South Bay Hands on Art

Galaxy Skies

Inspired by Jen Aranyi

Lesson for grades 6-12

Project Samples

Suggested Supplies

Paper, pencil, eraser, something to color with (colored pencils or crayons preferred, but markers can work)

Optional supplies - black marker, bowl or something round to help draw a circle.  See below for Marker Blending Technique specific supplies. 

Video Lesson Steps

Watch and learn about Galaxy Skies and the project. 

Watch and create your galaxy sky!

Pick one or more of these for instructions, ideas, or inspirations:

​

Crayons or Colored Pencils

Technique

(no water needed,

markers OK, but not preferred)

Timelapse Art Tutorial: Drawing a River Landscape

with Jen Arayni 

(see crayon or colored pencil technique for ideas of how to color sky)

Other scenery ideas ->>>

 artwork by Jen Arani ->>> 

​

(Tip: for trees that touch the sky,

color the sky first,

then add the trees)

​

​

@jenarani

@jenarani

Watercolor Galaxy Sky Tutorial using Crayola Markers

with Jen Arayni 

(Supplies needed: watercolor paper, non-permanent colored markers, water, paper towel, paint brush, permanent black marker or pen (ball-point or gel pen will work), optional - white gel pen.)

​

(Tip: omit white stars if you don't have white pen)

You are done!

Create galaxy skies on things like

  • bookmarks, ornaments, cards 

​

Watch more Jen Aranyi video tutorials

​

Learn about and see some amazing night skies

Optional Extensions

Project Description

The sky can be filled with such beautiful colors, especially at sunrise and sunset.  Students will see some examples of beautiful skies, and then will create a galaxy sky over a mountain landscape in the style of contemporary artist Jen Aranyi.  They can create a simple scene, and blend or layer colors to make an amazing sky.  The lesson will work with best with crayons or colored pencils, but markers can work.  

​

Special thanks to: 

Jen Aranyi https://jenaranyi.com/  - for her wonderful artwork and project idea, and letting us share it! 

 

Jennifer Stenta https://www.sequoiabluearts.com/ - for adapting and teaching the project for HOA!