Tangled Lanterns Art Tutorial – I See the Light

This art tutorial is a tribute to the wonderful movie, Tangled. I think that the lanterns that Rapunzel saw for so many years from her tower are just so beautiful! Of course she finally got to see the lanterns in person with Flynn Rider! And some chalk pastel art of the Tangled lanterns is such fun to create.

The painting is painted on regular medium blue construction paper with a limited palette of three colors of chalk pastels: black, yellow and pale blue.

Let’s begin Rapunzel’s journey by turning our construction paper horizontally. Pick up your black pastel and before you begin the castle, think about the outline you are about to draw. It is evening and the castle is all black, set against the blue of your paper. There are tall towers and turrets and high castle walls – but only the outline!

Take that black pastel and begin a little more than halfway down the page. Draw a straight line across the page. This will be the bottom of the castle, sitting on the lake. Then begin on the left side and draw some roof shapes and some towers with high walls. Then work your way down to the right side of the paper. You may want to put a little bit of a bridge on the end of the right side of the roof tops.

Now, still using your black pastel, fill in the buildings and castle towers. All the way down to the line for the edge of the lake. Use your finger to smooth in the black – solidly.

Rapunzel’s lanterns are next. You are viewing these lanterns from far away, so most of them are tiny as they float up in the sky. Use the yellow pastel to make your lantern lights – but be sure to make them small! No yellow snowballs please. Start by having the yellow dots of lanterns come up from behind the castle and into the sky. Next some in front of the castle. Plus, don’t forget the reflection of the lanterns in the water below.

The boat Rapunzel and Flynn are in is just a straight line with the ends of the boat turned up. The figures of Rapunzel and Flynn are just two dots – remember they are far away from you! Don’t forget to add the two lanterns that Rapunzel and Flynn send up into the sky.

Add just a touch of water with the pale blue chalk pastel. Place the pale blue at the shoreline and a straight line under the boat.

Wow! Your painting of Rapunzel’s lanterns is really beautiful! You made your castle just the way you wanted it to look and your lanterns are shining bright up in the sky! Be sure that you sign your painting in the corner, flip it over and name it and date it.

And always remember, you ARE an artist!

More than 100 FREE Art Lessons for All Ages

• A note on chalk pastels: Pastels are an easy, forgiving medium. Fun for children and adults alike! Details on the pastels and paper we use, how and where to purchase, and links to all of Nana’s other pastel lessons (100+ free lessons now) are all contained in the post 100+ Free Art Lessons for All Ages plus the video The Very Few Must Have Supplies for Chalk Pastel Art. A simple set is very affordable. Nana also teaches acrylic lessons.
• The practical aspects of a mess: Pastels are blessedly messy. We always have baby wipes close by to wipe hands. We wear something we don’t mind getting stained or don a smock.
• Encouragement: You Can Be an Artist! 10 Day series and Art for All Ages 10 Day series
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