Filling blank space with twinkling stars is a type of art that few can master. You don’t need to be Van Gogh to be able to create picturesque images of far away galaxies and deep space views; by learning just a few simple steps, anyone can make a stunning starry scene. So, grab your pencil and paper and let’s get started learning how to draw stars in space!
Step 1: Brainstorm
The first step to creating a beautiful starry painting of the cosmos is to take some time to brainstorm what you want your painting to look like before you even pick up a pencil. Are you picturing a vibrant night sky full of vibrant color and texture? Or perhaps a peaceful twilight lake with just a trickle of stars embellishing the inky sky? Maybe a galactic snowscape or a vibrant nebula? Picture the details of what you want your painting to look like and make some small brushes of the stars in your mind before you start drawing.
Step 2: Get Your Supplies
For creating stars in space, you’ll need the following supplies: something to draw on (paper, canvas, or other medium), pencils, a ruler of some sort, an eraser, and some colored pencils or pastels for adding color, or a small piece of charcoal for shading. Alternatively, you can use digital drawing tools and software if you prefer.
Step 3: Draw Your Stars
Once you’ve chosen your canvas and set up your supplies, it’s time to draw your stars. Although the shapes of stars are varied, they generally have five points (which you can draw with a ruler, if necessary). Start small and build on your design as you go, keeping the size and distances between them naturally varying to add depth and realism. Gently press the pencil into the paper so that each star’s outline is clearly visible.
Step 4: Connect the Stars
To really bring the sky to life and create the illusion of vastness beyond our world, connect your stars with thin, gray lines. These delicate strands will give your painting a surreal, dreamy quality, but be careful; too much of this effect can make the sky look cluttered or too glossy. Connect the stars however you please; it’s up to you to decide whether to use a ruler or go freehand!
Step 5: Add Color
Finally, if you’ve chosen to add color, this is the time to do it. Choose whichever shades you’d like—soft blues, oranges and purples all work wonderfully. Go freehand with a colored pencil or pastel, or mix and blend a few different shades with a brush. Play with the color and texture to create the exact look you’re going for.
Step 6: Shade Your Drawing
To give your painting some depth, use a small piece of charcoal—just enough to create shadows on the stars. Don’t be afraid to use a heavy hand—you can always use an eraser to lighten any shadows you don’t like. This can be a tricky step, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t go perfectly the first time.
Step 7: Showcase Your Artwork
When you’re happy with your painting, it’s time to show off your hard work! Frame it in a custom frame or simple mount. If you’re displaying it digitally, take a picture of it and upload it to your favorite social media account. No matter how you display it, you can now sit back and admire your galactic creation.
Adding Texture and Depth
To really bring star-filled night sky to life, don’t be afraid to get creative with your painting. You can use different sorts of brushstrokes to add texture and deep space stars, as well as a playful use of shading techniques and soft texture. Drawing a few nebulas or large star clusters into your painting can make it truly dreamy.
Working in the Round
Drawing stars in the round is a fun way to create a sense of depth and motion, as if the stars are tumbling out of the frame and into the vastness of space. Draw the stars in a half-circle or spiral — they don’t need to be perfect and symmetrical; chaos can be beautiful, too!
Doodling Stars
When in doubt, doodle! Freely draw stars in all shapes and sizes! They can be framed by doodled galaxies or shooting star trails or just strewn about the canvas; the sky is the limit. When doodling stars, let yourself be inspired and create a unique arrangement that is all your own.
Putting Your Own Spin on Traditional Space Art
Space art is traditionally a monochrome dreamscape, with stars and galaxies varying from pale shades of blue, green, and yellow. Spice up your painting with vibrant colors like purples and pinks, as if starlight were shining through a prism and your painting were glowing with an enchanting light. Experiment with color and texture and you may be pleasantly surprised with the results.
