Mixed Media Stencil Tutorial: Create the "She Was There" Style with the Velvet Ash Stencil (Video Included)

Learn how to create a striking mixed media piece using John Beckley's exclusive "Velvet Ash" stencil. Full video tutorial + step-by-step explanations.

Do you want to go beyond the limits of traditional stencils? Would you like to combine textures, collage, paint and spray cans to create creations with a unique and profound effect? If the idea of combining different techniques appeals to you, then you've come to the right place! Welcome to the fascinating world of mixed media stencil.

Today, we're bringing you a mixed media stencil tutorial inspired by the creation of the striking work "She Was There by artist John Beckley. To make this piece, John used a very specific stencil: the "Velvet Ash. We're going to take you through the creative process involved in integrating this powerful stencil into a rich, textured background, typical of the mixed media.

And to give you a visual guide, John Beckley himself is opening the doors of his workshop! Discover the exclusive video belowwhere he created the work "She Was There from A to Z using the stencil "Velvet Ash designed by John exclusively for our shop. It's a unique opportunity to see a professional handle the different techniques of mixed media - collage, acrylic paint, spray paint, graffiti - to give life to a complex and captivating composition around this specific stencil design.

Dive into the creative process - Watch the full video tutorial :

This video is your ultimate visual guide to mastering the steps of this mixed media stencil tutorial. Observe how the layers are superimposed to create the work "She Was There", how the textures interact and how the stencil "Velvet Ash" becomes the focal point.

🎨 Get the "Velvet Ash" stencil and go for it → [link direct]

Mixed Media Vision: Deciphering the work "She Was There

The work "She Was There is a masterly demonstration of the mixed media stencil. Made with the stencil "Velvet AshShe doesn't just apply a motif to a surface; she makes it interact with a multitude of elements:

• Collage foundation : The base is a vibrant tapestry of vintage comic book pages, creating a first layer of texture and visual narrative. This is the starting point for our exploration mixed media.
• Pictorial and graphic layers : Acrylic paint splashes, spray can marks, gestural graffiti ("FREEDOM", "LOVE") and other stencil motifs are added to this collage. Each layer adds to the visual complexity.
• The Stencil as Anchor : The female figure in stencil "Velvet AshThe black-and-white brushstroke contrasts with the exuberant background. It unifies the composition and creates a striking contrast, typical of the works mixed media successful.
• The Energy of Contrast : It's a fusion of the raw energy of street art (graffiti, spray paint), pop nostalgia (comics) and the graphic precision of stencilling. "Velvet Ash that gives "She Was There" its power. A true symphony mixed media.

The Key Tool for Your Mixed Media Project: The Velvet Ash Stencil

At the heart of this mixed media stencil tutorial and the creation of "She Was There" is an essential element: Velvet Ash" stencil, an original design by John Beckley, available exclusively in our shop!

This stencil has been designed specifically to shine in rich compositions:

• Impactful design : The stylized female silhouette, with its piercing gaze and nonchalant attitude, immediately catches the eye. It's a this design that gives "She Was There" its character.
• Ideal for Mixed Media : Its powerful, graphic design is perfect for standing out against complex backgrounds. It blends beautifully with collage backgrounds, abstract textures or paint overlays, making it an excellent choice for your mixed media stencil.
• Artistic signature : Use the same tool as John Beckley to add a unique and daring touch to your own creations mixed mediain the style of "She Was There" or your own vision.

Owning the "Velvet Ash" stencil means unlocking the potential to combine techniques like a pro.

The Mixed Media Stencil Tutorial: Key Steps (She Was There Style)

Ready to launch your own creation mixed media using the stencil "Velvet Ash ? Inspired by the video of John creating "She Was There", here's the detailed process:

Phase 1: Building the Mixed Media Base (Collage)

• Gluing : Apply a suitable glue (such as vinyl glue) to your canvas (John's canvas for "She Was There": 82x100cm).

• Bonding application : Glue your paper elements (comics, newspapers, books...). Cover the entire surface, overlapping and tearing if necessary to create texture. This base is the first layer of our mixed media.

• Edges (Optional) : Paint the edges of the canvas for a clean finish.

Phase 2: Enriching the Background (Paint, Graffiti & Small Stencils)

• First Textures : "Dirty up" the background with rough details: hand-painted texts, marks, etc. The aim is to add depth. mixed media.

• Additional motifs : Use other small stencils from our shop and paint (spray or acrylic) to add patterns and vary the textures.

• Graffiti keys : Incorporate spray-painted graffiti elements (lettering, shapes...) to reinforce the urban energy.

• Final splashes : Spray a few splashes of paint (white, for example) to liven up the background. mixed media. Leave to dry thoroughly.

Phase 3: Incorporating the "Velvet Ash" Stencil

• Positioning : Carefully place the stencil "Velvet Ash (size used by John: 80×100 cm) on your dry, textured background.
• Mounting : Stabilise it well (weights, repositionable adhesive, or magnets if you're using a stencil/roll brush).
• First Application (Black) : Apply a coat of black paint (spray is recommended for this style, but stencil brushes or rollers work). This is where the "Velvet Ash meets bottom mixed media.
  👉 Need some advice? Read our article : Which spray paint to choose for interiors?

Phase 4: Working on the Figure (Painting & Layering)

• White Shrink & Interior : Carefully remove the stencil "Velvet Ash. Paint the inside of the silhouette with acrylic white diluted with water to subtly reveal the background. mixed media.

• Reinforcement (Black) : Replace very precisely the stencil "Velvet Ash. Apply a second layer of black for a clean outline. Remove the stencil.

• Volumes (White & Black/Grey) : Work the highlights with pure white (prominent areas) and soften the shadows with diluted black or grey to give volume to the stencilled figure. "Velvet Ash.

Phase 5: Mixed Media finishes

• Hiding bridges : For a perfect silhouette of the design "Velvet AshTo do this, mask the small bridges on the stencil. Spray black paint in a cup and use a fine brush to cover them.

• Last Key (Optional) : If desired, replace the stencil one last time "Velvet Ash and reapply a thin layer of black for ultimate definition.

The Masterpiece Revealed: Contemplating "She Was There

After following the steps in this mixed media stencil tutorialNow it's time to admire the final result: the work of art. "She Was There.

This piece is a real visual collision orchestrated by the artist, where the passion of street art meets the vibrant nostalgia of the comic strips of yesteryear. The background plunges us into a rich pop universe a dense superimposition of vintage comic book fragments forms a narrative mosaic where heroes and bubbles from another time burst into sunny yellows, intense reds and deep blues.

This historical base is then revitalised, almost attacked, by a series of paint splashes and gestural graffiti marks - words like cries ("FREEDOM", "LOVE") that seem to spring from the wall, breathing urgency and raw emotion into the composition.

From this controlled chaosthe silhouette defined by the stencil emerges "Velvet Ash. Done in a deep black that contrasts with the background, the female figure imposes her presence. Her intense lookWith its distinctive eyeliner line, it attracts and holds attention, conveying the message of a captivating paradox It seems both exposed, almost vulnerable, and yet endowed with a quiet strengthas if surprised at the very moment abandonment and control meet.

The details - the cigarette held with a casual elegancewith a knotted headband adding a touch of retro and rebellious - reinforce this personality assertive and indomitable. It is precisely in this spectacular opposition between the complex presence of the woman and the textured exuberance of the background that gives rise to electrifying energy of the work. "She Was There presents itself as a powerful artistic statementan ode to unfettered creativitya daring blend of popular imagery, urban aesthetics and a captivating female figure to make a powerful impact. strong, durable visual.

🔎 Want to take mixed media stencilling a step further?

Here are some other tutorials that might inspire you for your next creations:

• 🎈 Recreate the Iconic Style of Street Art
  A powerful composition inspired by the famous stencil of the girl with the balloon.
• 👼 Creating the Virgin and Child - The Celestial Embrace
  A striking fusion of sacred gentleness and urban intensity.
• 🎨 Create Street Art with Van Gogh
  A remixed self-portrait, wild sunflowers and a touch of graffiti.

But for starters... there's nothing like Velvet Ash. 😉
👉 Get the stencil and get started now!

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Unleash your creative potential with the Mixed Media Stencil!

The work "She Was There is clear proof that mixed media stencilusing strong designs such as "Velvet AshThe result is pieces of incredible richness and depth. This tutorial showed you how to superimpose layers, combine materials and incorporate a stencil for a spectacular result.

Le mixed media stencil opens up an infinite range of possibilities. Don't limit yourself! Experiment with different collages, paints, textures and techniques using stencils. "Velvet Ash as a starting point.

The creative journey begins now:

1. [ Watch the tutorial video again to see the "Velvet Ash" stencil in action! ] (👉 Watch the tutorial video)
2. [ Get the exclusive "Velvet Ash" stencil and embark on your own mixed media adventure! ] (Link to "Velvet Ash" stencil product page)
3. [ Discover our complete collection of stencils, perfect for all your mixed media projects! ] (Link to the stencils category)

Dare to mix, layer and create! Share your creations inspired by this mixed media stencil tutorial with us! #MesPochoirs