Painting Galaxies, Constellations

The allure of the night sky is not only found in its grandeur but also in the personal connections it fosters. Beyond the galaxies and constellations lies a canvas for individual stories and moments.

I had the pleasure of painting a special Capricorn constellation for my friend Liz, adding a personal touch using Tombow brush pens and water.

Liz’s connection to the zodiac sign Capricorn added a layer of significance to the artistic process. As I began the piece, I sought to capture not only the constellation’s iconic shape but also the essence of Capricorn itself—a blend of ambition, resilience, and determination.

Using the Tombow Galaxy set of brush pens, I delicately marked the stars that form the constellation, paying careful attention to capturing Capricorn’s unique pattern. The brush pen’s versatility allowed me to create blocks of intense colour in blue, turquoise, purple and a dark indigo.

With the constellation taking shape, it was time to introduce water—a transformative element that added depth and dimension. The water applied with a brush enabled me to blend and soften the blocks of colour to capture the gentle radiance of distant stars.

As a final touch once the piece dried I added small diamanté pieces to bring out the constellation.

This artistic piece went beyond mere technique; it was a heartfelt gesture that celebrated Liz’s connection to Capricorn and the beauty of the cosmos.

As Liz gazes upon the artwork, she’s not just seeing a constellation; she is, I hope, witnessing a manifestation of her own personal journey and connection to the stars. The combination of Tombow brush pens and water allowed me add a touch of magic—a glimpse into the night sky that holds a special place in Liz’s heart.

I coupled the piece with a short poem.

Capricorn’s Art
Capricorn’s hand holds a painter’s grace,
Colours dance in their steady embrace.
Canvas and brush, a symphony’s start,
They paint their soul, a work of art.
With each stroke, a story takes flight,
Brushing dreams with hues of light.
In colours rich, they find their voice,
Capricorn’s art, a masterpiece choice.

~ Rebecca Westaway, 18 August 2023

Through the dance of ink and water, we are reminded that the night sky is not just a distant spectacle—it’s a canvas that holds stories, memories, and the power to inspire.

Tombow Galaxy colours used

443 Turquoise, 569 Jet Blue, 623 Purple Sage, 676 Royal Purple