How to Paint a Sunset in Watercolour

Learn how to paint a sunset in vibrant watercolour with this step-by-step demo, created along with Opus Art Supplies.

Learn how to layer translucent staining watercolours to build up a vibrant sunset scene. Explore glazing techniques and which paints are best for layering. Investigate optical mixing and discover ways to build rich darks in your silhouettes. Find out how to let your sunset colours sing, and create a feeling of light and life as you paint the dusk!

Tap to download a reference image. Thank you for using this for learning purposes only! You’ll find the list of materials beneath the video.

Materials: I use Daniel Smith Paints . Choose high staining, translucent colours. I've named the colours I use in the demo first, then suggested some alternatives.

Warm Yellow - Quinacridone Gold (or New Gamboge)

Cool Red- Quinacridone Red (or Quinacridone Rose)

Warm Blue- Indanthrone Blue (or Ultramarine)

Warm Orange- Transparent Pyrrol Orange

Violet- Quinacridone Violet (or Carbazole Violet)

Brushes for washes and detail: I use Da Vinci Casaneo Size 4 Round and Size 2 Quill

Paper: I use Fabriano Artistico 300 gsm cold press paper (trimmed or masked to around 6” x 6”).

Palette: Mine is from Pottery by Eleni Water Pot

Paper towel

Pencil

Kneadable Eraser

White gel pen, Posca pen, acrylic paint or gouache if you want to add stars

If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below- and if you share your creations on social media please tag me @andreaenglandart so I can see! Happy painting!