Summer is here, and it’s time to bring out the paintbrushes! There’s something about the sunshine, the long days, and the laid-back vibe of summer that makes it the perfect season to get creative. Whether you're a beginner looking for simple painting ideas or just in the mood for some colorful, feel-good art, this list is for you. In this blog, we’ve put together a bunch of fun, easy, and totally doable summer painting ideas that are sure to spark your imagination.Â
Here are 20 summertime painting ideas that will make you want to start painting right now:
1. Sunset Over the Ocean
Bring a dreamy seascape to life with bold, fiery hues. Think oranges, pinks, and purples swirling across the sky. Add the silhouette of palm trees for a tropical vibe, and try using a sponge or palette knife to give your sky a beautiful, natural texture.
2. Watermelon Slice
This one is as easy as it is fun! A bright watermelon slice is a great way to practice smooth color transitions, from green to white to juicy pink. It’s a cheerful piece, perfect for beginners looking to master clean shapes and playful summer palettes.Â
3. Cactus Silhouette at Sunset
Create a stunning desert landscape by blending warm sky colors, deep oranges, reds, and purples. Then layer in tall black cactus silhouettes. Want a real-life reference? Check out this beautiful Colorful Cave Creek Desert Landscape painting.Â
4. Sea Shells in the Sand
Practice texture and shadow with a sandy beach scene scattered with shells. Use a toothbrush to splatter sand effects and paint a variety of shell shapes. Adding subtle shadows will make them pop right off the canvas.
5. Tropical Fish Underwater
Dive into a colorful underwater world with flowing brush strokes and a dreamy palette of ocean blues and greens. Use watercolor or thinned acrylic for a soft, fluid look, and let your imagination go wild with creative fish patterns. Or simply, paint Marlin and Dory!
6. Palm Trees at Sunset
A classic that never gets old. Blend a gradient sunset sky, from yellow to pink to purple, then layer in simple black palm tree silhouettes. It’s beginner-friendly, bold, and always beautiful.
7. Ice Cream Cones
Nothing says summer like ice cream! Paint a variety of cone types: waffle, sugar, or chocolate-dipped, and go crazy with toppings: sprinkles, cherries, and syrup. It’s a whimsical piece that’s sure to bring smiles.
8. Surfer Riding a Wave
Capture the movement and energy of the ocean with sweeping brush strokes that form a crashing wave. A silhouette of a surfer adds motion and excitement. Try painting this on a canvas board or wood panel for a rustic, beachy feel.
9. Campfire Under the Stars
Combine a glowing campfire with a starry night sky to create a cozy, atmospheric scene. Add small details like a tent, marshmallows on sticks, or glowing fireflies to tell a mini summer story.
10. Sea Turtle Swimming
Explore ocean life by painting a gentle sea turtle gliding through vibrant waters. Focus on the intricate details of the turtle’s shell and use layered blues and greens to mimic the feel of deep sea movement.
11. Sunflowers in a Jar
Celebrate summer's happiest flower with a bright bouquet of sunflowers. Practice layering petals for depth, and add the challenge of painting a glass jar with reflections and water for extra realism.
12. Message in a Bottle
Imagine a mysterious bottle washed up on shore, with a tiny scroll tucked inside. Use transparent layers to mimic glass, and surround the bottle with sand, shells, and maybe a hint of surf for that storytelling touch.
13. Coral Reef Close-Up
This one is a vibrant, abstract exploration of nature! Use dotting tools or even the back of a paintbrush to create intricate coral textures. Blend bright reds, pinks, oranges, and blues to build a thriving, colorful reef.
14. Pineapple with Sunglasses
Add a splash of humor to your art with quirky pineapple sporting shades. Set it against a fun background—maybe a sandy beach or wooden boardwalk. It’s playful, bold, and perfect for summer decor.
15. Minimalist Beach Scene
Go for a clean and calming aesthetic with a simple beach layout: maybe an umbrella, a towel, and a pair of flip-flops in soft, pastel shades. This piece is perfect for those who love subtlety and simplicity in their art.
16. Tropical Drink with Fruit Garnish
Paint a refreshing summer beverage like coconut water, a smoothie, or a fruity mocktail. Use transparent techniques to show off the cup, then pile on the citrus slices, mint leaves, and colorful straws for a zesty finishing touch.
17. Road Trip View
Capture the nostalgia of summer drives with a scene painted from a car window. Picture rolling hills, telephone poles fading into the horizon, and fluffy clouds overhead. It’s a peaceful piece that’s all about the journey.
18. Seagulls in Flight
This light and airy painting is all about movement. Use simple, curved brushstrokes to create soaring seagulls, and pair them with a soft sky background, perfect for practicing balance and spacing.
19. Rainbow Over the Mountains
Paint a summer storm just as it clears, revealing a brilliant rainbow stretching across misty mountain peaks. Blending the cloudy sky into the rainbow’s colors is a great exercise in gradients and contrast.
20. “Hello Summer” Typography Art
Create bold, beachy lettering that screams summer vibes! Use playful fonts and surround the phrase with fun doodles like suns, waves, sunglasses, or ice cream cones. It’s cheerful, customizable, and makes for great wall art.
Parting Strokes: Let These Summer Painting Ideas Motivate You!
Summers are the best time to paint your next artwork. Pick one of these painting ideas and envision it displayed proudly on your wall. You can also combine a few of these summertime ideas and make a collage. Your friends and family would love it at your next get-together!