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

Learn to create a striking mixed media artwork with John Beckley’s exclusive “Velvet Ash” stencil. Full video tutorial + step-by-step explanations.

Want to push beyond the limits of classic stenciling? To merge textures, collage, paint, and spray cans for unique and deep creations? If the idea of combining different techniques appeals to you, then you’re in the right place! Welcome to the fascinating world of mixed media stenciling.

Today, we’re offering a complete mixed media stencil tutorial, inspired by the creation of the striking artwork “She Was There” by artist John Beckley. To achieve this piece, John used a very specific stencil: the “Velvet Ash” model. We’ll break down the creative process for you, showing how to integrate this powerful stencil into a rich and textured background, typical of mixed media.

And to guide you visually, John Beckley himself opens the doors to his studio! Discover the exclusive video below, where he creates the artwork “She Was There” from start to finish using the “Velvet Ash” stencil, designed by John exclusively for our shop. This is a unique opportunity to see a professional handle the various mixed media techniques – collage, acrylic paint, spray paint, graffiti – to bring a complex and captivating composition to life 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 overlap to create the “She Was There” artwork, how textures interact, and how the “Velvet Ash” stencil becomes the focal point.

🎨 Get the “Velvet Ash” stencil and get started → [direct link]

The Mixed Media Vision: Decoding the “She Was There” Artwork

The artwork “She Was There” is a masterful demonstration of the mixed media stencil approach. Created with the “Velvet Ash” stencil, it doesn’t just apply a pattern to a surface; it creates a dialogue between the stencil and a multitude of elements:

• Collage Foundation: The base is a vibrant tapestry of vintage comic book pages, creating an initial layer of texture and visual narrative. This is the starting point of our mixed media exploration.
• Pictorial and Graphic Layers: Over this collage, splashes of acrylic paint, traces of spray paint, gestural graffiti (“FREEDOM”, “LOVE”), and other stenciled patterns are added. Each layer enriches the visual complexity.
• The Stencil as an Anchor: The female figure from the “Velvet Ash” stencil, rendered in black and white, cuts sharply against the exuberant background. It unifies the composition and creates a striking contrast, typical of successful mixed media pieces.
• The Energy of Contrast: It’s the fusion of raw street art energy (graffiti, spray paint), pop nostalgia (comics), and the graphic precision of the “Velvet Ash” stencil that gives the “She Was There” artwork its power. A true mixed media symphony.

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

This stencil was specifically designed to shine in rich compositions:

• Impactful Design: The stylized female silhouette, with her piercing gaze and nonchalant attitude, immediately captures attention. It’s this design that gives the “She Was There” artwork its character.
• Ideal for Mixed Media: Its powerful graphic design is perfect for standing out against complex backgrounds. It integrates beautifully onto collage bases, abstract textures, or layered paint, making it an excellent choice for your mixed media stencil projects.
• Artistic Signature: Use the same tool as John Beckley to bring a unique and bold touch to your own mixed media creations, whether in the style of “She Was There” or according to your own vision.

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

“Velvet Ash” Stencil – PV0013

From $29.90

Shop now

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

Ready to embark on your own mixed media creation using the “Velvet Ash” stencil? Inspired by John’s video creating “She Was There,” here’s the detailed process:

Phase 1: Build the Mixed Media Base (Collage)

• Gluing: Apply a suitable glue (like PVA/vinyl glue) to your canvas (John’s canvas for “She Was There”: 82x100cm).

• Applying the Collage: Glue down your paper elements (comics, newspapers, books…). Cover the entire surface, overlapping and tearing as needed to create texture. This base is the first layer of our mixed media approach.

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

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

• First Textures: “Dirty up” the background with raw details: hand-painted text, marks, traces… The goal is to add mixed media depth

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

• Graffiti Touches: Integrate spray-painted graffiti elements (lettering, shapes…) to enhance the urban energy.

• Final Splatters: Splash some paint (white, for example) to energize the entire mixed media background. Let it dry thoroughly.

Phase 3: Integrate the “Velvet Ash” Stencil

• Positioning: Carefully place the large “Velvet Ash” stencil (size used by John: 80×100 cm) onto your dry, textured background.
• Securing: Stabilize it well (weights, repositionable adhesive, or magnets if using a stencil brush/roller).
• First Application (Black): Apply a coat of black paint (spray paint is recommended for this style, but a stencil brush or roller also works). This is where the “Velvet Ash” motif meets the mixed media background.
  👉 Need advice? Check out our article: Which spray paint to choose for indoors?

Phase 4: Refine the Figure (Paint & Layering)

• Removal & White Interior: Carefully remove the “Velvet Ash” stencil. Paint the inside of the silhouette with white acrylic paint diluted with water to allow the mixed media background to subtly show through.

• Reinforcement (Black): Very precisely reposition the “Velvet Ash” stencil. Apply a second coat of black for crisp outlines. Remove the stencil.

• Volumes (White & Black/Gray): Work on the highlights with pure white (prominent areas) and soften the shadows with diluted black or gray to give volume to the figure created with the “Velvet Ash” stencil.

Phase 5: Mixed Media Finishing Touches

• Covering the Bridges: For a perfect silhouette of the “Velvet Ash” motif, cover the small bridges of the stencil. Spray black paint into a cup and use a fine brush to paint over these lines.

• Final Touch: Reposition the “Velvet Ash” stencil one last time and apply a thin layer of black to achieve optimal definition.

The Masterpiece Revealed: Contemplating “She Was There”

After following the steps of this mixed media stencil tutorial, the moment has come to admire the final result: the artwork “She Was There”.

This piece is a true visual collision orchestrated by the artist, where the fervor of street art dialogues with the vibrant nostalgia of vintage comics. The background immerses us in a rich pop universe: a dense layering of vintage comic fragments forms a narrative mosaic where heroes and speech bubbles from another era burst forth in sunny yellows, intense reds, and deep blues.

This historical base is then energized, almost assaulted, by paint splatters and gestural graffiti traces – words like shouts (“FREEDOM”, “LOVE”) that seem to leap off the wall, injecting urgency and raw emotion into the composition.

From this controlled chaos, emerges the silhouette defined by the “Velvet Ash” stencil. Rendered in a deep black that contrasts with the background, the female figure commands presence. Her intense gaze, emphasized by that distinctive eyeliner flick, attracts and holds attention, carrying a captivating paradox: she seems both exposed, almost vulnerable, yet possessing a quiet strength, as if caught in that moment where surrender and control meet.

The details – the cigarette held with casual elegance, the knotted headband adding a retro and rebellious touch – reinforce this assertive and untamed personality. It is precisely in this spectacular opposition between the complex presence of the woman and the textured exuberance of the background that the electrifying energy of the artwork is born. “She Was There” thus presents itself as a powerful artistic statement, an ode to unfettered creativity, boldly merging popular imagery, urban aesthetics, and a captivating female figure for a strong and lasting visual impact.

🔎 Want to explore other stencil styles?

Here are some of our most inspiring video tutorials:

• 🎈 Recreate the Iconic Street Art Look
  Transform a blank canvas into a bold and expressive urban piece.
• 👼 Create the Madonna and Child – The Celestial Embrace
  A poetic blend of classic iconography and raw street energy.
• 🎨 Create a Unique Street Art Piece with Van Gogh
  A stencil remix of Van Gogh with sunflowers and street soul.
• 🌴 Tropical Inspiration – Stencil Beach Landscapes
  A vibrant journey between abstraction and sun-drenched escape.

Unleash Your Creative Potential with Mixed Media Stenciling!

L’œuvre “She Was There” est la preuve éclatante que le pochoir mixed media, en utilisant des designs forts comme “Velvet Ash”, permet de créer des pièces d’une richesse et d’une profondeur The artwork “She Was There” is striking proof that mixed media stenciling, using strong designs like “Velvet Ash”, allows for the creation of pieces with incredible richness and depth. This tutorial has shown you how to layer materials, combine mediums, and integrate a stencil for a spectacular result.

Mixed media stenciling opens up an infinite field of possibilities. Don’t limit yourself! Experiment with different types of collages, paints, textures, and techniques using the “Velvet Ash” stencil as your starting point.

The creative journey starts now:

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

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