Beginner's Guide: Easy Sunset Painting Tutorial

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 7 min read

Setting the day aglow with fiery hues, sunsets can turn even the simplest canvas into a masterpiece. If you've ever yearned to capture the stunning spectacle of an easy sunset painting, you're in luck. This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through a step-by-step sunset painting tutorial that's as easy as it is fun.

Gather Your Materials

Before we start our sunset painting journey, let's make sure we have all the necessary tools at our disposal. Having the right materials not only makes the painting process smoother but also ensures that your artwork shines in all its glory.

Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are your best bet for creating a vibrant, easy sunset. They are easy to work with, dry quickly, and blend smoothly. For our sunset, we'll need a palette of warm hues—think reds, oranges, and purples—and cooler tones like blues and greys for the sky. Don't forget to include white paint for softening and darkening colors as needed.

Perfect Brushes

The right brushes can make all the difference in your painting. For our easy sunset, a large, flat brush is perfect for laying the sky's gradient, while smaller, round brushes will work well for adding details. Ensure your brushes are soft and flexible to help with blending colors seamlessly.

Canvas Selection

Choosing the right canvas is crucial for your sunset masterpiece. A medium-sized, pre-stretched canvas works best for beginners. It's large enough to let your sunset shine but not so large that it becomes overwhelming. Ensure your canvas is primed to prevent the paint from soaking into the material.

Additional Supplies

Beyond paints and brushes, a few additional supplies can make your painting process easier. A palette for mixing your colors, a cup for water to clean your brushes, and some paper towels for blotting are all useful. You might also want a comfortable easel to hold your canvas and an apron to protect your clothes from any paint splatters. Now that we've got our materials ready, let's set up a workspace for our easy sunset painting.

Set Up Your Workspace

Creating a comfortable and well-organized workspace can significantly improve your painting experience. It's not just about convenience—having a space dedicated to your art can inspire creativity and make your easy sunset painting process all the more enjoyable.

Arrange Your Materials

Organize your painting materials in a way that makes sense to you. Here's a simple suggestion: place your canvas in the center, brushes to one side, and paints to the other. Keep your water cup and paper towels within reach for easy access. Remember, an orderly workspace leads to a less cluttered mind and a more focused painting session.

Choose a Good Light Source

Good lighting is crucial while painting. Natural light is the best option as it allows you to see the true colors of your paint. If you're painting later in the day, make sure your workspace is well-lit with a soft, white light that doesn't distort colors. Avoid painting under yellow or fluorescent lights as they can alter how your colors appear.

Prepare for Mess

Let's face it, painting can get messy. Prepare for any potential paint splatter by spreading out old newspapers or a drop cloth under your workspace. Wearing an apron or old clothes is a good idea too. Remember, preparing for a mess ahead of time means you can fully immerse yourself in the process of creating your easy sunset without any worries.

With your workspace set and materials in place, it's time to plan your sunset design. Excited? You should be!

Plan Your Sunset Design

Every great painting begins with a plan. When it comes to capturing an easy sunset, choosing the right colors, deciding on a scene and sketching out your idea are all parts of the planning process.

Choose Your Colors

Selecting the right colors is the first step to painting your sunset. Traditionally, sunsets are a blend of warm colors like red, orange, pink, and purple. But the beauty of painting is that you can add in your own touches—maybe a bit of blue or green. Remember: it's your sunset—you get to decide its hues!

Decide on a Scene

Next, you should decide on a scene for your sunset. Are you painting a beach sunset with waves gently lapping at the shore? Or is your sunset over a peaceful country field? Maybe it's a city silhouette basking in the glow of the setting sun. Whichever scene you choose, make sure it's one you're excited about—it will show in your painting.

Sketch Out Your Idea

Now that you have a scene in mind, it's time to put pencil to canvas. Sketch out a simple outline of your sunset and landscape. This doesn't have to be perfect—it's just a guide to keep your painting on track. After all, even the most breathtaking sunsets began with a simple outline.

With your plan in place, you're ready to dive into the actual painting. But remember, the journey is just as important as the destination—so take your time, breathe, and enjoy the process.

Start Painting

With your plan in place, it's time to bring your easy sunset to life. The thrill of the first stroke, the joy of blending colors, the satisfaction of adding the final details—this is where the magic happens.

Paint the Sky

Start with the sky. Begin at the top of your canvas with the lightest color—usually a pale yellow or white—and gradually add in your oranges, reds, and purples as you move downwards. The key here is to keep the colors soft and blended. Think of it as a smooth gradient from light to dark.

Blend Colors

Now comes the fun part—blending. While the paint is still wet, softly blend the colors together. This can feel a bit like being a kid again, playing with colors and seeing how they mix and merge. Be patient and take your time. A well-blended sunset can make all the difference between an okay painting and a great one.

Add Details

Once your sky is complete, it's time for the details. This could be the silhouette of a city skyline, the gentle waves of the ocean, or the outline of a lone tree in a field. Whatever your scene, remember to keep it simple. The star of your painting is your easy sunset, so let it shine.

And just like that, you've created your sunset. But remember, every artist is their own worst critic. Don't be too hard on yourself if it's not "perfect". Painting is a journey, not a destination, so take a moment to appreciate how far you've come.

Learn from Your Mistakes

Every artist, regardless of their skill level, makes mistakes. In fact, mistakes are part of the artistic process. They help you grow, improve, and eventually master the art of painting easy sunsets.

Assess Your Work

Step back and take a good look at your painting. What do you like about it? What would you change? Think about the process too. Did you struggle with blending? Was the light source adequate? Critiquing your work helps you identify areas where you can improve.

Practice Makes Perfect

Remember the old saying, "Rome wasn't built in a day"? The same applies to painting. Don't expect to nail your easy sunset on the first try. Each painting is a step towards improving your skills. So keep practicing!

Keep Experimenting

Part of learning is trying new things. Next time, why not experiment with different colors, scenes, or techniques? Maybe add some clouds to your sunset, or try using a different type of brush. Experimentation keeps the process fun and helps you develop your unique style.

So don’t be too hard on yourself if your first few attempts don’t meet your expectations. Remember, with every painting, you’re learning and growing as an artist. And who knows? Your next painting could be your best one yet!

Show Off Your Work

Once you've created your masterpiece, it's time to show it off. Whether you're proud of your work, or you're looking for feedback, sharing your art can be a rewarding experience.

Display Your Painting

Start by finding a spot to display your sunset painting at home. Whether it's your living room or your office, having your work in view can be a constant reminder of your growth as an artist. Plus, it's always a great conversation starter when guests come over.

Social media platforms like Instagram or Pinterest can also be a great way to showcase your easy sunset paintings. Not only can you reach a wider audience, but you'll also have the chance to connect with fellow artists and enthusiasts. Remember to use hashtags related to art and sunset paintings to increase visibility.

Join Painting Communities

Joining a local art group or an online painting community can provide you with a platform to share your work, exchange ideas, and even learn from others. It's a great way to stay motivated and keep improving.

Showing off your work is part of the creative process. It can boost your confidence, provide you with constructive feedback, and even inspire others to start their own easy sunset painting journey. So go ahead, let the world see your stunning sunsets!

If you enjoyed the easy sunset painting tutorial and want to expand your creative horizons, why not try your hand at photography? Check out the '1 Hour Photography Challenge' workshop by Andrea Orejarena. This workshop will help you hone your photography skills and spark your creativity in just one hour. Give it a shot and see what amazing sunsets you can capture through your lens!