How to Paint a Sunset Scene

I have always painted flowers.   Recently, I started painting landscape photos for practice.  I believe in continuous learning.

These are some of my recent work.

Notice that I always paint from a photo reference.  I think it is a good way to practice.

I also believe in sharing knowledge so I am showing you how I paint sunset.

For the sunset painting practice, I am using a photo I took years ago. It was a sunset in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur.

I start with a sketch.  I am not really good at sketching so what I do is add grid lines to the photo.  I use Photoshop to fill the photo with square patterns.

I have the same square patterns on my paper. Then I start sketching grid by grid. After I finish sketching, I erase the grid lines.

I can start painting. I start with Sennelier yellow. I am using a flat 3/4 synthetic brush.  I lightly brush over the areas with yellow.  Then I use ivory black. With a wet brush, I blend the color.

I paint an outline around this area with yellow and blend the color.

I always look at the reference photo and try to see where the yellow glow of the sun hits the water because once I start painting with black, there is no turning back.

I lightly put another layer of ivory black.

I am now painting the dark areas. I use burnt sienna and ivory black.  I also changed my brush into a Kolinksky round brush size 0.  Every now and then, I switch from a round brush size 0 and round brush size 4.

From here, I am going to start filling the sketch with black. I hope you will be able to follow what I am doing.

This is the completed artwork.

You can also follow the painting process on my Youtube channel.  Don’t forget to like and subscribe!


Let know if you were able to paint the same scene. If you want more tutorials, please let me know what you want me to paint next.

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Materials  used: Fabriano Artistico 300 gsm paper, Sennelier watercolor, 3/4″ synthetic flat brush,  Kolinsky sable round brush size 0 and 4

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