How to Paint Your Own Sun Art
Disclaimer: I am no artist! I just wanted to get that off my chest before we begin, ok? When Krista invited me to be a part of this Summer DIY/craft hop, I had zero idea what I would make. Then I came across this adorable upcycled cardboard cut out sun that The House that Lars Built shared on Earth Day, and I was completely smitten. I actually had another idea of how I could recreate this look in my own house, but it would have involved buying supplies and I am currently trying not to spend money which caused me to get a little scrappy! 🙂 I searched my basement for framed artwork I was no longer using that I could recreate into something else and found the perfect square piece, plus some leftover paint from the walls in our home. With a little resourcefulness, I was able to create this piece of art work for free! Today I am going to show you how to paint a modern sun for your own home, and after you check it out be sure to visit all of the other amazing summer DIYs being shared today at the bottom of this post. (This blog uses affiliate links. I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.)
To be 100% honest, I feel a little guilty about this DIY because I flipped over a print that I had in Wilder’s Maryland nursery and painted on its backside. It was a special print when we got it for his space, and I was filled with excitement and anticipation for his arrival. However, it was just sitting unused in this house because we really didn’t use much blue. I thanked it kindly for its service and decided to give it a makeover. 😉 This is the print I am referring to. Also, I miss pregnancy hair.
The square modern wood frame was just perfect for painting what I knew would be a round shape overall. If you are going to work with an old piece of art like I did, just be sure that you won’t ever want to flip it back over, because the weight and water in the paint will most likely ruin your print.
Materials Needed
- unused framed art (or a frame and heavy artist paper)
- leftover paints or acrylic paint (I used Sherwin Williams Malted Milk leftover from here, and Wheat Penny left over from here.)
- angled brush
- foam brush
Instructions
With these instructions, I am going to just work on the painting aspect and not the framing, as I will assume you know how to frame your art. However, I do want to add that if you are just using artist’s paper and plan to purchase a frame, I highly recommend the Naturale by Custom Picture Frames. You can use code CASSIE20 to get 20% off there as well, and they can make it in any size you need for your artwork. Now onto the step by step. At the end, I’ve also posted a video so you can use whichever works best for you.
- Use a large round object to outline a circle on your paper with a pencil. It’s OK if it’s not perfect because you will be painting. I used a woven basket lid that wasn’t a smooth circle, but it gave me a good rough outline.
- After drawing your rough circle, fill it in with your paint using an angled brush. Make sure you paint over the pencil line so it’s no longer visible. Allow it to dry and recoat if necessary.
- After it dries, use a smaller round object to outline another circle inside the big one with a pencil. I found that a plate worked well.
- Using your next paint color, paint that circle with your angled brush, again being careful to cover your pencil line as you paint. Allow to dry and recoat if needed.
- Using a foam brush, paint sun rays. They don’t have to be perfect or even.
- Lastly, paint a face on your sun. I mixed my two colors of paint to create something a little lighter than the darkest color. I used the inspiration piece face to help inspire my face, but in the end sort of created my own look. Just have fun with it!
After painting it, just let it dry and you’re ready to frame and hang it!
As promised, if you prefer a video tutorial, you can check it out here.
I am SO beyond thrilled with how this piece came out. I love the colors, and it really suits our living room. 
Now that I’ve hung it in the corner, I am considering painting a few others in a similar style to represent the other zodiac signs of our family. Sawyer and I are both Leos, so this sun could easily represent us, but I’ve also got a Capricorn, Taurus, and a Virgo. I have plenty of this paint. 🙂 Wouldn’t three smaller frames across the top of the TV look great?
I have to admit, I am no artist as I have already stated, but this simple piece looks so perfect in here that it boosted my confidence in creating more simple pieces. 
I promise you that if I can do it, you can, too.
If you like this post, I would be honored if you’d share it! I appreciate your visit today and wish you happy creating.
Today I’m joined by some of my blogging friends who are also sharing their Summer DIY/Craft ideas! Just click the links below the images to be taken to their post…
How to Seed a New Lawn from Scratch at The Happy Housie
DIY Palm Leaf Shadow Art Box (PB Knockoff) at Craftberry Bush
How to Make an Outdoor Pallet Tabletop at My Sweet Savannah
DIY Outdoor Planter with Candle at Clean & Scentsible
DIY Hanging Patio Garden at Tatertots and Jello
DIY Outdoor Candle Holders at The Handmade Home
DIY Painted Coasters at My 100 Year Old Home
Outdoor Tabletop Herb Garden at Inspiration for Moms
DIY Modern Sun Art at Cassie Bustamante
DIY Shell Candles at Finding Silver Pennies
DIY Beaded Garden Markers at Zevy Joy
Easy DIY Macrame and Driftwood Wall Hanging at Dans Le Lake House
DIY Printed Fern Art at Satori Design for Living
DIY Criss Cross Outdoor Planters at She Gave it a Go
Coastal Coaster DIY at Rambling Renovators
Stamped Spoon Garden Markers at Life is a Party
Summer Porch Updates at Taryn Whiteaker Designs
