Watercolor night sky painting is a great way to start improving your painting skills. If you haven’t tried watercolor night sky painting yet, then don’t worry. We have compiled the most straightforward tutorial for you to begin with. Check them out and learn something new today!
What are the tricks you need to know for a successful watercolor night sky painting? Is it possible to paint a watercolor night sky even if you are a beginner? What are the essential materials required for this painting technique?
Paint the town? Nah. The only thing we’re painting tonight is the sky. 🌟 Art by Jess Weymouth
Posted by Tastemade Home on Sunday, July 8, 2018
Contents
Easy Watercolor Night Sky Painting Tutorial For Beginners
Creating an out-of-this-world is truly breathtaking. Once you have mastered the techniques, then you can create stellar designs easily.
Today, we will reveal to you the tips and tricks for a successful like . A newcomer can do this design. So you can try working on it instantly. The best to work with this style is on . This will allow you to mix colors incredibly.
Tricks For A Stellar Watercolor Night Sky Painting
One of the best tricks for a dynamic is timing. You have to work faster with this kind of style. The key secret is the mixing of colors while they are still . The -on- is best done with paintings.
One more trick for a stellar is the right materials used with the other elements to include for an outstanding design. Suppose you are wondering what essentials you will need, we’ve listed down the materials you will need for .
Remember, to have a successful is to use the right materials, as this gives you the best results. For example, if you work with the right , you’ll never have to worry whether your will buckle later or handle the .
If you use ordinary , there is a considerable percentage that it will buckle. Not like papers as they are absorbent with paints and together on the surface.
The the ‘s style and preference. It can be either in tubes or pans. You can check them both to see their effects on your . That way, you can easily decide which one fits your style. type depends on
Try working with other elements to add to your surface. is a continuous process of learning. There are different methods to try working with until you become an expert on these .
Here are a few things to remember to help you create stellar watercolor paintings
Invest with multiple paintbrush sets
Having multiple sizes allows you to create various designs. Choices of paintbrushes vary with the surface you are working with. The only way for you to find the best paintbrush is to work on each and see the result yourself.
Every has their favorite brushes to help them execute the perfect , , or mixture on their surface. Once you understand each ‘s characteristics, you can efficiently work on every detail you have in mind. Getting familiar with a requires consistency.
Get high-quality paints

High-quality watercolors tend to last longer than cheap ones and won’t easily face or be compromised. Regardless of how long you have painted your , it won’t degrade or turn yellowish over time with high-quality .
There are various brands and levels available for you. Either you prefer to purchase them on a brick near you or online, choices are as massive as your imagination.
If you want to find the right brand for you, try getting several colors from various brands to find the perfect one that fits your style and requirements.
Experiment and expose dry over a wet surface
When it comes to , remember to consider elements that affect your ‘s outcome: dry and . Since is a -based medium, manipulating your colours’ saturation and darkness varies on the you use.
To achieve optimum control of your paints, explore their boundaries and learn as you move forward.
Always work from light to darker colors.
To get the best results with , start from lighter colors moving to the darker hues. That means, if you want to keep certain areas on the surface to be pale or white, you have to keep them as it is until the end of your session.
Build value up by working on each layer until you achieve the effects you are looking for. It can take massive planning, but the results are stunning.
Achieve your desired texture
Working on a rough surface offers a unique advantage when working with for watercolors. This gives you a unique which is ideal for several techniques.
Depict materials and objects on your surface to include your desired . This also means you’ll use and dark pigments when you work on and dry techniques.
Work with various techniques, including splattering your colors
The splattering is one of the best ways to add energy to your surface. This provides a floating dust effect or spray on the body of your .
The best way to achieve a splatter effect is to hold the paintbrush between the middle fingers and thumb. With the index finger, you can pull back the bristles and allow them to snap forward. This is unpredictable; you can expect to yield fun results and a must-try for every .
Stock up on tons of paper towels

towels are a vital tool if you’ll be watercolors. They work as kneaded erasers when working with watercolors. The best way to add layers is to lift every to achieve the effect you need.
In case you make mistakes, you can fix them or redirect the using this tool.
Let watercolors bleed into each other
The best way to bleed your paints is to use the blooming . This requires ample amounts of to the chosen or from your paintbrush and apply it on your surface.
While the stroke is , add the next with a similar amount to the first one. This can help you manipulate the pigments where you want them to be. Once the watercolors are dry, you’ll notice the unique and subtle effects of gradient colors on your paintbrush strokes.
Layer each color
is a slim medium. This means you’ll need to create and build your colors gradually. It’s beneficial if you are mixing colors straight on the surface for your .
Take a single and start layering it down. You must allow it to dry and apply another shade. Once you do this, you’ll notice the area where the pigments overlap, the colors mix, and new colors are made. This is also ideal for creating fresh tones like .
Pull colors in
Pulling your watercolors is easier when you apply them dry. It gives a more saturated stroke which you can easily pull by adding . Pulling colors is a that enables you to show the edge or source and show the form of your surface.
The best way to execute this is to apply your stroke using a little and more colors. It’s a race before the pigments dry and uses moderately a paintbrush to pull the colors out through the darker strokes. Removing the varies depending on the dryness of the surface or your initial stroke.
Materials You Will Need For Watercolor Night Sky Painting
- Watercolor paper – hot press or cold press
Masking tape - Watercolors – Tubes or pans
- Paintbrushes – Small and medium or as your preference
- Pencil – to sketch and outline your design
- Paper towel
- Jar of water – to rinse and wet your paintbrush and watercolors
- Salt – to add texture to your painting surface
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton Swabs
Watercolor Painting For Beginners: Complete Guide

The can be done even by beginners. First, prepare your materials and decide on the design that you like. Once you have decided on your preferred method, you can work on your first straight away.
Step By Step Watercolor Night Sky Painting
The key secret is to work faster while your paints are still wet. That way, you can work on the mixing of your colors correctly. This gives you better results and allows you to explore and experiment with watercolors effectively.
Step 1. Sketching
Sketch a round outline using your pencil.
Use a bowl to trace on the watercolor paper. You can put the outline in the center of your paper. Create a horizon on the lower part of your circle. Using a pencil will help you achieve the goal of this project. Keep in mind that the right materials add value to what you are working on.
Step 2. Secure the ends
Secure your watercolor paper with masking tape on all ends.
This will prevent the watercolor paper from moving while you are working. It prevents the paper from buckling when you add water or paint. Plus it secures your paper in place, giving you tons of time to work on your designs effectively.
Step 3. Underpainting
Start working with your underpainting.
Try to work inside the circle when applying colors. Use wash colors for your underpainting. This gives your a unique base color. The colors that you will use depend on the style you create. You can go from , , , and pink. But the option will depend on you.
Make sure that you will be working with a surface for this design. In case the goes over the outlined sketch, you can surely fix it. Lifting excess colors can be done with . Use your to lift unwanted colors while they are still .
Step 4. Dark colors first.
Start adding darker colors.
The beauty of creating this design is by the dark colors you add on top of your base colors.
To achieve a dynamic design, ensure that you will be working with a wet surface. The dark colors will emphasize night-time effects.
Tips: You can modify and have a better result with paint consistency. Work with less water and more paint.
Leave the lower part of your circle free of paint.
Step 5. Adding Elements
Add elements to create texture for your watercolors.
This is the fun part. With a cotton swab, you can dab rubbing alcohol on your still-wet painting surface. The little effects of repelled paints create light spots.
Another Option: Sprinkle in some salt on your painting surface.
Let your painting surface be completely dried up and remove the salt on your painting surface. The trick with using salt is they create a unique crystalline texture. This can be associated with stars. Amazing right?
Step 6. Lower part painting
Work on your painting’s lower part of the boundary.
Fill the whole area with black paint. Work on the details of your horizon using a fine tip paintbrush. The silhouettes that you create will match the watercolor night sky.
Step 7. Dry the paint
Wait for the whole painting to be completely dried.
Tadah! Your watercolor night sky painting is finished! Isn’t that easy? Indeed you can create this design just like a pro.
Some factors that affect a successful watercolor night sky painting are the materials and colors you have chosen. As you are beginning with this painting medium, try to experiment more.
There are different ways to enhance your mixing skills, like working on other designs, such as seasonal trees. Agate painting designs with watercolors are also a must-try.
These are different elements that add different results to how you use them in your paintings.
- Salt
- Sponge
- Bubble wrap
- Plastic
- Absorbent paper
- Toothbrush
- Block of soap

Salt, for example, is a significant element to modify the texture of your paints. You can have stunning results with salts and watercolor together.
Using a sponge is another way to be creative with watercolors. Bubble wrap or any not-so-absorbent paper or plastic can also be used with watercolors. Have you tried working with a block of soap and watercolors? A toothbrush can also be used to create a sprinkle effect or beautiful splatters.
Since watercolor’s characteristics are all about their transparency and colors, take advantage of this.
Using the right materials provides stunning results. This does not just help you as an artist, but it also allows you to create high-quality designs. The right materials will enable the artwork to stay for a longer time.
Artists get to know more about the painting medium that they are working by exposing to various elements. That means you can create that same design a couple more times until you get used to it.
Then start with another . Work on the details and how to even mix two styles. In this process, you learn a lot with watercolors.
Watercolor Painting Techniques For Beginners
One reason why several artists fell in love with is how simple yet stunning their results. If you’re a newcomer to , you can work on several techniques to improve your skills. Here are the must-try techniques ideal for beginners and advanced artists.
mediums can be a tough challenge for oil and acrylic artists as they have complex characteristics. The following techniques will help enhance newcomers’ skills in creating beautiful artworks.
Wet-on-wet
The -on- is a crowd favorite when it comes to mediums. It is commonly used when you are soft washes that are ideal for flowy-look, simple skies, skies, or landscapes.
The idea of the -on- is to add to an already surface. This gives stunning effects as colors merged.
Here’s how to work on a simple exercise:
1. your paintbrush and start two shapes (rectangles).
2. Though you’ll not notice the two shapes yet as there are no colors, you will notice where you apply if you tilt your head.
3. Choose palette and add it to the shapes. Slide the paintbrush from one side to another. from the
4. For the next shape (rectangle), add dabs of pigments. This exercise will help you gauge how much and you want to use.
5. Wait for the to dry and see the difference. Using this won’t give much control over the results. The key to the -on- approach is that it’s a mystery when your watercolors dry out.
6. Once paints dry out; they are less vibrant. You’ll notice various textures start to appear, which is why it’s ideal if you want to create a textured surface.
Wet-on-dry

If you want to achieve defined shapes and more precision, -on-dry is the best to work with your surface. In general, if you’re going to attain illustration-style using watercolors, -on-dry is the method to work on.
Here’s a simple exercise to enhance your skills:
1. Begin by working on mix dry . Get some using a larger paintbrush and start .
2. The watercolors opacity varies with the amount of you mix in.
3. If you prefer using dried , work on it. Work on minimum to get your going and see how varies and becomes sketch-like.
4. Once the is completely dried, you’ll notice that pigments tend to look faded and different.
Creating color gradients
Creating gradients with watercolors is similar to building up your colors. The main difference is that you will use two pigments and transition from one to the next one. This is ideal when you sunsets and skies.
Ensure that you’ll be working with colors close to each other from the wheel to build up harmony. If not, your gradient will look muddy. You can use yellow and green or different nice combinations like orange and red, or and .
Here’s how to create stunning gradient colors:
1. Mix two colors separately on each side. Your should be too concentrated or too diluted. Try to reach a 50/50 and ratio.
2. Start working with strips using pure green .
3. Clean the , pick up a tiny bit of yellow and combine it with the green mixture.
4. Begin where you last work your brushstrokes. You’ll notice that the transitions of colors are more subtle and soft. Avoid harsh tone transitions so your gradient won’t appear choppy.
5. Slowly add more yellow to your initial green mixture. You’ll see the results from the palette that you use.
The result of this activity allows you to have changed entirely pure yellow and beautiful gradients. You can work on various colors and work on this until you feel more comfortable working with gradient colors.
Building up your pigments
When it comes to building up your watercolors, you can work with various mixtures. However, to achieve multiple values, you can concentrate on using one . This gives you a seamless effect which is known to many as an ombré.
Here’s how to effectively work on this :
1. Work on the dry area of your . Then drop a tiny puddle on the palette and dab the concentrated next to it. It’s best to use a medium-size paintbrush and a little green tube.
2. Pick a dab of without colors on your paintbrush. Start in strips, and this will appear transparent on your .
3. Add a few colors into the puddle and be careful with the amount of you add. The process must be subtle and slowly work up.
4. Continue the process by working on the area where you work with transparent .
5. Repeat this procedure by including a little bit of on the initial puddle every time. Before you pick and add more , rinse off each and pat the dry with a or a cloth to ensure it’s clean.
6. Before you reach the final strip, the mixture must be thick, and the is more concentrated or as opaque as possible.
The idea of building your pigments is to create a delicate process without harsh transitions from a to another. You can repeat the process as much as you want. Use various colors and be comfortable with the process of building up your hues.
Precise detailing

Precise detailing allows you to create shape edges through controlled paintbrush strokes.
Here’s how you can work on this :
1. the , circles, stars, or any shapes you prefer, including squares, hearts, diamonds, or triangles. shapes around the dry . Choose shapes like
2. Use another to around your chosen shape. It’s best to use two paintbrush sizes, one small for precise detailing and one large for filling the exterior part of your details.
3. Ensure you have prepared enough for your background. Keep the surrounding area or moist.
4. Get real close to the shape without totally touching the initial outlines. Ensure you have fine lines (whites) between your background and the shapes.
Another way to enhance this skill is by the inside of the to create a border. This allows artists to develop their skills in controlling their brushstrokes for accurate details. The results vary with how much you use, your type, or how fast you work. Keep practicing 8until you are comfortable with this .
Types Of Watercolors
There are 12 types of watercolors and will continue to grow in number in the future. If you love watercolors, here’s a complete list of their variations, styles, and forms (and we’ll update you once new stuff comes out!).
- Pan watercolors
- Tube watercolors
- Peerless watercolors
- Watercolor sticks
- Liquid watercolors
- Gouache
- Watercolor pencils
- Watercolor markers
- Inktense pencils
- Water-soluble oil pastels
- Water-soluble crayons
- Metallic watercolors
How To Choose The Best Quality Watercolors
There are plenty of watercolors to choose and if you don’t know what to buy, we’ve included a comprehensive buying guide just for you. First, let’s get to learn more about watercolors and what they are made of.
Watercolors are made up of two essential ingredients: gum arabic and ground pigments. The gum arabic acts as the binder while the ground pigments provide the shades of your watercolors. Most watercolor manufacturers add moisturizers to prevent gum binders from turning brittle. They also include wetting ingredients to facilitate absorption and flow.
Factors To Check Before Buying Watercolors
Before you buy watercolors, here’s what you need to check:
Color

Watercolors come in tons of selections and vary per manufacturer. Technically, producing more happens when you mix the primary and secondary colors. This gives you an abundance of selections to choose from. The only downside is that colors can be dull or lifeless.
Single colors are more intense and vibrant. If you cannot buy all the colors you need, try to build your limited yet versatile palette. You don’t need to rush or find the best one, as everything is perfect from an ‘s point of view.
Several factors that you may want to consider are transparency and permanence. What’s important is that you have the primary colors, to begin with, your journey. As you gather more experience, you can quickly identify what you need and what works best for you.
If it’s your first time buying watercolors, purchase from a reliable brand with excellent reviews to ensure you’re investing in the right materials to help enhance your skills.
Quality
Like most mediums, you can purchase watercolors between student grade and artists grade. Artists or professional-grade watercolors come with higher concentrated finely ground colors with higher permanence ratings. At the same time, student-grade pigments are more affordable and have more extenders and fillers.
The thing is, you can buy a student or ‘s grade based on your current budget or how much you are willing to spend. Although artists grade watercolors are more pricey, they provide superior transparency, intensity, and high-rating permanence.
For beginners, you can opt to use student-grade watercolors first and move forward to artists’ grades as you advance your skills. One thing worth noting is that -grade lasts longer and won’t fade compared to cheaper ones.
Transparency
Watercolors principal value is its transparency or its ability to let pass through the and reflect into the surface (white) of your . This creates a stunning luminescent effect on your .
transparency is vital, especially if you’ll be working with the layering . Plan your and layer your transparent colors for complete harmony.
Permanence

Permanence is the watercolors capability to withstand direct exposure or humidity without worrying the colors will fade, turn yellowish, shift colors, or darkenshift. It also refers to the ‘s lightfastness.
It’s a vital factor, especially when you are not working with your surface. This assures you that your ‘s quality won’t degrade and can be passed to the next generations.
Check the packaging and ensure it’s “very good or “excellent” lightfastness.
Types
While there are plenty of types out there, the most popular types are tubes and pans. Choose the type of you are most comfortable using and the one that enables you to achieve the results you are earnest to achieve.
Non-staining or staining
Some watercolors dry on top of the surface where you can easily remove or scrape off using a sponge. Others penetrate and stain the paper fiber. The critical aspect is that all colors fall between staining and non-staining.
This factor may seem unimportant for beginners until you’ll be working with lifting colors or layering techniques.
Brands
Characteristics and quality vary with every watercolor manufacturer and brand. However, this should not hinder you from mixing colors to achieve your desired results. You will also notice that some brands or manufacturers stand out in specific colors.
It boils down to every artist’s unique preference for style and pigments. The best way for you to find the right brand is to explore and see which one meets your taste.
Final Words
We hope you learn something new with us today. is an excellent every newcomer will surely love. Leave us a comment on what you think about this article, and we hope we shared valuable ideas with you.
I just want to tell you that I am just all new to weblog and honestly liked your web page. More than likely I’m want to bookmark your blog . You certainly come with really good articles and reviews. Kudos for revealing your blog site.
Wonderful! Thank you too for that inspiring words, will work even harder to give you great and helpful reviews and articles to help you improve your artistic persona. Don’t forget to keep us posted with anything! We love to hear more about your journey!
I appreciate the tips about using dark colors to have night-time effects. My friends and I want to do a painting night this weekend since we want to be more creative. We’ll have to find an arts and crafts store that has everything we need for the night.
Hey there Taylor!
Thank you for reaching out. That’s an excellent bonding time I must say. Do you have anything in mind? Like what art supply do you need? Maybe I can help you finding great products that won’t hurt but are surely amazing.