Detail of an acrylic painting by Lucinda Howe showing the use of a stencil

Using a stencil is another way to add texture to an acrylic painting.  You can use plastic stencils from the hobby store that are used for decorative wall painting or other stencils of your choice.

This photo is a detail of a painting combining a stencil with other techniques.  To create this look, follow these steps:

• Paint a dark brown acrylic base coat.
• Layer crackle medium loosely so that some of the undercoat shows through.  The size of the crackle increases with the thickness of the application.  Let it dry overnight to develop the crackle texture.
• Thin red paint with water and fluid medium and wash it over the crackle, allowing the paint settle in the cracks.
• Tape the stencil in place and apply molding paste with a painting knife. Vary the thickness of the paste and don’t try too hard to fill in every corner.
• Peel the stencil back carefully and let the molding paste dry (Don’t forget to clean your stencil before the molding paste dries on it.)
• Add more washes of red, yellow, or brown to give an aged look
• Finish with a light rubbing of iridescent gold on top of the raised design.

When using a pre-made stencil, be careful to break up the pattern or blur edges to incorporate it with your painting.  If you find the look is too mechanical or you can’t find a design that you like, you can make your own stencil.

Next week:  How to make your work more personal by creating your own stencil.