Want to add a panda to the designs you are proud to paint? In this easy step-by-step, I’ll show you how to paint a simple yet effective panda cub design, specifically made to look extra cute! Be sure to read through the entire article to catch the little details that make all the difference.
Materials:
- Mehron white
- Mehron black
- Wolfe white
- Wolfe Black
- Global red
- Mehron Starblends pink
- Superstar bubblegum pink
- Loew-Cornell/King Art round brush #3
- Mehron Sponge (cut in half)
- Smoothie blender
- Cotton Bud
- Creative Faces Glitter Sticks “Sweet” (Alternative: LodiePop Essential Glitter Balm)
- Vivid Glitter white hologram (Alternative: Mama Clown white holographic fine glitter)
- Vivid Glitter silicone applicator
STEP 1:
Using a glycerin based white and a high density sponge, I create the base. I’m making a rounded shape on the forehead, the center of the forehead being the highest point. I’m also filling in the inner corners of the eyes, the nose, the muzzle, and the cheeks.
STEP 2:
To make the eyes extra cute, I’m painting them spaced apart and rounded. The rounded Mehron sponge helps me achieve this shape. The ears are also rounded and point toward the inner corners (see diagram at the end).
I’m also using the black glycerin based paint on my sponge to paint my top lip. You can use a cotton swab if you prefer.
Are you wondering what glycerin based paints are and whether you use the right products? Check out our Face Paint Buying Guide, where we cover the best face paint brands, how they’re different, and how to use them to their strengths.
STEP 3:
To create the fur, I’m painting teardrops around the base’s border with a wax based white, then I’m blending them into the base using a sponge.
On the cheeks and under the eyes, I’m using Starblend pink on a smoothie blender. It was a little too pigmented, so I used the leftover white on my sponge and gently blended over that to soften it. Powders and face paint layer very well together!
STEP 4:
Using a wax based black, I’m painting the nose. The nose is low and wide, extending out beyond and below my own nose. To do this, I painted two loops on either side of my nose and a triangle shape under my nose.
I then painted a line and another triangle shape to connect to the lip.
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STEP 5:
To outline the fur, I’m using light pressure, anchoring my finger, and doing zig zag-like motions. I’m painting in a continuous motion, so not lifting my brush until I’m finished with each cluster of fur.
I’m also adding some black fur around the ears and under the eyes using the teardrop method I used earlier for the white fur.
I then decided to soften the black fur under the eyes just a bit using the pink starblends and smoothie blender.
STEP 6: (optional)
To make the design a little more unique, I added some bubblegum pink mixed with a little bit of red to my lower lip.
I also added a cluster of chunky creme glitter under one of the ears and patted a bit of fine white glitter over the top of the cluster to really make it shine. I added a bit of glitter to the lip and cheeks as well.
Just for fun, I painted a bamboo stick on my finger and used some body glue to attach a few bamboo leaves, which are made from cardstock paper and painted on with face paints.
Want help creating your own unique designs and style? We teach students at all levels to compose their own balanced and impressive compositions. Check out all our classes can do for you!
And the design is finished! Let me know if you have any questions, and make sure to tag me if you recreate this, I’d love to see it.
Love Shawna’s style? Don’t miss her Colorful Spring Bunny Step-by-Step Tutorial.
You can contact me/tag me on my Instagram: instagram.com/shawnafae
I teach face painting on YouTube: youtube.com/@shawnafae
Want more quality designs like this one? Get inspired by designs, tutorials, and videos from top face painters from all over the world in our Ultimate Face Painting Ideas Guide!
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