Easy Pop Art Portrait with Stencil : John Beckley's Secrets Deciphered in 11 Steps

In the world of contemporary art, the stencil occupies a singular place. Is it street art or gallery art? Why not both? Visit stencil is that magical tool that lets you transform a blank canvas into a complex work of art in record time. And when it's in the hands of an artist like John Beckley, the results are breathtaking.

Who is John Beckley?

John Beckley is a renowned artist who fuses Pop Art, Street Art and Abstract Art into a unique style. Shaped by years of experience, John knows exactly how to blend colours, textures and shapes to create stunning works. For this particular work, called 'Glamour in Chaos', he used his expertise to capture the essence of a glamorous young woman in a chaotic world of colour. Want to know how he did it? Let's find out!

Discovering the work

The title and the inspiration

"Glamour in Chaos" is not just a name; it represents the heart and soul of the work. In a world full of chaos, where everything seems out of control, John has found a way to show that beauty and glamour can still reign. Through this woman's sunglasses, he reminds us that the world can be seen in different ways.

The techniques used

John Beckley used a variety of techniques to create this work, including acrylic paint and spray paint. Acrylic paint adds depth and nuance, while spray paint offers that Street Art feel we love so much.

70×100 cm canvas

The size of the canvas used by John is 70×100 cm. Big enough to hang proudly in your living room, but compact enough not to dominate the space. A perfect size choice, don't you think?

The stencil designed by Beckley

Ah, the stencil! Designed by John Beckley himself for our stencil shop. It is this essential tool that adds this breathtaking level of detail. John uses a 70x100cm stencil

The stages of creation

Preparing the Canvas and Stencil

Stage 1: The Dark Web

To get off to a good start, paint your canvas black. It's an excellent base for bringing out the colours and details of your work. Alternatively, opt for a canvas that is already black to save time!

Of course, you don't have to paint on a black background. Choose what you like best.

Step 2: Draw the contours

Place your stencil on the canvas and trace the inner contours with a pencil. This will give you an idea of where the colours will come in.

Adding the First Colours

Step 3: Coloured splashes

Take some acrylic paint and splatter it onto your canvas. Leave a black area around it to create a nice contrast.

Step 4: Contouring the face

Replace the stencil and lightly spray paint to outline the face. You'll then know where to add the white for the inside of the face.

Face Details

Step 5: White paint

It's time to paint the inside of the face white. This base will allow the details to stand out more clearly.

Step 6: A detailed face

Replace your stencil and use a can of spray paint to highlight all the details of the face. Your work will start to come to life!

Step 7: The Flesh Tone

For a more realistic face, add flesh tones.

Creating the perfect shade for your skin can often seem like a real painting headache. But fear not, it's easier than it looks! Generally, the base skin colour starts with a mixture of equal parts red and yellow, giving you a beautiful orange colour. Once you've got your orange, add a little blue to neutralise the overall effect. Finally, to soften the shade, add a touch of white.

Feel free to adjust the proportions according to the desired effect, as each skin is unique. You can also add small amounts of brown or green for a more natural look. And that's it, your skin colour is ready to use!

Finishing touches

Step 8: Sunglasses

Paint the inside of the sunglasses. It's time to get creative!

Step 9: Contours and details

Replace the stencil one last time and spray with black paint to bring out all the contours and details of the face.

Step 10: Brilliant highlights

Add a touch of turquoise to the glasses to create reflections. Your work will come to life!

Stage 11: The final touches

To finish, why not add a few drips and sprays with a pipette? This final touch will make your work unique.

And here's the final result!

Tips and advice

How to avoid mistakes

Always test colours and techniques on a small piece of canvas or paper before venturing onto the main canvas.

Tip to avoid the stencil being lifted by the air in the spray can

If you're using spray paint, John recommends using the tip of a brush or weights (like washers) to hold the stencil in place. It sounds simple, but it makes all the difference, believe me!

Become a Painter with John

About the course

Are you intrigued? Good news! John shares all his techniques in his "Elite Abstract Painter" course. Click on this link to find out more. You won't regret it!

Why not try it yourself?

Unleash your creativity

If you've always wanted to try your hand at stencilling, there's never been a better time than now! Art is like a dance; every step brings you closer to magic. So why not put on your artistic dancing shoes and jump on the dance floor, eh?

No need to be a pro

You don't need to be an experienced artist to create a stunning piece of work. As the saying goes: "Practice makes perfect". So grab your paintbrushes!

Taking action

Buy the stencil and bring your ideas to life

If you've been inspired by John's work and are dying to create your own masterpiece, click below to buy John's specially designed stencil for our shop. Trust us, it's worth it!

Share your impressions

Your opinion counts

Have you ever tried stencil painting? Do you have any tips to share or questions to ask? Feel free to leave a comment below. We love to hear what you think!

And why not share it on social networks?

If you've made something you're proud of, why not share it on social media? Use the hashtag #MesPochoirs and tag our shop, we'd love to see what you've created!

Conclusion

Now you know everything there is to know about the creation of this incredible work, "Glamour in Chaos", by artist John Beckley. From tips on how to use stencils correctly, to the choice of colours, and even how to avoid making small mistakes, you've got everything you need to create your own work. So what are you waiting for? Art is like riding a bike - you can't forget it, but you still have to pedal to keep going!

FAQs

1. What type of paint was used for this work?
   • Acrylic paint and spray paint were used.
2. Where can I buy the stencil?
   • You can buy it directly from our online shop. The link is in the "Take action" section.
3. Is the "Elite Abstract Painter" course suitable for beginners?
   • Yes, the course is designed for artists of all levels.
4. How big is the stencil?
   • The stencil and canvas are both 70×100 cm.
5. Can I use other types of paint?
   • Of course, but results can vary. It is advisable to follow the artist's recommendations for the best results.

Well, I hope you've enjoyed this article and that it's inspired you to pick up your paintbrush and start creating! See you soon for more artistic adventures! 🎨