Learn how to paint a glowing jellyfish with acrylic paints.
Step 1 – Create the Dark Ocean Background
Start with a black canvas as your base. Using a flat or fan brush, mix cobalt blue and ultramarine blue acrylics with a small amount of white. Apply loose, sweeping brushstrokes across the canvas in diagonal directions to mimic the movement of deep water. Leave plenty of dark areas showing through to maintain the deep-sea atmosphere. Let dry completely before moving on.
Step 2 – Paint the Jellyfish Bell Shapes
Using a round brush, paint the dome-shaped jellyfish bells in bright electric blue. Start with the largest jellyfish and work your way to smaller ones, varying their sizes and placement for a natural look. Soften the edges by blending outward with a dry brush while the paint is still wet, creating a soft, translucent glow effect. Add a touch of white to the top curves of each bell to suggest light reflecting off them.
Step 3 – Add Flowing Tentacles
Switch to a fine detail brush or liner brush and load it with white and light blue paint. Starting from the bottom edge of each jellyfish bell, paint long, wispy, flowing tentacle lines that drift downward and curl naturally. Vary the pressure on your brush — lighter at the tips — to taper each tentacle. Layer multiple strands and add short, feathery side filaments for a realistic, organic look.
Step 4 – Add Neon Color Accents
This is where your jellyfish acrylic painting truly comes alive! Using a small round brush, introduce neon pink, magenta, purple, and green to the inner bells and tentacles. Dab and blend these colors gently into the wet or dry blue base. Focus the brightest colors toward the center of each bell and along the main tentacle lines to create a stunning bioluminescent glow effect. Use thin, translucent layers for the most vibrant results.
Step 5 – Add Final Details & Starry Background
Finish by flicking or dotting tiny white and light blue spots across the background using a stiff brush or old toothbrush to create a galaxy-like starfield underwater scene. Add final bright white highlights to the very tips of the jellyfish bells and tentacle edges. Deepen any shadows around the jellyfish with black or dark navy to make the glow pop even more. Stand back, admire your masterpiece, and let it dry fully.