Transform Old Windows With Vibrant Acrylic Sunflowers

Painting sunflowers can seem daunting, but it's actually a beginner-friendly activity that can be completed in a short amount of time with just a few colours. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to paint a beautiful acrylic sunflower on an old window, a unique surface that will give your artwork a charming, vintage feel. So grab your paintbrushes and let's get started!

Sketching the sunflower

Start by drawing a large circle in the centre of your canvas or window. This will be the head of your sunflower. You can use anything circular to trace the shape, such as a plate, a pot, or a flower pot. If you are working on a larger or smaller canvas, adjust the size of your circle accordingly.

Next, draw two more circles that overlap to create the centre of the flower. This will be the sunflower's pupil or eye. You can make this about 3-4 inches wide and use a pencil to trace it. This will be the darkest part of your sunflower, so feel free to make it as big or small as you like.

Now, it's time to add the petals. Draw lots of petals coming out from each loop of the centre circles. The more petals, the better! Sunflowers have asymmetrical petals, so don't worry about making them perfect or uniform. Start each petal at the base of the centre circle and overlap it slightly. Draw the petals wide in the middle, coming to a point at the tip. The tips of the petals can almost reach the edge of your canvas or window.

You can also add some petals in between the others by creating two arcs from the centres of adjacent petals and filling it in with colour. Vary the shape and length of each petal to add interest and beauty to your flower.

Don't forget to add the leaves! Draw some leaves coming out from the back of the flower head. You can add as much detail as you like, including the veins on the leaves or any other textures you observe in real sunflower leaves.

Once you are happy with your sketch, you can start painting your sunflower with acrylic paints. Remember to let each layer of paint dry completely before moving on to the next layer. This will give your painting a more layered and professional look.

Have fun and let your creativity shine!

Choosing a background colour

When it comes to choosing a background colour for your sunflower painting, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you want to select a colour that will complement the sunflower without detracting from it. A simple background will provide context without drawing attention away from the flower.

One option is to choose an analogous colour to yellow – the primary colour of sunflowers. Analogous colours to yellow include orange and green, and these could make interesting background shades. For example, a de-saturated orange background could make the yellow sunflower pop, while a dull green background could provide an interesting contrast.

Another option is to choose a complementary colour to yellow, which is purple. A purple background could really make the yellow sunflower stand out. You could also experiment with different shades of the same colour. For example, a white background can look fabulous, making the sunflower appear bright and cheerful. A black background, on the other hand, can create a sense of drama and make the lighter areas of the sunflower appear almost spotlighted.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could try a more detailed background, perhaps incorporating outdoor elements like leaves and grass. However, remember that the main subject of your painting is the sunflower, so you don't want the background to overwhelm it. A partial background that provides some context and contrast might be a good option if you want to include more detail.

Ultimately, the choice of background colour is up to you and there is no right or wrong answer. Experiment with different colours and see what works best for your painting.

Layering colours

When layering with acrylics, it is best to work in thin-to-medium layers, rather than one thick layer. This is because a thick layer of paint can result in an uneven finish with some areas appearing shiny. Working in thin layers also allows for smooth, even coverage. It is normal to need to apply 2-3 layers of paint to block in a lot of colour.

When layering, it is helpful to think about transparency. If you apply every layer thickly and opaquely, this will result in a crusty surface. Instead, allow each layer to remain visible through new layers, so that each has a presence in the final image. You can add clear mediums to paint colours to increase transparency. If using opaque paint colours, leave some areas uncovered to reveal parts of the underlying layer.

When layering, you can add different materials or techniques individually, one on top of the other, waiting until one layer is dry before applying the next. A layer doesn't have to cover the whole surface and can consist of one small dab of paint.

When painting a sunflower, layering colours can be used to create the centre and petals. For the centre, you can use a technique called 'stippling' to create a dense circle of dots. For the petals, you can use a technique called 'double loading' to add two colours to the brush.

Using different stroke techniques

Painting sunflowers can be challenging, but it's all about layering colours and using different stroke techniques. Here are some of the techniques you can use to paint an acrylic sunflower on an old window:

Stippling

This technique involves using a brush to create small dots or scattered brush marks to form colours, tones, and textures. You can use a small brush to paint each dot in a controlled manner, or you can use a flat, larger brush and let the bristles create the dots for you. You can also experiment with different tools like sponges, nail brushes, or bubble wrap to create a stippling effect.

Double Loading

This technique is used to create the sunflower petals. It involves loading a brush with two different colours without mixing them together. For the sunflower, you can dip one corner of the brush into one colour and the other corner into another colour. When you paint a stroke, the colours will blend naturally. You can use shades of yellow and brown for the petals.

Cross-Hatching

In cross-hatching, brushstrokes are crisscrossed over each other to create a web-like pattern. You can vary the spacing between the lines to achieve different effects. Cross-hatching can be used to create form, build up areas of light and shade, or mix colours in an exciting way. You can use an old, bent brush for cross-hatching to create a rough, textured effect.

Dry Brush

For this technique, load a clean brush with a small amount of thick paint and lightly drag it over a dry surface. This will create a feathery effect, allowing the underlying colour to show through. Dry brushing is perfect for creating details and textures with minimal brushwork. You can use this technique for painting sunset clouds, grass, waterfalls, or wood textures.

Flat Wash

A flat wash technique produces a smooth, even layer of colour. When using acrylic paint, dilute it with water or matte medium to help the paint flow smoother and achieve even coverage. Use soft-bristled brushes and work each stroke in one direction, avoiding scrubbing back and forth. For an even coat, use a wide, flat brush and slightly overlap each stroke.

Adding highlights

Prepare Your Brush and Paint

Clean your paintbrush and load it with a bright yellow paint, such as Daffodil Yellow. You want the paint to be a vibrant colour to create a spark of brightness on the sunflower petals.

Apply Highlights to the Petals

Use the chisel edge of your brush to run a line of paint along the edges of the petals. Do this in a sporadic fashion, ensuring you don't overload the brush with paint. This technique will add depth and dimension to your painting.

Enhance the Sunflower Centre

Add a touch of yellow paint to the centre of the sunflower to create a highlight. This step will make the centre of your sunflower pop and stand out.

Finalise the Painting

Once you are happy with the highlights, let your painting dry completely. To protect your artwork and make the colours pop, apply a couple of coats of varnish. This will ensure your acrylic sunflower painting on the old window is preserved and the colours remain vibrant.

Frequently asked questions