Don’t make it opaque, leave some of the Coffee Bean color showing through. Let the edge bristles overlap on the petals to create the textured effect.
The Easiest Way to Paint a Sunflower!
This is a simple yet dramatically beautiful sunflower painting in acrylics. Beginner friendly and great for a paint party at home. Paint an easy sunflower on canvas, rustic wood, or anything you can think of. I made this sunflower painting easy, even for very-beginning painters.
Simple sunflower paintings are so fun because you can complete them in a short amount of time with just a few colors!
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Paint Supplies
The majority of the colors used in the painting lesson are in this set, I wrote a post all about the best paint for beginner painters that I recommend and why.
Plaid Folk Art Paint and Donna Dewberry Brushes
- Daffodil Yellow
- Cinnamon
- Licorice Black
- Burnt Umber
- Pure Orange
- Coffee Bean
- 3/4 Flat
- 3/4 Scruffy
Draw a Sunflower to Paint
Use anything you have to trace a circle. I used a flower pot. You can use a plate, can, or a pot as I did.
If you prefer, you can print the PDF pattern available below at the end of this post.
Next sketch in some petal shapes with a watercolor pencil or you can transfer the design from the traceable pattern available.
Not sure how to transfer patterns effectively? I show you here, Transfer Painting Patterns.
How to Paint a Sunflower- The Easy way!
Want to learn an easy way to draw and paint a sunflower?
In today’s step-by-step tutorial, I’m going to take you through the EXACT steps to first draw and then paint one of the easiest flowers to paint with acrylics – Sunflowers!
If you’re just starting out with acrylics paints be sure to take a look at my Ultimate Guide on Acrylic Paints. It will take your through most things you need when starting out.
These easy to draw sunflowers are first drawn on by tracing them onto your canvas or wood with pencil (FREE printable stencil below). That way you can fully enjoy painting them in and experiment with different paint strokes – without worrying about the shape and proportion of the sunflower.
It’s can even be a fun project to add to your art journal or bullet journal.
You can also paint sunflowers on other things too like this painted Hydro Flask water bottle with sunflowers.
You’ll also learn a nifty trick on how to create a gorgeous bumpy/textured sunflower center- with your acrylic paint! It’s fun AND relaxing- it totally got me into a zen mode!
If you want to learn how to paint MORE easy flowers with acrylic paints, check out how to paint lavender flowers, and how to paint a cherry blossom tree tutorials! They’re easy, fun and geared towards beginners who are learning.
Get your creative caps on and let your inner artist bloom…
Paint a Sunflower YouTube Tutorial
Click on the image below to watch the full-length how to paint a sunflower YouTube tutorial
FREE PRINTABLE SUNFLOWER STENCIL
As promised here’s the FREE sunflower stencil that you can use to draw /trace the basic sunflower shape. To learn how to transfer the drawing to canvas check out this post.
How to print: Right click on image, save as jpg to your computer and print out.
Hope you enjoyed this step by step painting tutorial on these super simple flowers to paint -Sunflowers!
Enjoy and don’t forget to shine bright-like your beautiful sunflower!
P.s.For more beginner painting tutorials checkout my learn to paint series
If you liked this tutorial, please PIN IT!
How to Paint Sunflowers for Beginners with Acrylics
Preparation is Key! As you embark on your sunflower acrylic painting journey, remember that true mastery doesn’t solely reside in the final brushstroke. Rather, it’s nurtured through the journey of preparation, exploration, and deliberate practice. Many artists, from novices to seasoned professionals, tend to focus solely on the end result, neglecting the intricate steps that lay the foundation for a masterpiece.
In this guide, we’ll encourage you to break free from this common approach. We’ll share techniques and insights that invite you to step into the realm of creativity long before your paintbrush touches the canvas. By instilling a habit of thoughtful preparation, your artistic endeavors will take on a new depth and richness, elevating your work from mediocrity to excellence.
If you want access to the online course where each step is explained in detail along with a bonus video for creating an abstract floral with collage, then check out the course, you’ll love it!
How To Paint Expressive Flowers
Check out the online course where you will discover tips to paint loose flower artwork by blending traditional and unconventional painting techniques.
It’s Video Time!
Let’s have a look at the video demo where I share the step-by-step process for painting expressive sunflowers with acrylics.
The Spark of Inspiration: Selecting the Perfect Image
Before you dive into the artistic process, it’s crucial to find an inspiring sunflower image that captivates your imagination. The interplay of light and shadow, along with intriguing angles and perspectives, can significantly influence the vitality of your final artwork. Remember, the enthusiasm you feel for your chosen image will undoubtedly reflect in the brilliance of your finished piece.
Navigating Positive and Negative Space: Shaping the Unseen
Understanding positive and negative space is akin to unlocking a secret language in the realm of art. This concept allows you to perceive the shape and form of objects more clearly, leading to more accurate depictions. As you embark on this section of the tutorial, you’ll discover the power of these spaces in shaping the visual story of your sunflower masterpiece.
The Dance of Composition: From Thumbnails to Value Studies
Your sunflower painting’s composition serves as its foundation, dictating how your subject interacts with the canvas. With thumbnail sketches and value studies, you’ll breathe life into your vision. By creating preliminary compositions, you’ll refine your ideas, allowing the most compelling aspects of the sunflower to shine through.
Painting with Passion: Embracing Color, Brushwork, and Exploration
Color and brushwork are the heartbeats of your artwork, infusing it with emotion and depth. At this stage, you’ll embrace the artistic voice that sets you apart. Remember, your style isn’t just about replicating reality; it’s about interpreting and enhancing it. Dare to explore, take risks, and unveil the unique perspective that makes your art truly yours.
This is a great read for understanding simple and contemporary color theory.
Guided Steps: From Blank Canvas to Breathtaking Sunflower
Now, let’s delve into the hands-on process of turning your vision into reality. Our step-by-step guide will navigate you through every phase, from setting the background tone to adding the final touches. With patience and precision, you’ll witness your sunflower coming to life stroke by stroke.
Celebrating the Journey: The Profound Reward of Mastery
As you put the finishing touches on your sunflower acrylic masterpiece, take a moment to reflect on the journey you’ve undertaken. Remember, each stroke, study, and experiment contributes to the growth of your artistic prowess. Embrace the process, and the results will astonish you.
Engage and Connect: Your Thoughts and Questions
We’re excited to embark on this sunflower painting journey with you. As you progress through the tutorial, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, insights, and questions in the comments section below. Let’s create a community of artists passionate about growth, exploration, and the profound joy of creating.
In the next section, we’ll delve into the intricate dance of positive and negative space, revealing how these concepts shape the foundation of your sunflower masterpiece. So, gear up, artists, and let your creativity bloom!
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