Learn How to Paint R2-D2!

I love the Star Wars movies! They are some of my all-time favorite movies. And, one of my favorite characters from Star Wars is R2-D2. For such a small droid, he has a lot of character. Which makes him a great choice to both draw and paint. So, I created this a lesson where you can learn how to paint your very own R2-D2. 

This is a step-by-step tutorial using watercolor paints and artist pens. This is a great lesson for teens and adults and should take under an hour to complete. You'll learn to draw your very own R2-D2 using a tracing method and artist pens Use watercolor paints to create a style that is both fun and playful. And add your own unique touches to give him character. I hope you enjoy this free art lessons. 

Ready To Create Your Own!?
You need these supplies...

Crayola 24ct Watercolor Colored Pencils (Make sure they are watercolor, colored pencils)
Water Color Paints (Blue, Black)
Paint Brush Set 
Artist Pens 
Watercolor Paper (I use a 9"x12" piece in the lesson)
Willow Charcoal Sticks - Optional 
Light Box - Optional
Palette
Water
Paper towels
​Apron or Art Smock

You can also find all the supplies together, ready to go, in the Createful Art Store. ​​

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Let's Get Started!

Follow along, and have fun painting R2-D2 in the video lesson below. 

​Steps

1.  Set up Lightbox | First, we need to draw the general outline of R2-D2. To do that, I use a homemade lightbox so that I can trace R2-D2's basic form. 

2. Trace Outline | For the sake of making this go a little faster, and so that R2-D2 looks right, we’re going to trace the general outline. Use your lightbox to help in tracing the general shape. 

3. Transfer Outline | After I’ve finished tracing R2-D2’s outline with the graphite, I very carefully place my sketched R2-D2 where I want it placed on my watercolor paper and press down all over my paper to transfers the sketch. 

4. Draw R2-D2 | After R2-D2 is transferred, use your watercolor pencil to sketch over all the graphite marks and draw in any missing areas. 

5. Draw with Pen | Before I paint, I need to draw R2-D2 again. This time, I’m going to use pen. I like to use my Indian ink pen for this step because it is waterproof and won’t smear when I add watercolor. 

6. Prepare Palette | Place a small amount of each color you will use on your palette. I am using basic student grade, so it isn’t like you have to have the highest quality watercolor paints to create great artwork. 

7. Paint R2-D2 | After you’ve got all of the pen on the paper, you can start the painting. 

8. Add Character | Now it's time to add some personality to R2-D2 and make the painting yours. Add paint drops, splashes and drips where you want them. Be creative in this step. 

Once you’re happy with your masterpiece, you're done and you can sign your work. Congratulations and thanks for painting R2-D2 with me! I hope you had a lot of fun. 

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I hope you had fun creating with me. Come Join the Party and get more creative!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”