Wars character I wanted to stay in line with the Darth Vader concept (HERE). Boba Fett is a very calm, collected and calculated character with no major spurts of emotion throughout the movies. I wanted to juxtapose that with a very aggressive facial expression. Very excited to turn this one into a larger canvas piece.
For Boba Fett I chose a more subtle approach for the background. Once again I incorporated one of my patterns with Boba’s classic symbol worn on his shoulder. I did not want it to repeat too often since it is such a large and complex symbol so I chose to have it spread out more yet true fans will recognize this nod to the character and the films.
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.
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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.
Over a year ago I was commissioned to put together some concepts and try my own spin on some classic Star Wars characters. It is always difficult to jump away from your comfort zone as an artist and I needed to figure out a way to not just do simple drawing or stencil of a character that has been done countless amounts of time. This week I will share the story behind each of the three final…
Over a year ago I was commissioned to put together some concepts and try my own spin on some classic Star Wars characters. It is always difficult to jump away from your comfort zone as an artist and I needed to figure out a way to not just do simple drawing or stencil of a character that has been done countless amounts of time. This week I will share the story behind each of the three final drawings I created for this commissioned project.
First up: Ewok
Many of you know Ewoks are cute bear-like characters in the movies. Immediately I thought of cosplayers and tried to see how they would tackle this character. The drawing below is inspired by Star Wars cosplay.
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Typically with each drawing I like to add a unique colored pencil background. For this series I wanted to add symbols from Star Wars and chose to incorporate one of my patterns with the symbol of the Rebel Alliance.
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!!
I wanted to share another quick tutorial. It is about the evolution of a painting. As the years pass and we create new paintings we begin to develop a particular style. We all have millions of ideas running through our minds yet we lack the skills to execute or we execute something that doesn’t quite live to the image or idea we have in our heads. I never give up on a concept or idea. Below is…
I wanted to share another quick tutorial. It is about the evolution of a painting. As the years pass and we create new paintings we begin to develop a particular style. We all have millions of ideas running through our minds yet we lack the skills to execute or we execute something that doesn’t quite live to the image or idea we have in our heads.
I never give up on a concept or idea. Below is an example of how an idea develops over time and how you can always come back to refine and realize concepts. I hope you enjoy. Stay posted for more art tutorials.
Enjoy
PaperMonster
My original idea for the painting above was of a woman playing with makeup. I wanted the eyes to be the center point and asked my friend Courtnie to pose for the painting. She sent me the reference photos and then I began to work on the painting. The final product is what you see above. At the time with the skills that I had developed it felt perfect.
If you read my previous stencil art tutorial you can see that many of the bridges around the eyes and hands were never closed and she has no hair.
At that moment in time I did not know what I know now and could not develop the canvas any further. Although it didn’t 100% fit my original idea I was proud and happy with what I had created.
After several years I wanted to go back to that original concept. Over time I had developed my skills cutting stencils, creating eyes and developing the background of each canvas better. You can clearly see the progress of the painting and the growth from one piece to the next. Below is my most recent revisiting of that same original concept.
Above you can see the original concepts final form. Almost 3-4 years apart from that very first piece!! How you evolve as an artist is crucial. It is what art is all about. Take risk and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Never be afraid to revisit an old idea and take it to another level. Push forward but also don’t be afraid to take a step back.
I hope you enjoyed this brief tutorial. Stay posted for more!!
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!!
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.
Over the past couple of years there have been a ton of stencils that I have drawn and cut yet never sprayed and turned into a final piece. Looking forward to using these in the near future!!
Stay posted for more!!
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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:
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)
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Enjoy
PaperMonster
Below you can catch photos from the opening of the Friends With Knives stencil group show opening at Crewest Gallery (HERE) courtesy of Koleszar, Nathan Phaneuf and Daily Dujour. The opening was fantastic with a great crowd and special book signing by artists Chaz Bojorquez and you can catch all of the artwork at Crewest Gallery as well as a special toy release of the Bacon Madl vinyl on Friday August 20th (HERE).
CHECK OUT ALL OF THE WORK FOR SALE HERE:
http://www.crewest.com/available/index.html
For More Images Visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nathanphaneuf/
and http://dailydujour.com/2010/08/07/seen-friends-with-knives-crewest/
and http://www.facebook.com/john.koleszar
Click on image to view larger Beutiful photo via Nathan Phaneuf. For more visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nathanphaneuf/ Dave Lowell and Joe Iurato
Click on image to view larger Click on image to view larger Chris Stain
Click on image to view larger Nathan Phaneuf amazing women with knives and a beautiful piece in the middle by Peat using stencils on a 3D/Sculpture level. INSANE!!’
Click on image to view larger Leckomio
Click on image to view larger Mirror pieces by Nathan Phaneuf
Click on image to view larger Artist Chaz during his book signing .
Click on image to view larger Koleszar
Click on image to view larger Another beautiful shot of Peat’s work. MUST SEE!! Taking stencils to new levels.
Click on image to view larger Love this series by E.L.K.
Click on image to view larger PaperMonster
Click on image to view larger Koleszar
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PaperMonster Stencil Graffiti Artist 