Honeybee Sunflower Colouring

A tiny honeybee has landed on the broad centre of this giant sunflower, creating a friendly garden meeting for children to colour. The sunflower’s large petals spread around the textured disc, while two leaves and a gently curved stem keep the page simple. The bee is much smaller than the bloom but easy to find, with clear wings, antennae, legs and striped abdomen. Children can count its stripes, compare the bee’s size with the flower and imagine the soft buzzing sound it makes. This scene can introduce a gentle discussion about watching garden insects calmly and giving them space while they visit flowers. Begin with the sunflower petals. Bright yellow is a classic choice, but lemon, orange and gold can be mixed across the ring. Use strokes that follow the length of each petal. Colour the scalloped flower centre with browns, amber or warm orange, leaving the small curved marks visible. A darker outer edge and lighter middle can make the centre stand out. The stem and leaves can use two or three greens, with slightly darker colour along the veins. Colour the honeybee carefully because its shapes are small. Try yellow or golden bands alternating with dark brown, leaving a tiny white highlight in the eye. The wings may stay white with pale blue or light grey near their bases so they look delicate. Use a soft brown for the legs and antennae if desired. Children should colour around the bee rather than across it, keeping the separate body parts easy to recognise. Older artists can add a faint shadow beneath the bee to show that it is resting on the flower. Crayons work well for the large petals and leaves, while coloured pencils or fine washable markers offer more control around the bee, centre marks and leaf veins. Younger children can focus on the flower first and ask an adult to help with the tiny spaces. Older children can add a simple sky or a few pale garden colours in the background, but the page should remain light. Finish by checking every wing, stripe, petal tip and small leg. The completed picture should feel sunny and peaceful, showing a little bee enjoying one enormous sunflower.

◫ A4 size✎ Bold outlines♡ Ages 3–8

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Make it an activity

Choose a favourite colour palette
Add a simple background
Display the finished artwork

Grown-up note: Please supervise printing and choose age-appropriate art materials.