Phases of the Moon Nature Journal Tutorial

 
 

SUPPLIES:

Nature Journal - I use the Moleskin Art Watercolor Notebook
Pencil
Watercolor Paints
Medium - Larger Size Round Brush
Ink Pen - These are my favorite: STAEDTLER Pigment Liner I’m using the 0.5 width
Water & Paper Towel

A few tips before you begin....

  • Use my "Phases of the Moon" poster as a reference while you sketch your moon phases.

  • I'm using gouache paint here because it's my personal preference, but I recommend watercolor. The techniques I'm using can be applied to either medium.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: First start by adding a title header to your nature journal page. Mine says “Phases of the Moon” and the date in a stylized lettering.

STEP 2: Lightly sketch the Earth with loose, fluid lines. Don’t worry about making the continents exact - just create a rough outline.

STEP 3: Draw eight circles around the Earth. Start with one at the top and one at the bottom, then add two on each side. Fill in the gaps to make sure all the circles are evenly spaced.

STEP 4: Adding blues to the darker areas will help create overall harmony of the piece. Again, using a very light touch.

STEP 5: Label each moon phase.

STEP 6: Using gray or diluted black watercolor paint, fill in the moon phases. Aim for a blotchy, uneven wash to represent the varied characteristics of the moon’s surface, including its texture and craters.

STEP 7: Add a second layer of paint in blotches to create texture and detail on the moon’s surface.

STEP 8: Use a dark blue-black color to paint the parts of the moon that are in shadow.

STEP 9: Paint the Earth using shades of blue and green.

STEP 10: If needed, add another layer to make the shadows darker and enhance the texture of the moon’s surface.
TIP: Darken the shadowed areas of the moon to make the shapes more distinct.

STEP 11: Add a second layer to the Earth to give it more depth and detail.

STEP 12: Mix in some yellow with the green to add variety to the Earth’s continents, using quick, blotchy strokes for texture.

STEP 13: Allow your painting to dry completely.

STEP 14: Once dry, use an ink pen to trace over the pencil lines.
TIP: I like to trace each line a few times.

STEP 15: Use the same technique to outline the Earth, allowing for a natural, organic feel.

All done! I hope you enjoyed illustrating with me and now have a better understanding of the moon’s phases.

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