From blank canvas to masterpiece: Discover the magic of stencilling with John Beckley

Creation of a work of art by John Beckley using a stencil

Have you ever wondered how an empty canvas can be transformed into a stunning work of art? Let us take you behind the scenes of John Beckley's creative process, who used one of his our stencils to create a magnificent piece entitled "Street Safari".

Introduction to the process

John Beckley, a contributor to our shop and the designer of this stencil, is an artist who has made a name for himself with his creations. Drawing inspiration from Pop Art and Street Art, his work captures a unique energy and vibrancy. In this article, we're going to delve into his method and show you how this particular piece, 'Street Safari', came to be.

Pop Art & Street Art

Pop Art, with its bright colours and bold patterns, meets the raw, energetic influence of Street Art. Set against a colourful abstract background, the result is an exceptional rendering that instantly captures attention.

Key information about the work

• Title of the work: Street Safari
• Dimensions of the work: 80×80 cm canvas and stencil
• Stencil size: 80x80cm - ref: A0008

Demonstration in Action

To immerse you in the world of "Street Safari" creation, John offers you a live painting demonstration. Follow every gesture, every nuance, and let yourself be guided by the artistic process of this creation. This is a unique opportunity to discover what goes on behind the scenes, and perhaps even find inspiration for your own work. Sit back and let the magic happen.

The step-by-step creation process

Stage 1: Preparation and initial layout

• Description : John begins with a preliminary line drawing, to get a general idea of where the colours will go. He then carefully positions the stencil on the canvas to ensure impeccable alignment.
• Advice : Make sure your canvas is taut and clean. This will make tracing easier. Use a pencil for light marks that can be covered later.

Step 2: Fitting the base

• Description : John opted for a grey base. This neutral colour provides a beautiful backdrop for the bursts of colour to come.
• Advice : You can play with different shades of grey by mixing with white to achieve a smooth, gradual transition.

Stage 3: Integration of Street Art elements

• Description : This is where the artist gets creative! John uses spray paint cans to add graffiti motifs and splashes of white and blue paint.
• Advice : Let yourself be inspired. This is the stage where you can really personalise your work.

Step 4: Highlighting the elephant

• Description : John replaced the stencil and, using a can of black paint, brought the elephant to life. The use of weights, such as washers, ensures that the stencil stays firmly in place.
• Advice : Make sure the base paint is completely dry before positioning the stencil. This will prevent smudging.

Step 5: Colouring and internal details

• Description : This is where the elephant really comes to life! John works on the internal details, starting with the legs, playing with colour gradations. He uses a variety of techniques for the inside of the ears, including splashes and spray strokes.
• Advice : Take your time at this stage. The details make all the difference.

Step 6: Adding light

• Description : John uses touches of white to bring out the light, particularly on the elephant's trunk and around its face.
• Advice : Don't hesitate to come back several times to adjust the brightness. Sometimes less is more.

Step 7: Reinforcing the contour

• Description : After working on the internal details of the elephant and adding the colours, some areas of the original black outline were covered. John therefore replaced the stencil and applied another coat of black paint to redefine and accentuate the contours of the elephant.
• Advice : This step is crucial to ensure that the elephant stands out from the background and maintains a well-defined silhouette. Make sure the inner colours are completely dry before repositioning the stencil.

Stage 8: Finishing and grouting

• Description : John applies black to the junction points of the stencil to conceal them. To inject dynamism into the work, he then introduces drips of different colours, concentrating particularly on the ears and trunk.
• Advice : Use a fine brush to control the amount and direction of drips for optimum effect.

General tip: The use of weights or magnets to hold the stencil is essential. This ensures clean lines and avoids unwanted spillages. If you're working vertically, magnets can be particularly useful.

The Finalised Masterpiece

After these eight carefully executed steps, the "Street Safari" work is revealed, dazzling and full of character. The elephant, a symbol of strength and wisdom, sits majestically on an abstract background, a perfect blend of Pop Art and Street Art. The nuances, graffiti motifs and splashes bring the painting to life, testifying to John's passion for each stage of his creation. And now it's your turn! Take inspiration from this process, get started, and create your own masterpiece. Each canvas is a new story to tell, and yours is waiting to be told.

Discover the different framing options

Discover the creative richness of our stencil, available in three different frames. These variations are designed to offer artists a wider range of expressions and compositions. Each frame has been meticulously designed to allow you to vary perspectives, experiment with new compositions and find the style that best resonates with your artistic vision. More than just a choice, it's an invitation to explore and push back the boundaries of your art!

Take action: Get your stencil

Don't miss this chance! Buy this unique stencil and embark on an artistic adventure.

Model used by John in the 80x80cm video

Words that Speak

In this work, John has also incorporated stencils adorned with words, inspired by the inimitable style of urban tagging. These inscriptions add a modern and dynamic touch, recalling the energy of the streets and the bold language of street art. They are not just motifs, but also convey a voice, a signature, reinforcing the unique character of the painting.

John Beckley's training: Elite Abstract Painter

Want to learn John's secrets? His Elite Abstract Painter course reveals all his techniques. A golden opportunity for aspiring artists!

We welcome your feedback

Whether you're a silent admirer or a passionate critic, we'd love to hear from you. Comment below and share your thoughts!

Conclusion

Creating art is a fascinating journey, and with John Beckley's talent, every step is a revelation. Using our stencils, even you can try to recreate or invent your own magic on canvas. So, are you inspired?

FAQs

1. Where can I buy the stencil used by John Beckley?
   • You can buy it directly from our website. Follow the link above!
2. Is John's training suitable for beginners?
   • Yes, it's designed for all levels, from beginners to advanced artists.
3. Can I use other types of paint with this stencil?
   • Absolutely! Although John prefers acrylic and spray, you can experiment with other types.
4. How long does it take to create a work like "Street Safari"?
   • It depends on the artist, but with practice you can create your own masterpiece in just a few hours.
5. Why does the stencil need to be held in place with weights or magnets?
   • You don't have to do this, but it helps to get clean outlines and prevents the spray paint from lifting the stencil.