single color stencil tutorial

"A wall has always been the best place to publish your work."

Banksy

MATERIALS: picture, cutting mat, exacto, glue, paint, file folder

1. This tutorial will show you how to create a single-color stencil. The first step is to get a hold of a photograph with a high level of contrast. 
2. If your photo doesn't have a high level of contrast you might want to tinker with the lightness/contrast. I use GIMP. It's a free, open-source, photo manipulation program. After adjusting the contrast use the Desaturate option under Colors. Experiment with the different versions until you achieve your desired result. Create a new layer and use the sobel line detection filter. The resulting image is reversed so use Invert to make the lines black and the background white. Set the screen for this layer to multiplicity.
   
3. Print out your image and use glue or spray adhesive to affix it to your file folder. Save yourself a world of frustration and purchase a non-slip mat to cut on. Also, make sure your cutting blade is sharp. You may have to refresh the blade several times during cutting. Try to avoid cutting off digits as they may be needed for future steps.
   
4. In this picture I focused on cutting out the light areas. Your image may have you focusing on the dark. Once all the light (or dark) is cut out your stencil is complete.
   
5. For installation plan on carrying a wet stencil. I use a normal art portfolio folder lined with chicken wire.  Make sure you are protected from the health damaging chemicals associated with aerosol spray paint by wearing a paint filter and gloves, the white doctor mask is not enough to stop the chemicals. Or use a roller with chalk to stay safe.
   
6. You should scout the location. Once you've found one use your chosen color to apply sparse thin coats from a distance of eight to ten inches. Use less paint than you think you should.