Starry sky, white dots / Acrylic paint projections

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to create projections for your paintings using acrylic paint.

This simple method, familiar to many artists, can be used to create superb starry skies, for example.

Acrylic paint projections

Over the years, I’ve tried many different methods for making projections with acrylic paint. I love finishing my paintings with these projections, which I find create a very interesting balance with the composition of your painting.

How I prepare my projections

I generally use paint mixes that I make myself, with 50% water and 50% paint. Be careful, however, not to use too much water, as this could impair the paint’s durability over time.

How to paint stars / spray projections

For this painting, I wanted to depict a sort of starry sky. To achieve this, I worked in several stages.

Step 1: Make a base with acrylic paint

If you’d like to learn my techniques for creating this kind of background, I invite you to discover my online painting courses.

Step 2: Create the stars (Projections)

Here, I use a toothbrush to make the projections! It’s a technique that many artists use, and it’s as easy as pie! If you’re a beginner, I guarantee that this kind of method is accessible and that you’ll have a lot of fun experimenting with it!

Ideally, I recommend working flat. In other words, your board placed horizontally on your work surface.

Simply dip your toothbrush in diluted white paint (see previous section on mixing). Then use your thumb to rub your toothbrush in the opposite direction to the desired spray direction.

Be careful not to use too much paint, so as not to splatter too much and create unsightly effects.

Once the paint has been applied and the spraying done, let your painting dry and don’t forget to wash your toothbrush and the rest of your equipment.

Once dry, the acrylic paint will set and you won’t be able to retrieve your material.

What about you?

Have you ever tried this kind of technique? What do you think? Thank you in advance for leaving a comment at the bottom of this page.