How to Paint Space With Acrylic: A Guide for Beginners (2024)

For any artist, an acrylic galaxy painting is a challenging and rewarding pursuit. However, for beginners, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this guide, we’ll provide some tips on how to paint space with acrylic, along with some resources to help you get started.

When you started painting, you probably wondered how to paint the outer space. It might seem daunting, but with practice, you’ll be able to create stunning space paintings or abstract art that will amaze your friends and family!

Why You Should Use Acrylic Paint?

Acrylic is a versatile medium that can be used to create a variety of effects. When doing an acrylic painting of space, you’ll want to use light colors to represent stars, and dark colors to represent the starry night sky and the vastness of the universe.

You can also add glitters or other sparkly bits to your paint to give it an extra dimension. Acrylic paint is also easy to clean up, so it’s a great option for beginners.

Acrylic Paint Colors You Can Use To Paint A Space Effect

When it comes to space acrylic painting, there are a few colors that work best. For stars, you’ll want to use white, silver, or gold. These colors will help your stars stand out against the darkness of space.

For planets and other celestial bodies, you can use all the colors you like! Just be sure to use darker colors for the shadows, and lighter colors for the highlights.

Pure White Paint for Size Canvas

If you’re looking to create a stunning galaxy painting, titanium white paint is an essential component. White paint helps to create the illusion of stars shining against a night sky.

When used alongside other colors, white, especially titanium white against black canvas, can also help achieve depth and dimension needed for your artwork.

Silver Paint for Outer Space and Night Sky

Silver paint can be used to create a metallic effect. You can use a brush or a sponge to apply the paint, and you can experiment with different techniques to create different effects.

For example, you can try sponging the silver paint on in random patterns, or you can use a dry brush technique to create streaking stars. Just have fun and see what you can come up with!

Gold Paint for Night Sky

Gold paint can be used to create a glittery effect. It gives your painting a warmer tone and can really make the stars pop. Plus, it’s just really fun to work with!

Black Paint to Add More Layers and More Depth

When it comes to painting a galaxy, black paint can be an essential ingredient. It is a good choice for representing the vastness of space. It provides much-needed contrast for the many vibrant colors that typically feature in galaxy scenes.

More importantly, it helps to highlight the silhouetted shape of cosmic objects like stars and nebulae, as well as capture the many swirling patterns and effects that are such a key part of a galaxy painting.

Whether it’s used on its own or mixed into other paints, it is definitely one tool no real galaxy artist should be without. It can also work as your first layer.

Purple for More Stars or Larger Stars

Purple is a great color for creating amazing galaxy paintings. The rich, vibrant hue stands out beautifully amidst the muted grays and blues of outer space and gives your painting a vibrant sense of energy.

Plus, purple is a versatile color that can be mixed with other shades or used on its own to create unique variations and effects. Use this paint to fill in the majority of your canvas, working in gradual concentric circles or other patterns to create an effective illusion of depth and distance.

Pink

Pink has long been associated with the beauty and mystery of outer space, so it’s a perfect match for galaxy painting.

Once you have your paint ready, simply apply it in thick layers, and then use a paintbrush or sponge to create swirls, streaks, and other patterns that make it look like an actual galaxy.

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Light Blue

When creating a galaxy painting, one of the most important things to consider is color. While you might be tempted to use black or shades of grey, using blue paint can create more vibrant and dreamlike results.

Research has shown that light refracts differently off of dark colors than it does off of lighter colors, which can make galaxies seem less bright and eerier.

Additionally, choosing a variety of cool blues for your galaxy ensures that there is plenty of contrast between foreground elements and the cosmic background.

Tools For Your Galaxy Painting

Now that you have your colors picked out, it’s time to choose the right tools for your galaxy painting. While you can technically use any type of paintbrush, certain types will work better than others.

The great thing about painting galaxies and the outer space is that you can experiment with the techniques you can use to create a stunning masterpiece. Here are some of the tools you can use for this project:

Acrylic Paints

They are fast-drying, water-based paints that come in a wide range of colors. They’re perfect for acrylic painting of galaxies because they can achieve both bright and light colors.

Flat Brushes

Flat brushes are great for painting large areas of color. They can also be used to create sharp lines and detailed work.

Round Brushes

Round brushes are perfect for creating soft, powdery effects. They can also be used for adding small details like stars.

Sponges

Sponges are perfect for creating textured effects. They can also be used for creating soft, diffused edges.

Canvas

Canvas is the perfect surface for painting galaxies. It’s durable, it won’t warp or buckle when wet, and it provides a smooth surface for painting.

Types of Sponges For Blending

There are two types of sponges you can use for blending: natural sponges and synthetic sponges. Natural sponges are made from materials like a sea sponge, while synthetic sponges are made from man-made materials.

Both types of sponges have their advantages and disadvantages. Natural sponges are typically more absorbent and can hold more paint, but they’re also more expensive. Synthetic sponges are less absorbent, but they’re cheaper and easier to find.

There’s actually an order to blending colors on your canvas:

1. Pick out the lightest color you want to use and apply it to your canvas.
2. Choose a slightly darker color and apply it next to the light color, blending the two.
3. Repeat this process until you’ve reached the darkest color you want to use.
4. Lastly, go back over the entire painting with the lightest color to create a smooth, even blend.

How to Paint a Galaxy Night Sky With a Sponge

If you’re using a sponge to paint your galaxy, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure that your sponge is damp before you start painting. This will help the paint adhere to the sponge and prevent it from drying out too quickly.

Start with a black canvas or create a black background, and remember to blot out the excess paint. You will want an even coat.

Second, use light pressure when applying the paint to the sponge. This will help you avoid creating blotches or smears. Finally, make sure to rinse your sponge frequently while you’re painting to prevent it from buildup.

How To Paint Stars On Your Galaxy Painting

There are a few different ways you can add stars on your galaxy painting. One way is to use a small round brush to dot the paint onto the canvas. Another way is to dip a toothpick in paint and then dot it onto the canvas.

Finally, you can use a star stencil to create perfect stars. Simply place the stencil on the canvas and then paint over it with your chosen color.

How to Paint Nebulas in Your Galaxy Painting

Nebulas are clouds of gas and dust in space. They come in a variety of colors, but they’re most commonly seen in pink, purple, and blue. To paint nebulas, simply use a sponge or a soft-bristled brush to apply it to the canvas.

Start by painting the nebula in its lightest color. Then, add layers of progressively darker colors until you’re satisfied with the results.

Painting Planets, The Sun, And The Moon

In addition to stars and nebulas, you can also paint planets, the sun, and the moon in your galaxy painting. To paint planets, use a small round brush to dot the paint onto the canvas.

To paint the sun, use a large brush or sponge to apply a canvas. Then, add orange, yellow, and red to the center of the sun. Finally, use a small brush to add white highlights.

To paint the moon, use a small brush or sponge to apply a canvas. Then, add white to the center of the moon. Finally, use the same one to add grey shadows.

Space and Galaxy Inspirations You Can Use

Once you’ve learned the basics of how to paint space, you can start experimenting with different techniques and ideas. There are endless possibilities when it comes to painting space and galaxies. If you’re an abstract artist, you can also utilize techniques that you already know.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Milky Way Galaxy

Use a variety of blues, greens, and purples to create the different stars and nebulas.

Andromeda Galaxy

Paint this galaxy using red, orange, and yellow hues.

Pinwheel Galaxy

Use a variety of blues, greens, and purples to create the different stars and nebulas.

Whirlpool Galaxy

Create the central bulge using yellow and orange hues. Then, use blue and purple hues to create the spiral arms.

Galaxies are one of the most fascinating and beautiful things in our universe. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. And while they might seem daunting to create, with a little practice, anyone can do it!

How Can I Make It Look Professional?

Any artist will tell you that acrylic paint is a versatile medium that can be used to create beautiful works of art.

However, achieving a professional-looking finish with acrylics can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:

Use a smooth, even surface. A rough surface will absorb more paint and make it difficult to achieve a smooth finish.

Use a primer before painting. This will help the it adhere better to the surface and prevent it from peeling or flaking off.

Use high-quality paintbrushes. Cheap brushes will shed bristles and leave streaks in your art. Invest in good-quality brushes for a professional-looking finish.

Be careful not to overwork the paint. They dry quickly, so you need to work fast to avoid having it dry on your brush. If you find that it is drying too quickly, add a little water to keep it workable.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful, professional-looking paintings!

Top 3 Brands That Work Best For Galaxy/Space Artworks

When it comes to painting galaxies and space artwork, there are a few brands that stand out above the rest. Here are the top three brands that we recommend:

1. Liquitex Professional Acrylics

Liquitex is one of the leading brands when it comes to acrylic paints, and their professional line is beloved by artists of all skill levels. The paints are highly pigmented and offer excellent coverage, making them ideal for a wide range of applications.

They also have a variety of finishes available, including matte, satin, and high-gloss. Plus, they’re extremely versatile – you can use them on almost any surface, from canvas to wood to metal.

And if you’re looking for something truly unique, Liquitex also offers fluorescent and iridescent colors that are sure to make your artwork stand out.

2. Golden Open Acrylics

Golden Open Acrylics are a relatively new type of paint that is gaining popularity among artists. Unlike traditional ones, they have a slower drying time, which gives artists more time to work with it and achieve the desired effect.

In addition, they are more resistant to yellowing over time, making them a good choice for paintings that will be on display for extended periods.

They can be used in a variety of ways, and they offer several advantages over other types.

3. Winsor & Newton Professional Acrylics

Winsor & Newton Professional Acrylics are all about quality. These paints are formulated to deliver high levels of color saturation, allowing artists to achieve rich, vibrant hues with minimal application.

In addition, these paints contain plenty of special additives to help them adhere well to a range of surfaces, both indoor and outdoor. Whether you’re looking for a matte or glossy finish, these high-performance paints have got you covered.

These three brands offer high-quality paints that are perfect for creating beautiful galaxy paintings. They have a wide range of colors to choose from, so you can find the perfect shade for your painting.