How to paint a nativity scene onto rocks

Create a beautiful nativity scene on your painted rocks with this step by step tutorial. This Christmas rock painting idea is perfect for stocking stuffers, Christmas decor, or hiding this season.

Nativity Scene

It wouldn’t be Christmas in my home without Christ. And if you have found yourself checking out this tutorial chances are you feel the same.

While a classic nativity scene is, well, classic. It can be hard to create as a beginner.

Today I will break down how to make a simple nativity rock with a beautiful night sky.

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Step by step instructions for this nativity painted rock

It all starts by creating the night sky. Start by blocking out some of your basic colors on your rock and then slowly blending them together.

This is best shown in video form, which you can find here on this post. I always blend one direction first. Light into the dark, and then back down.

Next, add in the black at the top. Then blend light into the dark and then back down.

Once all your paint is on you can blend a bit more with a brush. 

Dip it in water and then dry most of the moisture off. Then using a very light touch pull the colors back and forth.

101 Tip: You can always add more water. Start with this dried off brush but if your paint has set a bit longer you can use just a very little bit of water on the brush too. Just remember a very very light touch. You don’t want to wash off your paint!

When you are happy with your sky it’s time to start on the silhouette. Using black create your ground. 

Next, we will add our 3 shepherds. Just create a simple staff and body. Again see more detail in the video. I also added a few lumps for sheep. 

Then the stable. Just a simple structure, a place for Jesus, and Mary and Joseph on each side. 

Last, but not least, the star guiding the shepherds to Jesus. 

Then add a few simple stars around. I hope you give this nativity scene a try this year! Merry Christmas!

How to paint a nativity on rocks!

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