How To Draw The Universe
Want to learn how to capture the vastness of the universe? To illustrate the beauty of the infinite stars and galaxies? Drawing the universe can seem like a daunting task for any artist, with its complexity and immense scale. But with a few simple tricks, you can easily capture the splendor of the night sky and its dazzling star formations. So grab your paper and pencils and let’s get started!
Find Inspiration in the Heavens
The first step to drawing the universe is to get inspired. Find a comfortable, dark spot outside and stargaze. Observe the night sky in awe and take in all of the beauty hidden in its depths. Look up the constellations and study the star formations in your area. Note down everything you find the most interesting and imagine how it would look like on a canvas. This will provide you with an excellent starting point and give you an insight into the endless possibilities of depicting the night sky.
Don’t underestimate the importance of preparing and researching your subject matter. Use the Internet to find shots and images of different galaxies, stars and nebulae in the deepest reaches of space for inspiration. Look for diverse color combinations, gradients and textures that you can replicate on paper.
Choose the Right Tools and Mediums
When it comes to supplies, the universe is your oyster! But there are some basic tools and mediums that are tailored to draw the night sky and capture its mystical beauty. Choose softer pencils and papers so that the colors don’t get too intense. Watercolor is an excellent option to use when drawing galaxies. Thin layers of the pans and tubes create luscious and mesmerizing colors. Light colors, such as blue and yellow, work well for stars, so use watercolor crayons or markers for the small details.
Charcoal and pastel pencils are great for depicting the ‘emptiness’ of space in a creative way. Use their ability to meld, blur and blend colors together to illustrate all sorts of colors and textures in between the stars. Depending on the effect you are going for, contrast can be your best friend. Glitter pencils and colors surfaces with metallic colors can be a great way to ensure your stars will really shine.
Imagination Over Accuracy
When it comes to drawing the universe, there are no fixed rules. A lot of the night sky’s beauty comes from its randomness, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Many of the stars and galaxies in space vary in shape and size, so your representation doesn’t have to look perfect in order to make a magnificent illustration. Focus more on adding details, such as shooting stars and imagined planets, and rely on your own imagination.
It’s important to remember that you don’t need to recreate the night sky completely to make an incredible artwork. When portraying something this vast, you can pick and choose what works for your illustration. Thumbnails are a great way to experiment with different compositions and placement. You can develop the sketch and add details until you are happy with the result.
Have Fun!
Finally, don’t forget … drawing the universe can be hard work, but it is also a great way to explore your creative side. When capturing something so huge and mysterious, there are no limits to what you can create. So don’t be afraid to go big, be bold and use your imagination. With a bit of practice, you’ll soon be a master of the stars!
