When I use self portraits or photos of my nephews in my art the work always has more meaning to me.

It can be a challenge to get a photo that is good for making a stencil. That is why I take lots of photos. And if I get one or two that will be good for printmaking the that is a success.

I miss plenty of fleeting photos because I don’t have my camera ready. But that is really not a problem because my eyes are always seeing shapes, shadows and subjects. And maybe next time I will have my camera ready to capture the image.

I did sketches of the photos. You could do tracings of the photo as well

The traditional “hole” stencil on the left, a layered print in the middle and the masking stencil on the right.

If you are interested in using your own photos to make more personal art then:

1. Carry you camera with you all the time
2. See shapes and shadows
3. Take lots of pictures
4. Be willing to have just 1 or 2 good photos out of many
5. Print out a silhouette/shape/image
6. Just jump in and cut a stencil
7. If it is not perfect or as you imagine, then adjust or try again.

I really liked this shadow.  I had a challenge converting it to a stencil that I liked as much. I had to add some sort of feet and adjust the shoulders.

You might be able to see the adjustments I made in the blue and orange print on the left. So sometimes your photo will be a jumping off or starting place for the final product.

If you would like to explore printmaking methods, check out the current workshops.

Stencils are a quick way to get started with printmaking techniques.

They can be combined with other tools:

• Add them to a screen for screen printing
• Use them with the gelatin plate to make monotype prints
• Adhere them to fabric for fabric printing

Then can be used with or without a press. And can be created or found.

Watch the video below and check out my stacks of stencils.

1. Masking stencil blocks the transfer of ink to the paper
2. Traditional “hole” stencil lets ink pass through the “hole” to the paper

I also use masking stencils to transfer ink to the plate or paper in a unique way when I am printing with the homemade gelatin and glycerin plate.

If you would love to explore stencils, designing them, making them and using them then check out the details of the Make Stencils Workshop, starts July 30th.

The online printmaking class:

• 4 wk Stencil Making Course
• 20 lessons – 34 videos
• 6 month access or download for life

Hope to see you in class soon.
nbsp;