2015 #12 Layers of Time {by Seth Apter}

2015 Topic 12: Stencils

Hi gang. Seth here. I am happy to be back on the PaperArtsy blog with a project all about stencils, an art product that is currently riding a huge wave of popularity.  Some of you may know that I am a designer for StencilGirl Products. The journal page I am presenting here is made using some of my own favorite designs.

My current journal is a wire-bound book filled with 140lb watercolor paper. As with every page, this one started with a layer of black gesso. In random fashion, I then added Fresco Finish Acrylic Paints in Lake Wanaka, Beach Hut and Space Cadet. I also watered down Snowflake and added a fine splatter using a brush.

Then I broke out the stencils. I used many individual segments from my Urban Outsiders stencil to create the frame. Using a dauber, I added Haystack as the first layer and then a bit of Beach Hut as the second layer to add dimension. I chose several sections from my Story Time stencil to highlight the word TIME as well as other textural elements. My first layer was Antarctic and the second layer was Limelight. Several colors of gel pens were used to both create some of the stencil designs and to add outlines.

My next step was to pick and choose sections from my Inside Out, Timeless, and Past Present Future stencils to add more design and color. For this step, I layered Antarctic, Beach Hut, London Bus, Mermaid, Haystack and Space Cadet. Many of the stenciled elements were then outlined with gel pen. As a final touch, random marks were made using wax pastel crayons.

I love using parts of commercial stencils rather than whole stencils as a way to make sure that the artwork I create is unique and completely mine. Some of my favorite bits on this journal page can be found below.

I hope this has inspired you to break out and layer up your stencils. Until next time. 

Seth. 

The Altered Page

Seth this is such a yummy page, I love the deep blackness of the background. This shows so perfectly how good the coverage is from our opaque Fresco paints, as they easily keep their intensity over the black. 

We would love you to join in with challenge #12: Stencils If you are inspired by any of our guests who blog with us over the fortnight, then please join in and link up your creativity HERE. 

All links go in the draw to win a voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The Stencils link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, July 12th, winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.