This week inside the Doodle Friends Art Club, we’re turning up the joy with a bright and cheerful art journal project—a whimsical sun bursting with playful patterns and radiant color!
In this lesson, we start by painting a smiling sun face in the center of the page, then stretch out vibrant rays filled with hand-drawn patterns, from polka dots to swirls to floral doodles. The background comes to life with a dreamy wash of blues and purples, layered with free-flowing spirals that add motion and magic.
To bring this piece together, I blend a variety of fast-drying watercolors, brush markers, and acrylic pens—showing you how to layer and outline for bold, expressive results. The entire piece takes about 20 minutes and is a perfect warm-up or stand-alone creative boost when you need a little sunshine on the page.
🎥 Want a peek before you dive in?
Check out our 90-second Spark Session clip for a preview of the full lesson and get inspired to bring your own sun to life.
👉 [Watch the Preview + Join the Art Club]
Whether you're journaling in the morning or winding down with some creative play, this lesson is your invitation to smile, doodle, and shine.