We have been needing a sunflower painting tutorial. I’m not too sure why I waited so long… Painting sunflowers can be pretty easy and they are fun to paint! So while adding more acrylic flowers to our easy flower painting ideas, I knew it was time to add how to paint a sunflower!

how to paint a sunflower step by step

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We are painting sunflowers on stones today, but you can take this design to any other surface you like! Want a full sunflower? Just continue the design!

Sunflower Painting Supplies

We created the sunflower color by mixing a bit of yellow and orange acrylic paint to get a sunny golden yellow. If you happen to have that color use it! You will also need brown and black paint. Have some water handy and a nice fine liner brush. I even trimmed mine a bit to make it even smaller! How small just depends on the size you are painting your sunflower.

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Easy sunflower painting for beginners

How to Paint a Sunflower Step-by-Step

Below you will find step by step images on how to create this design. There is a full video tutorial after if you are looking for more details or tips!

We started with a washed out golden yellow around the outer edge of our sunflower. Line first and color in if you don’t want it bleeding over the edges of your flower. I got this washed out look by adding a bit of water to my paint. With you liner brush mix brown and black with a bit of water. Create the center of your flower and the first petals. Leaving space between.

how to paint a sunflower steps 1-4

Start adding in petals between your first layers and then even more behind. Start adding some strokes of brown up into the petals. Next, with a bit more black added to your brown start add a second layer closer to the center. Keep these strokes nice and loose.

Now to work on the center. Leave your brown bit washed out so that you get lots of different layers of color between the brown and black. Working from the center out place down brown lines using the side of your brush. Then dab black at the tips near the petal edge.

how to paint a sunflower steps 5-8

Then repeat again closer to the center. Keep working between the brown and black until the center of your flower is filled.

step by step sunflower painting tutorial

Protect your Sunflower Rock

  • If you are using this tutorial to paint a rock, make sure to seal your painted rocks before putting them out into the world!

Sunflower Painting Video Tutorial

Want to see a few more details? Watch the full video tutorial below!

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I hope you have a chance to try this painting tutorial! Take a minute and pin it to share and save it for later!

how to paint sunflowers with acrylic paint