Painting a sunset using watercolors brings the burst of colors to paper or canvas.
Painting landscape and realistic pictures by using watercolors is a way to express creativity through a medium suitable for all ages and skill levels. Painting sunsets is one way to replicate a recognizable scene. The technique and colors chosen for painting a sunset helps to ensure the picture is as true to life as seen through the eye of the painter.
Instructions
1. Find a picture of a sunset for reference. Use a color photograph for visual inspiration to paint your sunset. Place the picture on a wall or table, close to where you will be painting.
2. Tilt the paper or canvas to a 15-degree angle before beginning to paint. The slight tilt of the paper will allow for the paint to slowly seep downward for paint colors to softly blend together.
3. Wet the paper or canvas to begin painting the sunset. The process, known as wet into wet, is used to create soft lines between colors as the wet paper or canvas allows for the wet watercolor paint to blend easily. Apply water with a mop brush over the section of the paper where the sunset will be located.
4. Apply a line of blue watercolor paint along the top of the paper or canvas. Use a deeper shade of blue for the first pass, making sure to extend the blue line from left to right. Allow the paint to bleed downward as the wet watercolor paint, once applied to the wet paper, will run slightly.
5. Add the first color of the sunset directly below the blue sky portion of the sunset painting. Refer to your pictures for guidance if necessary. Use a deep, dark red under the blue and continue adding layers of colors as you work your way towards the bottom of the paper. Optimal colors to use for a sunset include shades and hues of red, pink, yellow, orange and purple. Stop once one-half to three-quarters of the paper has been covered with the background colors of the sunset.
6. Add the sun to the painting. Position the placement along the last line of color which will be used as the horizon. Use shades of yellow and orange to create a sun. Blend the edges of the sun in to the colors of the sunset to soften the shape.
7. Finish the watercolor painting by adding extra details to your sunset. Options include trees, water, grass, buildings or other objects. Utilize the reference picture for inspiration, or add details based on personal preference.
