How to Paint a Galaxy Nebula in Acrylic

1. 1

   Step 1: Base Coat the Canvas Black

   Watch this step · 0:52

   Enlarge

   Start with a solid black canvas. Cover the whole front and the sides with black acrylic or black gesso so no white shows through. This dark base is what makes the colors glow later. Let it dry all the way before you touch it again. If you rush this part, the wet black will mix into your first colors and mud them up.

   Tip:

   Two thin coats dry faster and cover better than one thick one.

   Mark step done

   Used in this stepcanvas panelacrylic paint set

   Back to all steps

2. 2

   Step 2: Dab On Your Colors

   Watch this step · 1:28

   Enlarge

   Now the fun starts. Dab dots of purple, red, and white across the black in a rough diagonal. Put them down in any order you like. There is no plan here. When you get to the white, keep most of it around the outer edges of the other colors. That white on the outside is what shapes your nebula and helps it stand out once you start blending.

   Mark step done

   Used in this stepacrylic paint set

   Back to all steps

3. 3

   Step 3: Blend the Colors Together

   Watch this step · 1:52

   Enlarge

   Switch to a smaller brush so you have more control. Blend the dabs with tiny circular stipple strokes and little X strokes. Push and pull the color from one corner of the canvas toward the opposite corner. Do not over-blend. You want soft edges and a bit of texture, not a flat smear. This loose blending is already starting to form the body of your nebula.

   Tip:

   Keep a dry brush handy to soften any spot that gets too muddy.

   Mark step done

   Used in this steppaint brush set

   Back to all steps
4. 4

   Step 4: Highlight the Center With White

   Watch this step · 2:15

   Enlarge

   Grab a filbert brush and some white paint. Add bright highlights right in the center of the nebula, where the light seems to come from. Think about painting the tops of fluffy clouds. That mental picture helps you build the crown and C shapes that give a nebula its glow. Leave a strong core of white in the middle and do not blend it all away.

   Mark step done

   Used in this steppaint brush set

   Back to all steps

5. 5

   Step 5: Build Contrast and Shape

   Watch this step · 3:15

   Enlarge

   Go back in and add more purple, red, and white to fill and shape the body. Then mix a little black into some purple and tuck that dark color right next to your white highlights. Blend it gently. That contrast between light and dark is what makes the nebula pop off the canvas. If any outer streaks bug you, just paint over them with black to clean up the edges.

   Tip:

   Build up slowly. It is easier to add another layer than to fix an overdone one.

   Mark step done

   Used in this stepacrylic paint set

   Back to all steps

6. 6

   Step 6: Flick On a Star Cluster

   Watch this step · 3:48

   Enlarge

   Time for stars. Thin some white paint with a little water until it flows nicely. Dip a fan brush in it, then drag your finger across the bristles to flick tiny specks of paint over the canvas. You get a natural spray of stars this way. Work across the whole painting, and add a few extra flicks near the bright center for a dense cluster.

   Tip:

   Test your flick on scrap paper first so the dots are not too big.

   Mark step done

   Used in this steppaint brush set

   Back to all steps

7. 7

   Step 7: Add Shining Stars to Finish

   Watch this step · 4:08

   Enlarge

   To take it up a level, paint a few shining stars. Load a dagger or angle-shader brush with that same white mix and paint small lowercase t shapes, then softly blend over each one with a clean brush. Add one or two, or as many as you want. It is your galaxy. Step back and look. That glowing purple nebula with its field of stars is all yours now.

   Mark step done

   Used in this stepacrylic paint set

   Back to all steps

Keep going

How to Paint Birch Trees in Acrylics

→

Tools we recommend

• Liquitex

  Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set (24 tubes)

  Artist-grade pigment at student pricing, buttery enough to blend and thick enough to hold a stroke. The set most acrylic painters start on.

• Benicci

  Benicci 16-Piece Artist Brush Set

  Every shape you actually reach for (round, flat, filbert, liner, fan) in nylon that keeps its point and does not shed. Comes with a palette knife and case.

• FIXSMITH

  FIXSMITH 8" x 10" Stretched Canvas (12-pack)

  Pre-primed cotton canvases in a bulk pack so you can just start painting. The low-stakes surface for practicing before the big piece.

Tags