Summer is the perfect time to embrace vibrant colors and dreamy landscapes. In today’s tutorial, we’re diving into the art of painting summer sunsets with palm tree silhouettes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced watercolor artist, this project will inspire you to create a fun, relaxing piece that captures the beauty of summer evenings.
Grab your supplies and let’s get started!
Why Use Reference Photos?
Before we begin, let’s talk about reference photos. Using a reference is a fantastic way to inspire your art—even professional artists rely on them! The key is to interpret and adapt the reference in your style, rather than copying it exactly. So, if you’re someone who feels hesitant about using references, rest assured it doesn’t make you any less creative.
Supplies You’ll Need
Here are the materials I used for this project:
- Watercolor paints: Magenta, cobalt blue light, Naples yellow, and indigo blue
- Brushes: A large flat brush for washes, and smaller brushes for details
- Watercolor paper: Use high-quality paper for the best results
- Clean water: Keep two jars handy, one for rinsing and one for clean water
- Tape: To secure your paper and create crisp edges
Step-by-Step Process
1. Prepare Your Paper
Begin by taping your watercolor paper to your workspace. This helps keep the paper flat and creates a clean border around your painting.
2. Paint the Sky
- Wet the Paper: Use your large flat brush to apply a layer of clean water across the top section of your paper. This will give you more time to blend colors smoothly.
- Add Magenta and Naples Yellow: Start with magenta, blending it with Naples yellow to create a soft, peachy hue. Naples yellow has a slight opacity, giving your colors a pastel-like quality.
- Blend in Blues: Add cobalt blue light for cooler tones and transition into indigo blue for depth. Let the colors mix naturally on the paper to create a dreamy, cotton-candy sky.
- Tip: Work quickly to prevent hard edges. If the paint dries too fast, reapply water to keep the surface moist.
3. Layer the Silhouettes
Once the sky is completely dry, it’s time to add the silhouettes:
- Buildings and Trees: Use indigo blue to paint loose shapes at the bottom of your painting. These can include rooftops, generic trees, or bushes.
- Palm Trees: Add palm trees using quick, confident brushstrokes. Start with the trunk and then fan out the fronds. Remember, palm trees come in various shapes, so don’t stress over perfection.
4. Add Final Details
- Enhance the Sky: If needed, add a touch of Naples yellow or magenta to brighten certain areas.
- Sprinkle Stars: For a twilight effect, sprinkle a few stars across the sky using white gouache or a gel pen.
- Reflections of Light: Add tiny highlights on the buildings to mimic lights turning on.
Tips for a Relaxing Painting Experience
- Embrace Imperfections: Watercolor is all about letting the paint flow and blend. Don’t overwork your painting; sometimes, less is more.
- Experiment with Colors: Feel free to adjust the palette to suit your mood or the season.
- Take Breaks: Let layers dry naturally to avoid muddying colors.
Ready to Dive Into Watercolors?
If you’re still not sure which watercolor supplies to start with, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide to watercolor supplies. You can download my free watercolor supplies PDF guide here to get started on your watercolor journey.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—a beautiful summer sunset with palm trees! This project is quick, fun, and perfect for unwinding. Whether you’re painting alongside a friend or enjoying some solo creative time, this piece is sure to bring joy.
Want more inspiration? Join my Facebook group, Painting Out Loud, where artists like you share their work, tips, and encouragement. Plus, don’t forget to check out my watercolor freebies to take your skills to the next level.
If you’re ready to develop your watercolor skills, build confidence in your art, and turn your creative outlet into a consistent source of joy and peace, surrounded by a supportive community of watercolor artists, join the priority list for my watercolor membership, TEAL, today!
Happy painting!