How to Paint Galaxies
Sometimes help is required to unleash your inner creativity. In this tutorial, we will go through some steps on how to paint a galaxy, as well as some tips based off personal experiences (or fails...)
Perseverance and motivation are the keys to success.
Tools needed
| Tips
|
|---|---|
Paint
| I suggest Acrylic as they have a high viscosity, making it easier to use. Suggested Colours: Black/Dark Blue, White, Silver, Bright colours that match (i.e. pink, purple, blue or red, orange, yellow, green).
|
Paintbrushes
| Use a variety - a large one for painting the backdrop, and smaller ones for some larger stars.
|
Sponges
| For the Galactic star dust...
|
Toothbrush
| Preferably one that you no longer intend on brushing your teeth with :)
|
Hair / blow drier
| Optional to speed up the process of drying
|
Instructions
1. Paint the background black or a dark shade of blue (using a large brush)
2. Wait for the paint to dry (or use a hair / blow dryer!)
3. Using a sponge and white paint, carefully dab onto the dark scene making sure that there is not too much paint on the sponge (black gaps are encouraged)
4. Put some water on the white paint and mix - this will lower its viscosity, allowing you to use the toothbrush to flick it onto your piece, creating random small stars.
5. Wait for the white layer to dry.
Tip!
When purchasing the paint, make sure you get white paint and not paint thinner - otherwise it will make the galaxy very dark!
6. Using a different sponge (or after washing it), apply the colours of your choice on top of the white layer, making sure you don't cover everything. If necessary, use some of the colour from the dark layer to ensure that there are some gaps. To blend the colours, use a clean sponge and dab the colours together carefully!
7. Wait for the layer to dry.
8. Once again using the toothbrush, flick some stars into place! For larger stars use thin paint brushes to make small circles and crosses.
Optional: use some silver paint and water to flick some silver stars - once dried they create a shimmery effect!!
9. Wait for the final layer to dry.
Optional: If you painted on canvas and want a shiny effect, pour resin over the top to create a protective coat (no tips or instructions as it depends on the type purchased - and the type you have access to)
Star Tip:
To create a large gleaming star, create a six pointed star (using x's) of normal white paint. Using water to make the paint thinner, carefully extend each piece and create a circle around the centre.
Enjoy your galaxy painting! It's perfect for a gift or to decorate your home!
You can also paint different canvases using these steps!
The video below is a (poorly made) tutorial showing how I paint my galaxies in the main simple steps.
Shooting Stars - Video Instructions
Questions & Answers
© 2017 Monique K-G
