Are you looking for new ways to enjoy the warmth and magic of summer? Why not capture those sunny vibes through drawing? With endless colors, lively scenes, and beautiful summer imagery, drawing is a great way to bring the essence of summer to life on paper. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, there’s something so rewarding about sketching the joy of the season. From the beach to the garden, these ideas will give you plenty of inspiration. Grab your pencils, markers, or paints, and let’s dive in!
1. Ice Cream Cone
Nothing says summer quite like a big, colorful ice cream cone. It’s a perfect beginner-friendly drawing that allows you to experiment with different textures and colors.
Why it’s a good idea: This drawing is simple, fun, and will help you practice drawing shapes and patterns. It’s great for kids and beginners who want to work on creating realistic textures.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Draw an upside-down triangle for the cone.
- Sketch a circle on top of the triangle for the first scoop.
- Add more circles if you’d like multiple scoops.
- Draw lines crisscrossing the cone to add texture.
- Color each scoop with fun, vibrant colors.
2. Tropical Palm Tree
Palm trees instantly evoke beach vibes, which makes them the ideal summer drawing subject.
Why it’s a good idea: It’s a great way to practice drawing organic shapes and capturing the movement of leaves swaying in the wind. Perfect for all skill levels.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start with a long, curved trunk.
- Add a few lines branching out for the leaves.
- Draw individual leaves along these lines.
- Add texture to the trunk with small horizontal lines.
- Color the trunk brown and the leaves green.
3. Sun with Sunglasses
A cute sun with sunglasses is a cheerful summer staple that will put a smile on anyone’s face.
Why it’s a good idea: It’s fun, simple, and helps practice drawing faces and expressions. Suitable for all ages.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Draw a big circle for the sun.
- Add sun rays extending outwards.
- Draw a pair of cool sunglasses.
- Add a smiling mouth underneath.
- Color the sun bright yellow and the sunglasses any color you like.
4. Beach Ball
Bright and colorful, a beach ball is a classic summer icon that’s perfect for drawing practice.
Why it’s a good idea: This drawing lets you practice shading and symmetry, as well as vibrant color combinations. Great for beginners.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start with a large circle.
- Draw curved lines inside to create the sections.
- Add a small circle in the center.
- Color each section in a different color.
5. Watermelon Slice
Watermelon slices are perfect to draw if you want to capture the fresh and sweet feel of summer.
Why it’s a good idea: Drawing a watermelon lets you experiment with gradients and simple shading. Suitable for kids and beginners.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Draw a semi-circle.
- Add a curved line near the bottom to create the rind.
- Draw little teardrop-shaped seeds.
- Color the rind green and the inner part red or pink.
6. Flip-Flops
Flip-flops are a summer essential and they make for a fun drawing subject with lots of possibilities for decoration.
Why it’s a good idea: This is a good exercise for practicing drawing perspective and symmetry. Suitable for all skill levels.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Draw two foot-shaped ovals.
- Add a strap across each one.
- Decorate the flip-flops with patterns or colors of your choice.
- Color them bright summer colors.
7. Lemonade Glass
A refreshing glass of lemonade is a wonderful symbol of summer relaxation.
Why it’s a good idea: Practice drawing liquids and working with transparency. Suitable for intermediate artists.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Draw a tall glass shape.
- Add a circular lemon slice on the rim.
- Draw a straw sticking out.
- Add ice cubes inside the glass.
- Color the lemonade yellow and add shading to show transparency.
8. Beach Scene
Capture the essence of summer with a full beach scene – waves, sand, and maybe even a beach umbrella.
Why it’s a good idea: This drawing allows you to work on creating a full composition with multiple elements. Suitable for all levels.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start by drawing the horizon line.
- Sketch some wavy lines for the ocean.
- Draw a beach umbrella and a towel on the sand.
- Add small details like seashells or footprints.
- Color with shades of blue, yellow, and red.
9. Sunglasses Reflection
Draw a pair of sunglasses with a summer scene reflecting in the lenses – perhaps a palm tree or the ocean.
Why it’s a good idea: This drawing helps you practice reflections and perspective. Suitable for more advanced artists.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Draw the outline of the sunglasses.
- Add details for the frames.
- Sketch the reflection in each lens.
- Color the sunglasses and reflection.
10. Popsicle
Colorful popsicles are another delightful symbol of summer, and they’re super fun to draw.
Why it’s a good idea: This drawing encourages you to use bold colors and shading to create a realistic look. Suitable for beginners and kids.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Draw a rectangle with rounded corners.
- Add a stick at the bottom.
- Draw a bite mark if you’d like.
- Color the popsicle with bright, summery colors.
11. Seagull
Seagulls are the soundtrack of summer beaches, and they make a great drawing subject.
Why it’s a good idea: Practice drawing birds and creating simple shapes that show movement. Suitable for all ages.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Draw an oval for the body.
- Add a circle for the head.
- Draw wings and a tail.
- Add a beak and legs.
- Color the seagull with shades of white and gray.
12. Sandcastle
A sandcastle is a summer classic and makes for an excellent drawing project.
Why it’s a good idea: This is a great way to practice drawing shapes like towers, arches, and texture. Suitable for kids and beginners.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Draw a large rectangle as the base.
- Add towers on the sides.
- Draw arches and small flags.
- Add texture to mimic sand.
- Color the sandcastle with a golden-yellow color.
13. Surfboard
Draw a colorful surfboard propped up in the sand with the ocean in the background.
Why it’s a good idea: It’s an opportunity to create fun patterns and practice different shapes. Suitable for all skill levels.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Draw an elongated oval shape for the surfboard.
- Add a line down the center.
- Decorate with stripes or patterns.
- Color the surfboard with vibrant shades.
14. Summer Hat
A wide-brimmed summer hat with a ribbon is a perfect drawing subject for capturing summer fashion.
Why it’s a good idea: Practice drawing curves and adding texture for a woven hat look. Suitable for all skill levels.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Draw a large oval for the brim.
- Add a smaller oval inside for the head opening.
- Draw a ribbon around the hat.
- Add texture lines to mimic straw.
- Color the hat with soft yellows or browns.
15. Sunset Over Water
A breathtaking summer sunset over the water, complete with reflections.
Why it’s a good idea: This drawing helps you practice gradients and reflections, capturing the beautiful colors of a sunset. Suitable for intermediate to advanced artists.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Draw the horizon line.
- Add the setting sun just above it.
- Draw waves under the sun for reflections.
- Color the sky with shades of orange, pink, and purple.
- Add blue tones for the water and blend the colors.
Ready to Capture the Summer Spirit?
These drawing ideas are perfect to get you into the summer spirit while honing your art skills. Whether you’re drawing to relax, learn, or create something beautiful to hang on your wall, each of these ideas will help you make the most of summer. So grab your drawing supplies and dive into the creativity! Which idea are you going to start with?