How to Paint Outer Space!

Acrylic paint on dark paper always yields dramatic results! This is the best kind of project because it demonstrates the "freedom within structure" that I try to base my lessons on. I use circle stencils to help with the planets. I try to encourage students use bright colors and practice swirling paint. You might even practice making marble swirls on a paper plate first. See which colors create a dramatic contrast, and which ones gut muddy. I also encourage students to use only part of the stencil to create the illusion of a partially illuminated planet or moon. There are some amazing books with outer space photography at the library. These pictures were all created by students. you can see how they each made it his or her own!