Watercolor Sunset Tutorial (step-by-step demo)

Sep 04, 2023

Every day, we have the opportunity to view a truly remarkable sight: the sunset.

Especially when we're situated in a particularly scenic spot - the beach, a lake, the mountains, a meadow - this experience can leave us speechless. It's incredible.

But how do we convey this beauty in a watercolor painting?

Full-Length Tutorial: How to Paint a Sunset in Watercolor

Today, I paint a watercolor sunset, giving you the play-by-play the whole way through.

Watch the video to simply pick up on some of the watercolor techniques I use or to paint the watercolor scene right alongside me. Not only do I show you the progression of the sunset on my paper, but I also give you a peek at my palette and color mixing strategies. I let you know what colors I am using, when I'm adding a lot of water or a little, and show you how to push the values so the bright parts really sing.

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Questions to Ask Before You Start Your Watercolor Sunset Painting

Do you ever start a watercolor painting and feel frazzled and like you're having to make too many decisions at once?

Whether your watercolor subject is a landscape, a street scene, or an interior, you will benefit from this free printable I offer. It goest through 5 steps you can take before starting your painting that will ease your stress and offer you a direction as you complete your watercolor scene.

Click the picture below to download the free printable today.

Follow These Steps to Paint a Gorgeous Sunset in Watercolor

Depending on how you learn best, you might rather watch the video linked in this blog. If you need things slowed down a bit and learn more from reading, here are the steps I go through in the video to paint this watercolor sunset.

1. The only drawing necessary for this is to establish your horizon line. I always wet both sides of my paper, but if you would rather tape it down, just pre-wet the front. We will be working from the brightest/warmest colors of the painting into the darker hues.

2. Paint the brightest part first. To create this yellow, I used Quinacridone Gold, Cadmium Yellow, and Raw Sienna.

3. Add some warmth with Rose Madder Permanent and Raw Sienna.

4. Establish the reflection of the bright light in the water.

5. Expand the Yellow Mixture to more of the sky.

6. Building strength as you go, add darker and darker shades of yellow/orange until you've covered the paper. Use lots of water and go strong with your color. Use more pigment than you think you need - because, remember, it will dry and fade.

7. Mix Rose Madder Permanent and Ultramarine Blue. The Rose Madder Permanent will allow you to mix this blue pigment with the yellows without making green. Then add this pigment above the horizon line. Remember to vary your brush strokes as you apply the paint.

8. Rinse off your brush and make a warm color again in Rose Madder Permanent and Quinacridone Gold. Add this mixture to add texture and depth to the warmer parts of the sky (above the horizon line).

9. Take a damp brush and lift off some color from the lightest point in the painting to soften the edge.

10. Add strength to the sky with Lavender.

11. Switch to a smaller brush. Using less water, mix Lavender, Neutral Tint, and Ultramarine Blue. While the paper is still damp, work work the reflection in the water, softening edges.