In this lesson, students will create a visually striking poster titled “Our Solar System” using black paper and the reverse drawing technique. By applying light colors onto a dark surface, students will illustrate the sun, planets, and space objects while learning how light, contrast, and scale create visual form. This project combines scientific observation with artistic rendering and basic graphic design principles such as layout, labeling, and title design.
Understand the structure and order of the solar system
Practice reverse drawing by applying light colors on black paper
Learn how light and contrast create form and depth
Design a clear, visually balanced poster with labels and titles
Combine illustration, typography, and layout into a cohesive composition
This project teaches students that light creates form and that darkness is not empty—it is active. By drawing light onto black paper, students learn to observe highlights, contrast, and visual balance more carefully. Combining science, illustration, and graphic design strengthens both creative thinking and visual communication skills.
What is the solar system made of?
Why is space dark, and why do planets appear bright?
How does the sun affect the color and brightness of each planet?
Why do diagrams and labels help us understand complex ideas?
How can layout and spacing make information easier to read?
Planets (in order):
Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
Other Elements:
The Sun, asteroid belt, moons, rings, stars
Black paper
White pencil crayon or pastel pencil
Colored pencils
Gouache paint (including opaque white)
Circle templates (various sizes)
Ruler
Space photo references
1. Planning the Poster
Lightly sketch a layout plan on scrap paper
Decide where the title, planets, labels, and background elements will go
Think about spacing so the poster feels balanced and easy to read
2. Title Design
Design the title “Our Solar System” at the top of the page
Use bold lettering and consider decorative elements such as stars or orbits
Keep the title readable and visually strong
3. Drawing the Planets (Reverse Drawing)
Use a white pencil to lightly draw the sun and planets on black paper
Use circle templates to keep planets clean and accurate
Place planets in correct order and relative size (not exact scale, but logical)
4. Building Light & Form
Shade highlights first using white
Add colored pencils to show planetary colors and textures
Blend gently, working from light to color
Use gouache paint to strengthen bright areas and stars
5. Labels & Graphic Design
Use a ruler to draw clean label lines
Write planet names clearly using white or light colors
Keep text neat and consistent in size
Make sure labels do not overcrowd the illustration
6. Finishing Touches
Add stars, orbit lines, or subtle space textures
Use opaque white sparingly for the brightest highlights
Check balance, clarity, and readability
Create a second solar system poster from imagination—adding fictional planets, colors, or alternate layouts.
Student Work: Illustrating Space Scenes on Black Paper
Reverse Drawing – Drawing light onto a dark surface instead of shading darkness
Light Source — Things that produces natural or artificial light.
Highlight – The brightest part of an object where light hits directly
Contrast – The difference between light and dark
Form Shadow – The darker area of an object away from the light source
Warm Colors – Reds, yellows, and oranges associated with heat and energy
Cool Colors – Blues, greens, and purples associated with space, water, and calm
Opaque – Not transparent; blocks light from passing through
Layout – The arrangement of visual elements on a page
Labeling – Adding text to identify parts of an image