Trompe l'Oeil Stenciling

Through the play of shadow and light, a stenciled painting can look almost real--with texture, gradations of color, and a three-dimensional quality that fools the eye. And, unlike freehand trompe l'oeil, stenciling is easy to learn, so even beginners can get great results with a little practice. Trace and cut stencils with bridges, or multi-step ones that break down each element in the drawing. Begin with simpler designs--a pleated fan, perhaps--that teach shading skills, and then see how to capture the delicate tones of a perfect rose or portray a pet. With 3-D stenciling draw a variety of detailed still lifes, including a fruit bowl and a shelf with tea dishes upon it. Even depict transparent objects--so the contents of a painted crystal bowl show through. Over 35 magnificent projects.