How to Draw a Sun – Create a Sunrise in a Pencil Stroke

Join our easy 11-step tutorial to draw the Sun, a radiant and powerful force in our universe. Learn to capture its fiery essence and dynamic rays, bringing this celestial giant to life on your canvas. This straightforward guide is perfect for all skill levels, making the art of drawing the Sun accessible and enjoyable.

Capturing Sunbeams: A Simple Guide to Drawing the Sun

The following collage illustrates every step undertaken to reach the ultimate outcome. Follow along, and you too will grasp the technique of learning how to draw a sun!

Step 1: How to Draw a Realistic Sun 

Begin your sun sketch by locating the middle of your drawing area, here draw a circle. 

Step 2: Draw the Guidelines 

Draw a vertical center line and a horizontal center line to split the circle into four quarters.

Step 3: Begin to Add the Flames on Your Sun Sketch 

Surrounding the outer circle, draw individual flames spreading outwards.

Step 4: Split the Flames 

Within each of the main large visible flames, draw a split line to create two portions of each of the flames.

Step 5: Draw the Facial Features

Utilize the established guidelines as a helpful reference while placing each facial feature. Commence by sketching the eyes and eyebrows on each quadrant of the circle. Progress to outlining the sun’s nose with a gentle curve. Conclude this phase by adding several short lines on the forehead and beneath each eye.

Upon finishing, carefully remove any remaining visible guidelines to reveal the refined portrayal.

Step 6: Add the Mouth to Your Sun Drawing 

Begin by drawing two curved lines to represent the mouth. At the ends of the mouth draw two additional short curved cheek lines. Within the mouth draw four equally split vertical lines to represent the teeth and complete the step by drawing the lower curved chin line.

Step 7: Add the First Color Coat

Employ a precise, sharp brush and a deep shade of yellow paint to uniformly cover the surface of the sun’s face.

Step 8: Continue With the Secondary Color Coat

Continue with the same brush and yellow paint to evenly coat the flames on your sun sketch. 

Step 9: Color Blend the Face on Your Sun Drawing 

Start by using a small, soft brush and yellow paint to brighten the upper part of the face, followed by blending to achieve a smooth color transition. Next, employ a similar brush with orange paint to shade the lower section, blending for a seamless finish. Introduce two blush spots to the sides of the smile using a small, soft brush and orange paint.

Conclude this process by adding highlights around the face’s edges and filling in the teeth with white paint using a small, soft brush.

Step 10: Continue to Color Blend Your Sun Sketch     

Use a small soft brush and orange paint to add a secondary color coat to half of each of the main flames Finish with a blending brush to spread the color coats.

Step 11: Finalize Your Sun Drawing 

Utilize a precise fine brush dipped in black paint to carefully outline and refine any inner details, bringing the sun artwork to its final form. Enhance the visual impact with this meticulous step, adding depth and definition to your creative masterpiece. You have just learned how to draw a sun!

Well done, artistic soul! As you lift your gaze from the completed sun on your canvas, feel the warmth of accomplishment radiating within you. You’ve transcended from a mere learner to a creator, capturing the essence of the sun’s brilliance with your own strokes of imagination. This sun, birthed from your creativity, now breathes with vibrant hues and intricate details. Embrace this moment, for it signifies not just a drawing but a journey of self-discovery through art. Your sun isn’t just a celestial body; it’s a testament to your dedication and the boundless possibilities your mind can conjure. May this newfound skill be a perpetual sunrise in your artistic endeavors, illuminating the path to even greater expressions of your unique vision. Well done, and may your creative spirit continue to shine brightly!

Frequently Asked Questions 

How to Draw a Realistic Sun? 

To draw a realistic sun, focus on creating a gradual transition of warm hues, such as yellows and oranges, radiating outward from a central point. Pay attention to shading and incorporate subtle variations in intensity to convey the sun’s luminosity, and consider adding atmospheric elements like clouds or rays for added realism.

Are There Specific Shading Techniques to Make My Sun Drawing More Three-Dimensional?

To add a three-dimensional quality to your sun drawing, focus on employing shading techniques such as gradual color transitions from a brighter center to lighter hues at the edges. Additionally, experiment with blending and varying shades to simulate the sun’s radiant glow and create a sense of depth.

Matthew Matthysen( Drawing and Painting Artist )

Matthew Matthysen is an educated multidisciplinary artist and illustrator. He successfully completed his art degree at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa, majoring in art history and contemporary drawing. The focus of his thesis was to explore the philosophical implications of the macro and micro-universe on the human experience. Matthew uses diverse media, such as written and hands-on components, to explore various approaches that are on the border between philosophy and science.

Matthew organized various exhibitions before and during his years as a student and is still passionate about doing so today. He currently works as a freelance artist and writer in various fields. He also has a permanent position at a renowned online gallery (ArtGazette) where he produces various works on commission. As a freelance artist, he creates several series and successfully sells them to galleries and collectors. He loves to use his work and skills in various fields of interest.

Matthew has been creating drawing and painting tutorials since the relaunch in 2020. Through his involvement with artincontext.org, he has been able to deepen his knowledge of various painting mediums. For example, watercolor techniques, calligraphy and lately digital drawing, which is becoming more and more popular.

Learn more about Matthew Matthysen and the Art in Context Team.