Introduction: Desert Landscape Painted Rock

Painted rocks are creative gifts for your friends and family. And the best part; they're cheap easy and a thoughtful gift. In fact, I once filled my parent's Christmas stalkings with painted rocks. Once you start painting, you won't want to stop.

My qualifications: I have taken a rock-painting class and even have started my own business selling a variety of colorful painted rocks.

Supplies

For this project you will need to mix or buy paint in these colors:

Black

Red

Orange

Yellow

Blue

Mint Green

Light and dark Brown

Light and dark Green

Light and dark Purple

And for tools I used:

Cotton balls

Cup of water

Paper

Paper plate or paint pan

Paper towel

Pencil

Q-tips

Small Paint Brush


And of course, you will need a rock.

Step 1: Picking Your Rock

Pick a round and smooth rock, but be ready to be creative with any shape. My backyard is full of rocks to choose from, but if you don't have easy access to a rock bed, I suggest going to a park or hike to find the perfect rock. I always keep an eye out for a great rock to paint. Sometimes the shape of the rock can inspire what you plan to paint. (Eg. The ladybug rock pictured above)

Step 2: Sketch a Draft

It is important to draw a draft with the basic shapes of your rock. After you prime your rock, you can sketch your draft on the rock.

Step 3: Paint It Black

The quickest way is to use a cotton ball to coat the rock in black paint

Step 4: Draw the Draft Onto Your Rock

Copy the draft you did in step 2 and draw it with pencil onto your rock.

Step 5: Painting the Sunset

Use the back of your small paintbrush to apply the colored dots. Red at the bottom, then orange and yellow. Leave room for the sun, which is between both mountains.

Step 6: Mountains

Dot the mountains with the lighter and darker brown. For shading dot on some dark blue on the darker mountain and mint on your lighter mountain.

Step 7: Cactus and Ground

The cactus is painted solidly, but you can also use the dotting technique. For the ground dot the light and dark purple.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Masterpiece!

Congratulations, you have now finish your own amazing rock. Use it as a gift, paperweight or decoration for a garden. If you liked this instructables, comment below or vote for me in the Paint Challenge. :)