How to make small watercolour planets

You can create your own small watercolour planets to make posters, postcards or bookmarks with this step by step tutorial. Try it by yourself or turn it into an activity with friends and family. Relax, get creative and have fun!

You’ll need:

water (abt 2 finger high is enough)
watercolour (any kind/colour you have)
watercolour paper (I’m using 300g cold pressed paper)
brushes (I’m using round, flat and wash brushes)

Also:

tape
pencil
paper towels

Step1: Prepare your materials and workspace. You might want to paint on a surface that is easy to clean. Tape the paper on all sides so it doesn’t buckle. Mix your colours with a bit of water. Keep one cup of water clean. Lightly draw small circles.

Step2: Wash your first circle with a wash brush or a flat brush of your choice. Create a soft background with watered down colours. Use two different colours for each circle.

Step3: Add drops of your colours as you like and let them spread but be mindful of the space between the colours and whether you want them to blend together or not. If you want to lift some of the colour you can gently use a paper towel.

Step4: Keep in mind that the more water you add the more translucent your colours will be. For the darkest parts I’m using the paint straight from the pan.

Step5: You can experiment with colours and decide if you want your planets to have soft or more opaque colours. Remember that these are your planets and they can be however you want them to be. When you feel satisfied with your planets, let them dry.

Step6: Take off your masking tape and your planets are ready to be displayed! You can cut your paper in smaller sizes and use them postcards or bookmarks. You can also cut your planets in circles and arrange them however you want.