Cutting and spraying stencils is a fun way to create an image that can be reproduced over and over. It can be done as a layer in a mixed media artwork or can be created as a design element to decorate an object or wall. You can create a multi-layer photographic image or a simple one-color design or pattern.

Today we'll show you how to cut a multi-layer stencil and a simple one color stencil that can each have a wide variety of uses. Begin by finding the image you would like to create, it can be a photograph, original drawing, a graphic created using a computer design program or buy a stencil book; the opportunities are limitless.

We've chosen a lovely photograph of Utrecht paintbrushes from our upcoming 2010 Resource Guide for a four color stencil and we've done a hand-drawn graphic for a one color stencil.

One Color:
Create your drawing in pencil on a thick but easy to cut surface like bristol, we're using 11x14 Utrecht Bristol pads. When you are satisfied with your design, it is wise to use ink or a marker to note the lines you will need to cut, keeping in mind that when the final is cut out you need to make sure there are enough points of connection to ensure your stencil will stay together.

Cut out the areas where you want the color to appear when spraying. Once all the areas have been cut out, you're ready to paint!

Select your surface (we're working on Utrecht Canvas Board, that we've pre-painted) and affix your stencil using artist's or painter's tape, this will keep your stencil from moving around and effecting the quality of your image.

When spraying be sure to work outdoors or in a well ventilated area, preferably with some sort of spray booth or air purification system, and wear gloves and a face mask or respirator.

Shake your spray can well and test the spray on an area away from your final painting. We like to keep an extra piece of bristol to prevent overspray from getting on the surface. Remember the paint is airborn and particles will find their way to any uncovered area. Now hold the can six to ten inches away and spray moving side to side until the entire open area is filled.

Remove your stencil and allow to dry before adding another layer of paint, or working back over top of it.

Multi Layer Stencil:
For this multi-layer stencil we're using a photographic image that we'll be breaking down into 4 values. You want to have one or two mid-tone colors, a highlight layer and a shadow/detail layer. This can be done using a computer program, like Photoshop, but here in the Learning Center, we like to make a few black and white copies and decide on the color separations as we cut. This allows some freedom to make your own choices on the size of the highlights and shadows.

We did, however, take our image into Photoshop to add a set of registration marks to assure that we line all our layers up correctly for the final painting:

To further guarantee proper alignment, we've measured and drawn lines on our 11x14 Utrecht bristol board before spray mounting our 8.5x11 copies. (spray mounting the copies will make the bristol a bit tougher to cut through, but will make for a much sturdier stencil).

Start out by cutting the base color or mid tone stencil. This is usually a large flat area of color, and it's wise to set aside the area you have cut out for future use.

Now evaluate your image looking for the lightest areas and cut out your shapes (and registration marks). when you are done, flip your stencil over to be sure that your cuts have gone all the way through.

Repeat the same process for the darkest areas of the image, once again flipping your stencil over to make sure your cuts are all the way through.

When spraying be sure to work outdoors or in a well ventilated area, preferably with some sort of spray booth or air purification system, and wear gloves and a face mask or respirator.

Shake your spray can well and test the spray on an area away from your final painting. We like to keep an extra piece of bristol to prevent overspray from getting on the surface. Remember the paint is airborn and particles will find their way to any uncovered area. Now hold the can six to ten inches away and spray moving side to side until the entire open area is filled.

We're starting with a base color on Utrecht Canvas Board. Once that is dry (between 7 and 15 minutes depending on the thickness of the coat) align your mid tone layer stencil on the canvas board. Remember to spray your registration marks (we'll paint over these when we're done)

After that layer is dry, align the highlight layer using your registration marks and repeat the spraying process. (your image should begin to appear).

Repeat the same process for the shadow/detail stencil, remove the stencil and bask in the glory of the image you have created!

Now go back to your base color and spray over your registration marks.

We're going to go one step further and bring back that first large piece we cut out (image above). Use this piece to mask the image you made and add some additional color to your painting.

You can call it a finished image or continue to work into your painting, a spray painted surface will acceptadditional layers of spraypaint, acrylics or even oil paint. Experiment and have fun! (Here's the brush image in another color scheme!)