In this Summer Workshop, students used stencils and spray paint to adorn their own skateboard deck.
Making It Final for the Vinyl: 12" LP Album Art
12" vinyl album stencil series by Gabriel Pons ($50-$85)
About two months ago, a friend gave me a crate of old records with the thought that I might be able to make some use of them. Since then I've been creating new stencil sets and spraying them up on vinyl. For those of you cringing to see old records get defaced, believe me, the albums I have on hand I don't think anyone will miss.
Intro to Street Art: October 2010
The goal of Frank's "Intro To Street Art" piece was to create something that was positive and optimistic. Check out the images below to see his progress. Good Work!
Frank shows off his stencil after the first pass of color.
Here he is with his finished piece: One stencil used twice to create a drop shadow effect for his "Live" text.
PONSHOP offers classes in Ceramics, Mixed Media, Street Art, Architecture, and Skateboard Design for children as well as Ceramics and Drawing for adults. Our classes run throughout the winter and through spring. For a current class schedule, Click Here.
Skate to Create: October 2010
October's "Skate to Create" class started with nothing more than blank boards and the artists' ideas. In three 1.5 -hour sessions, we took it from idea to drawing to stencil and ended up with a personalized deck ready to skate. Check out the pics below:
Selecting the perfect color scheme is always important.
The background for the boards accents the main designs.
Gussie cut stencils using his name and a self-made logo to create a personal reflection of himself in his board.
Jasper was inspired by the bomber art in World War II and succeeds in capturing an intimidating and fierce battle face. (on the deck, not Jasper...)
Daisy took her love for pandas to a new level with this 2-layer stencil.PONSHOP offers classes in Ceramics, Mixed Media, Street Art, Architecture, and Skateboard Design for children as well as adults. Our classes run throughout the month and into the winter. For a current class schedule, Click Here.
November 5, 2010: Stencil Kit Release Party
For November's First Friday event on November 5th, PONSHOP's "Do-It-Yourself" Stencil Kit was released to the public. Throughout the night, PONSHOP co-owner Gabriel Pons performed demonstrations where he cut stencils from the kit...
He showed the proper way to cut out stencil designs using razor blades...
...and did some spray painting on the Public Wall in the garden.
Of course, Pons got some help from past students who have taken the PONSHOP "Street Art" classes, some even brought original designs of their own.
By the end of the event, the entire board was covered. Here are some close ups:
The span of the mural wall incorporated a collaboration of designs that speaks to the diversity of Street Art. Thanks to all those that participated.
To try these designs yourself and gain a basic knowledge of stenciling, our Stencil Kit is on sale for $25. This includes six different designs for a total of ten stencils with difficulty levels ranging from beginner to intermediate. Available exclusively at PONSHOP (718 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA).
PONSHOP Sketchbooks
For those who keep sketchbooks (and all you young artists better have a sketchbook!), we've got the perfect addition to your arsenal: PONSHOP sketchbooks include original stenciled designs on hand stitched books: (25) 7.75" x 5.5" sheets with cover. $25 each.
Each book is signed, titled and numbered by artist Gabriel Pons. Come by the shop and check 'em out!
Skate to Create: September 2010
September's Skate to Create students managed to get their work done ahead of schedule, which earned them some time on the public wall in the backyard. In three 1.5 hour sessions, they designed their deck graphics, cut stencils, and sprayed their boards. Good work gentlemen, below are some pics:
Hunter (above) got a shot at some freehand spray painting while Tyler (below) hit up the wall with markers...
Hunter cut up one intricate stencil and used it twice for a drop shadow effect.
PONSHOP offers classes in Ceramics, Mixed Media, Street Art, Architecture, and Skateboard Design for children as well as Ceramics and Drawing for adults. Our classes run throughout the summer and through the fall. For a current class schedule, Click Here.
Intro To Street Art: August 2010
This was Ingrid's first time designing and cutting a stencil. In this 3-session workshop, she chose her favorite sketch and transformed it into a 24"x24" spray paint piece. Nice work!
Ingrid cut three separate stencils to create her final composition.
PONSHOP offers classes in Ceramics, Mixed Media, Street Art, Architecture, and Skateboard Design for children as well as Ceramics and Drawing for adults. Our classes run throughout the summer and through the fall. For a current class schedule, Click Here.
Skate to Create: August 2010
The month of August brought in a new crop of students for "Skate to Create" Within three 1.5-hour sessions, we went from sketch to stencil to spray paint.
The majority of work was at the drawing table, where the students drew full scale
graphics that were then turned into stencils.
Here's the final line up. Nice work boys - now go skate!
PONSHOP offers classes in Ceramics, Mixed Media, Street Art, Architecture, and Skateboard Design for children as well as Ceramics and Drawing for adults. Our classes run throughout the summer and through the fall. For a current class schedule, Click Here.
Intro To Street Art: July 2010
July's heat ushered in a new crop of students for the "Intro To Street Art" workshop. These students worked on a 24"x24" panel using spray paint and stencils. Below are some pictures taken throughout the three 1.5 hour sessions. 
Students had an opportunity to experiment with spray paint on scrap pieces of wood before committing to their panels. Perri (right) made a set of letter stencils to achieve a multi-colored design.
Below are their final pieces - good work kids!
PONSHOP offers classes in Ceramics, Mixed Media, Street Art, Architecture, and Skateboard Design for children as well as Ceramics and Drawing for adults. Our classes run throughout the summer and through the fall. For a current class schedule, Click Here.Adult Street Art: June 2010
My man Seth brought his 'A' Game as well as his outgoing enthusiasm to his project. Using two stencils and plenty of spray paint, he brought his "Totally Meat" creation to life. Check the progress:
Seth had to break from his habits as an illustrator to adapt to using spray paint. But once he got the feel for it, it was on...
The painting was done on an old wooden countertop that was approximately four feet wide. Good Job!
Intro To Street Art: June 2010
I was really proud of my "Intro to Street Art" students in June. They worked hard to achieve their designs.
Check 'em out below:
PONSHOP offers classes in Ceramics, Mixed Media, Street Art, Architecture, and Skateboard Design for children as well as Ceramics and Drawing for adults. Our classes run throughout the summer and through the fall. For a current class schedule, Click Here.
Progress Photos: The Upward Spiral...
I've been working on a public art piece for Downtown Fredericksburg. The "Beautify the Burg" project incorporates six local artists' work to be installed on Caroline Street (800 Block next to Bangkok Cafe). This project is made possible by a grant awarded to the Fredericksburg DRMI on behalf of a Public Arts initiative by the city's Department of Economic Development Authority, and the Fredericksburg Arts Commission.
Below is the progress of the 40"x56" panel I've been working on. The participating artists are Jay D. Anderson, Milvi Gill, Brandon Newton, Elizabeth Seaver, and Kristi Zerull.
The centrifugal writing are words both inspired by music lyrics and other things bouncing around in my head when I paint. I've been getting back into incorporating handwritten text - something I haven't done since my last sketchbook in 2008.
Classic Gabe Pons work process - spend all this time writing and then cover it up with paint...
I also cut a 2-layer stencil for the painting: a 36" round labyrinth pattern.
One of the PONSHOP summer interns, Sidney, helped me cut and "bridge" the stencils.
"Grasshopper #3" detailSo What does the finished painting look like? come to the public unveiling on Friday July 2 at 6pm.
Street Art Workshop: May 2010
May's "Intro to Street Art" students, Noah and Rickey, jumped right into their projects by practicing their lettering on a small scale then mocking up their boards with a couple passes of spray paint. Noah (pictured below) used freehand and stencil techniques to complete his composition.
Rickey (above) experimented with a variety of different colors before finalizing his "Rico" piece.He also used paint pens to give an outline to his letters. Below is a pic of his original mock up.
detail w/classic crown motif
PONSHOP offers classes in Ceramics, Mixed Media, Street Art, Architecture, and Skateboard Design for children as well as Ceramics and Drawing for adults. Our classes run throughout the summer. For a current class schedule, Click Here.
Street Art Workshops: April 2010
April 2010 ushered in my first students at our new space at 712 Caroline Street. I had the pleasure of teaching two returning students who were more than eager to break the studio in with some spray paint action. Below are some highlights from their sessions. Nice work guys!
Nick loves skateboarding and The Misfits, so he decided to kick out a skull theme on his board.
Finn (above) is a frequent PONSHOP student. This time around he brought along a side project of his own: a custom made helmet inspired by the XBox games he's into. I helped Finn prepare and prime the helmet so that he can apply his own stencil designs.
Finn also likes to draw quirky characters like the "Afrobot" above. Take Saturday Night Fever and mash it up with Lost in Space and this is what you get...
PONSHOP offers classes in Ceramics, Mixed Media, Street Art, Architecture, and Skateboard Design for children as well as Ceramics and Drawing for adults. Our classes run throughout the summer. For a current class schedule, Click Here.Intro To Street Art: March 2010
March 2010: My "Intro To Street Art" student needed very little introduction to using wheat paste collage, markers, and spray paint to create her own 2-foot by 4-foot masterpiece. Savant a.k.a "Sam" (16 yrs) not only had an opportunity to use new tools and media to express herself, she also got some tips on practicing her lettering, cutting stencil patterns and using spray paint. Check the images below to track her creative process:
After covering her board with collage materials found in comic books and magazines, Savant drew and cut a 4-foot long pattern to be used for the first layer of spray paint.
Once she sprayed her background and "Sam" Stencil, she returned to the painting with a thick marker to highlight elements in the collage.
Her stencil "signature" turned out quite well considering we had to spray it in 35 degree weather...Good Job!
Gabriel Pons holds art workshops for children and adults monthly. For a current listing of PONSHOP classes, Click Here.
Latest Painting: "Hush"
"Hush", Collage, Acrylic, Spray Paint on Wood, 18"x24" $475.
"Hush" (detail)
I'm excited to announce that "Hush" will be part of a juried exhibition at LibertyTown Arts Workshop during the month of October. About Face: Portraits In All Media will feature works from artists in the region in a variety of media. Check it out:
About Face: Portraits In All Media October 2- November 1, 2009
LibertyTown Arts Workshop, 916 Liberty Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Opening Reception: Friday October 2, 6-9pm
Intro to Street Art: September 2009
I had the pleasure of working with Simon throughout the month - facilitating him in the art of spray paint and stencil-making. Originally, he was one of my "Adult Drawing" students, but on his own initiative - he came to me with some sketches and an idea, and we took it from there. Below is a detail of his Oarfish painting. Congratulations Simon!
For a current PONSHOP class schedule, click here. Classes in Street Art, Skateboard Design, and more are held every month.Intro to Street Art: August 2009
My "Street Art" student, Hunter, gave it his all last month - ripping out an arsenal of stencils to construct his painting. From sketch, to stencil, to spray paint, he got the job done. Below are more progress pics...
Hunter used a modular brick pattern to array on his board during the second session.
Cutting stencils (above) can be the most painstaking, but he pushed through right on schedule.Hunter's "Phoenix" graphic pays tribute to his local soccer team.
Detail (click to enlarge)
Open Paint Event
August 21, 2009: Agio Clothing and Spaghetti Project hosted an "Open Paint" event at the University Cafe a couple weeks ago. Three artists from the region (including myself) got their paint on for three hours while the crowd moved to the DJ sounds from Turnstyle (Richmond, VA). There was even a communal canvas going on which got visitors up on stage too. I apologize for the lack of pics - but hey I was busy working... To view more, click this link to FredPicture, a photo blog of the Fred-burg or hit up Agio's Blog.
Special thanks to all those who came out that night and watched, painted, and gave me a hand with all my stuff! Congrats to the Agio guys and Spaghetti Project as well as the other participating artists:
Sean Kelly ( Spark Plug Tattoo/Fredericksburg)
Jack Ladadi (VCU/Richmond)
Jeremy Gann (Liquid Air/Fredericksburg)
Jack Ladadi's piece (click to enlarge)
The truly "Open Canvas" - painted on by many throughout the night...
Jeremy Gann's cityscape included some LED action too...
I did up this collage piece that night and it's hanging at the University Cafe for the month of September:"Grasshopper #1", Mixed Media on Canvas, 24"x36" $275.