Summer is here, and it’s definitely getting hot! But that doesn’t mean you can’t cool off with a fun art project. Whether you’re a seasoned paint party instructor or just planning to have some friends over for an evening of painting, we’ve got the best list of summer painting ideas that are sure to make your summer party a blast.
Summer is the PERFECT time to host paint parties! Anything that’s social and indoors with the a/c blasting is a welcome change of pace, especially here in Texas. It’s HOT, y’all!
Having an art project to work on together is a great way to keep everyone cool, have fun, and show off your skills while you earn some extra cash, too!
Plus, so many of these are perfect for kids who are off school during the summer months. Get them involved in helping you pack up your paint party supplies or throw a paint party for kids (you can even throw a paint party for toddlers, here’s how).
Here are my top 17 summer painting ideas—each of these is a tried and true winner!
1. Mini Decorative Surfboards
How much FUN are these adorable mini surfboards? I have a huge soft spot in my heart for these—these are what propelled my art business when I was at one of my lowest points! You can read my story here for all the details.
Either way, these surfboards are a hit with pretty much anyone! They are unique and can be easily customized for any theme or name.
2. Summer Camper Painting
This is a classic summer scene with a side of nostalgia that everyone can relate to! If you click over to the post, I have a video walking you through exactly how to create this painting.
3. Seasonal Door Hanger
This is one of my all-time favorite projects! You keep the hanger up year-round and simply swap out the seasons. People go crazy for this one.
4. Whimsical Beach Scene
This is a fun and colorful painting that has an abstract quality to it. Plus, it’s perfect if you’re trying to get creative and don’t want to use the typical beach scene.
5. Flamingo Canvas
Who doesn’t love a good flamingo painting? This one is made with just a few colors, and as you see from the photo, you can replicate several different looks.
6. Sunflower Barn Painting
This is a classic farmhouse-style painting that is always a top seller when I post it. This one does especially well leading up to the 4th of July. It’s patriotic but still neutral enough to keep up all year.
7. Tiki Hut Canvas
This tiki hut is SO cute. The colors are adorable, and looking at it just makes me happy. Plus, it makes for a super fun sip and paint with margaritas or frozen daiquiris (virgin or otherwise!).
8. Summer Sunset Painting
Here’s a more classic take on a summer sunset if your crowd leans more traditional. This is a great beginner-friendly option too.
9. 4th of July Gnome Tracer
There’s a gnome for every season! This 4th of July gnome tracer is super fun and perfect for the summer holiday.
Click through to the post to get info on the tracer (and here’s a helpful post about how to trace onto your canvases to prep them for a paint party!)
10. Flamingo Family
Here’s another fun beach scene but with a flamingo twist! This makes for such a fun and colorful addition to any paint party.
11. Colorful Cactus Art
If you’re looking for something fun and wild, look no further than this colorful cactus art. The bright green on the black background really makes this one pop.
12. Easy Summer Porch Leaner
Porch leaners almost always sell out when I teach a class! They do take a little more to plan for since you’ll need to have the wood put together, but you can also charge a premium.
13. Flamingo Porch Leaner
Here’s another take on the porch leaner that features our favorite pink bird. This one is sure to be a hit!
14. Sunflower Porch Sign
If you’re not feeling the flamingo, here’s a sunflower porch sign that is sure to bring some summer joy with that cheery yellow shade. The lettering is done with stencils, so it’s very easy to make it look awesome.
I’m a huge fan of using stencils, particularly Essential Stencils (read this post about Essential Stencils for more info on why!) Then, check out their selection of stencils for paint parties here, and use code TEXASHEIDI for a discount!
15. Decorative Surfboard
This is a larger version of the mini surfboard project from above. It’s a great way to make a statement piece for someone’s home—and you can get creative by customizing it with different colors, words, and more.
You could even pair the larger surfboards with the mini version for a cute mommy-and-me painting event!
16. Mermaid Tail Painting
This is such a fun, vibrant, and MAGICAL painting. All things mermaid are super in right now, so capitalize on the trend with one of my all-time favorite summer painting ideas!
17. Flamingo Surfboard
Last but not least, here’s one more spin on the surfboard painting—with yet another flamingo twist! This one mixes all of my favorite things: flamingos, surfboards, and fun summer colors. Your guests will love it too!
Final Thoughts on the Best Summer Painting Ideas
As you can see, there’s something for everyone when it comes to summer painting ideas that you can use to host paint parties.
From classic beach scenes to creative takes on the 4th of July and even magical mermaids, these 17 ideas are sure to please everyone!
Learn to Teach Paint Parties
Want to learn how to teach these art projects as a paint party instructor? Believe me when I tell you there is no funner way to make money out there if you love art!
I’d love you to check out Paint Party Headquarters. I’ll teach you how to make a profit every single party, as well as give you hundreds (yes, HUNDREDS) of paint party designs! Plus, I’ll teach you how to market your paint parties so you have butts in every seat, every single time.
Get more info about Paint Party Headquarters right here!!
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of art and painting, particularly in the context of hosting paint parties and creating engaging art projects. I have extensive experience in organizing and leading paint parties, and I'm well-versed in various painting techniques and themes. My knowledge is backed by practical experience and a passion for creating art that brings people together.
Summer Painting Ideas
Mini Decorative Surfboards
Mini decorative surfboards are a fantastic summer painting idea that can be easily customized for any theme or name. These unique pieces are a hit with pretty much anyone and can serve as a great project for both adults and kids. They are not only fun to create but also make for excellent decorative items.
Summer Camper Painting
The summer camper painting is a classic summer scene with a nostalgic touch that resonates with many people. It's a great choice for a summer-themed art project and can be a wonderful addition to a summer party or event.
Seasonal Door Hanger
The seasonal door hanger is a versatile and popular project that allows for easy seasonal customization. It's a favorite among art enthusiasts and can be a great addition to any home decor, making it a top seller.
Whimsical Beach Scene
The whimsical beach scene is a colorful and fun painting with an abstract quality to it. It offers a creative take on the typical beach scene and can be an engaging project for both beginners and experienced painters.
Flamingo Canvas
A good flamingo painting is always a crowd-pleaser, and this particular project is made with just a few colors, allowing for various looks and styles. It's a vibrant and enjoyable addition to any summer-themed paint party.
Sunflower Barn Painting
The sunflower barn painting is a classic farmhouse-style piece that is always in demand, especially leading up to the 4th of July. Its patriotic yet neutral appeal makes it a top seller and a great choice for a summer painting project.
Tiki Hut Canvas
The tiki hut canvas is an adorable and colorful painting that exudes a happy vibe. It's perfect for a fun sip and paint event, adding a tropical touch to any summer gathering.
Summer Sunset Painting
For a more traditional take on a summer sunset, the summer sunset painting is an excellent choice. It's beginner-friendly and offers a classic representation of a summer evening, making it a versatile and appealing project.
4th of July Gnome Tracer
The 4th of July gnome tracer is a fun and festive project that's perfect for the summer holiday season. It adds a whimsical touch to any paint party and can be an engaging activity for both kids and adults.
Flamingo Family
The flamingo family painting is another fun beach scene with a flamingo twist. It's a colorful and lively addition to any paint party, offering a vibrant and cheerful atmosphere.
Colorful Cactus Art
For a wild and fun project, the colorful cactus art is an excellent choice. The bright green against a black background creates a striking visual, making it a unique and eye-catching painting idea.
Easy Summer Porch Leaner
Porch leaners are popular and often sell out quickly at paint parties. While they require a bit more planning, they can be a premium addition to any event, offering a unique and customizable project for participants.
Flamingo Porch Leaner
The flamingo porch leaner is a delightful take on the porch leaner concept, featuring the beloved pink bird. It's sure to be a hit at any summer-themed paint party, adding a touch of whimsy and charm.
Sunflower Porch Sign
For those not keen on flamingos, the sunflower porch sign offers a cheery and summery alternative. With easy stenciling for the lettering, it's a project that can bring a lot of summer joy to any space.
Decorative Surfboard
The larger version of the mini surfboard project, the decorative surfboard is a statement piece that can be customized with different colors, words, and more. It's a great way to create a striking and personalized art piece for any home.
Mermaid Tail Painting
The mermaid tail painting is a vibrant and magical project that capitalizes on the current trend of all things mermaid. It's a fun and engaging summer painting idea that's sure to captivate participants.
Flamingo Surfboard
The flamingo surfboard painting offers yet another delightful spin on the surfboard theme, incorporating flamingos and fun summer colors. It's a project that combines favorite summer elements and is sure to be loved by guests at any paint party.
Conclusion
These summer painting ideas offer a wide range of options for hosting engaging and enjoyable paint parties during the summer months. Whether it's classic beach scenes, whimsical flamingos, or vibrant cactus art, there's something for everyone to enjoy and create lasting memories through art.
