These stencils caught my eye during the recent gelatin printmaking class. I like to use figures in my prints and the way these ladies were draped over the back of this chair, just grabbed my attention.
I think they are simply photocopies on regular paper or on card stock. They look like they have a coat of mat medium on them and are drying in between coats.
The black and white one has great negative space.
One way I check for interesting negative space is I look at the stencil from the back and if it is still interesting then I think it has an interesting shape/negative space.
Another test that I do, is I squint at the image and try to imagine it as a solid impression, without the details. Identifying expressive negative space and shapes takes a little practice.
Look for “holes” created by the parts of our stencil. like the arms and legs are doing above.
Happy Printing!
How to cut masking stencils go to this post.
or
Join me for my next gelatin plate printmaking class.