Simple, Sweet, and Summery: Paint a Lemon Slice with Me!

Hey there, creative friends! It’s Karen with Over the Artsy Moon, and today I’m bringing you a fun, refreshing little project that’s perfect for those moments when you just want to create something simple and joyful. If you’ve ever wanted to dip your brush into something light, bright, and cheerful—this lemon slice is the perfect tutorial is for you!

Why Paint a Lemon Slice?

There’s just something about citrus that screams summer. Whether it’s the bold yellow hues, the fresh vibes, or the memories of warm porch days and cool drinks, lemons carry a sense of joy—and that’s exactly what we’re capturing in this easy painting.

This isn’t a hyper-realistic piece. It’s loose, layered, and full of personality—perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike. The goal? Have fun, relax, and enjoy a creative break.

Here’s What You’ll Need

Paints (DecoArt or your favorite brand):

• White
• Burnt Umber
• Golden Yellow
• Orange Flame
• Fairway Green
• Crystal Blue (or any light aqua)

Brushes:

• ½ inch flat
• Medium round
• Detail brush
• Optional: liner brush

Surface: I used mixed media paper, but any canvas or sturdy paper works.

Let’s Paint Together

We start with a warm orange wash as our underpainting for the lemon. This helps the final colors pop and gives the piece a lovely depth once we layer. Then, we move into a soft blue background wash—think crystal blue skies!

From there, it’s all about playing with color and enjoying the process. We begin by building the lemon slice using blended yellows and oranges, creating a vibrant and sunny base. Then, we add dark green leaves with small brush strokes and dabs of contrast to give the piece depth and interest. Finally, we loosely define the lemon wedges, bringing the painting to life with carefully placed highlights, soft shadows, and crisp white detail lines.

A Little Creative Encouragement

One of my favorite things about painting is how it lets us slow down. In our busy lives, it’s easy to forget to take time for ourselves. This lemon slice is a gentle reminder that art doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Let go of perfection. Add a little splash here, a dab there, and watch your lemon come to life.

Want to Paint Along With Me?

Be sure to watch the full tutorial here on my YouTube channel. If you’re looking for more fun tutorials like this, we’d love to have you in the Artsy Moon Paint Club! Membership includes:

• At least two new full-length tutorials each month
• Access to a growing video library of past projects
• A welcoming, inspiring creative community
• All the tracers and supply lists you need

Join us at OverTheArtsyMoon.com and start painting more joy into your life!