Watercolor Galaxy Painting Art Project

Watercolor paper (heavier weight prevents buckling)

Watercolor paint in dark blues, purples, and blacks

White acrylic paint or white gouache for stars

A sponge for wetting paper

Paintbrushes — a wide one for washes and a fine one for details

An old toothbrush for splattering

Cup of water and paper towels

Wet the entire surface of watercolor paper with a clean, damp sponge. The paper should be evenly damp, not puddled.

Drop dark watercolors onto the wet paper. Start with blues and purples, loading the brush heavily. Let the colors bleed into each other organically.

Tilt the paper gently to encourage the colors to flow and swirl. The wet-on-wet technique creates soft, dreamy edges that look exactly like nebulae.

Add a second layer of darker color — deep purple and black — in the center for depth. Leave some lighter areas around the edges.

Let the painting dry completely. This is the hardest part — it takes patience. Use a hairdryer on low to speed it up if needed.

Dip an old toothbrush in white paint. Hold it over the painting and run your thumb across the bristles to flick tiny star splatters everywhere.

Use a fine brush or the eraser end of a pencil dipped in white to add a few larger, brighter stars.

Wet paper is the secret to the galaxy effect. If the paper dries before you finish adding color, re-wet the dry areas with the sponge.

Less is more with the star splattering. A few passes with the toothbrush creates a realistic star field. Too much turns it white.

Try adding a small amount of salt to the wet paint. As it dries, the salt creates crystalline star-like textures.

This painting technique looks impressive and professional, which gives kids genuine pride in their finished work.

Frame it on black paper for a museum-quality display. These galaxy paintings make spectacular bedroom wall art.