MOON ILLUSTRATION TUTORIAL

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Supplies I used:
Cold Pressed Watercolor Paper
Watercolor Paint
Brushes
Ceramic Pallet (totally optional and a small saucer will do)
Water
Paper Towel
Compass
Reference Photo of the Moon

Here’s a full list of all the art supplies I use. I listed them on Amazon for convenience but please note that the pricing and availability may vary. I also purchase from Michales or Blick.

For the most part, I allow my children to use my supplies. I’m not very picky and I’m a fan of using whatever you have on hand or is most accessible to you. That being said, I find that we have a more satisfying and enjoyable experience with the better quality supplies. This is particularly true with the paper. We always have a few pads of the Canson XL series on hand but my favorite is the Arches Cold Pressed Watercolor Paper.

This illustration took me about an hour to create. My son spent about 20 minutes on his.

We’ll be using the wet-on-wet technique for this illustration. Wet-on-wet is a painting technique where layers of wet paint are added to wet paper or a wash of wet paint.

STEP 1: Draw your circle. I used a compass but you can trace a round object. A small plate or CD is the perfect size.

STEP 2: Mix black paint with a bit of blue. Use a scratch piece of paper to test the color.

STEP 3: We’ll be using the wet-on-wet technique for this painting. Apply a wash of water to your entire circle. If you add too much water, simply dab with a paper towel to remove the excess water.

STEP 4: Load your brush with your gray paint mix and dab your brush on the wet paper to create your Moon's craters. Notice how the paint spreads in an unpredictable pattern.

STEP 5: Use the same technique on the next layer, allowing time for the paper to dry slightly between layers.

STEP 6: Use less water with your paint as you go so each layer is a bit darker than the previous layer. I applied three or four layers of paint using this technique.

STEP 7: Use a tissue to lift excess paint or water. This is optional but I found that the loosely wadded tissue creates the perfect texture for our Moon’s surface.

STEP 8: Once you are happy with your Moon, use a more concentrated mix (less water) of paint to create depth along the edges of your craters.

STEP 9: Use a clean, dry brush to soften any edges that are too harsh. You can see that I’m also using my finger.

STEP 10: I used white gouache paint and colored pencils to add details to my painting. You can also use a white gel pen, paint pen, ink, or acrylic paint to add highlights. Using a fine tip brush, stroke on the gouache paint to create lunar crater rays and any other high points that stand out to me on my Moon reference photo.

STEP 10: As the paper dries, you'll find you have more control over your paint and will be able to add more detail, well defined lines and sharp edges. Adding these details will create more depth in your illustration.

STEP 11: Once your painting is completely dry, you can add colored pencil to add more detail if you wish.

All done! I hope you enjoyed painting with me 😊

I created a simple PDF of these instructions for your convenience. Download the instructions HERE.