Painting a Sunset in Watercolor

Sunsets glow with red, yellow and blue. So how do we do that without making mud????
DaVinci watercolors - Cobalt, Cerulean (hue), Permanent Rose, Gamboge (mixture) & Paynes Grey (for the silhouette)
Arches 140lb Cold Press Bright White Watercolor Paper 9x11"
Soft round squirrel-hair brushes
Check out my Zoom workshops for painting realistic watercolor
Full-length, detailed instruction, line drawing, reference image, materials list, exclusive replay access.
shelleypriorart.com/zoom-work...
Shelley
www.shelleyprior.com
shelleypriorfineart
shelleypriorfineart
Shelley Prior Fine Art - KZbin

[@muireannin09]

You are such a great artist and teacher Shelley. I wish you had a Patreon page with even more tutorials. Love how long your videos are. No rushing like other teachers tend to do. You explain everything and describe your colors. Makes me want to learn because you take me through it clearly. 🙏🧑‍🎨

[@shelleypriorfineart]

@@muireannin09 thank you. Check out all my previous live KZbin demos. I have many recorded workshops on my website too.

[@mfrenc01]

One of the best-narrated painting videos that I’ve watched. Your explanations are very clear.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks so much Mark 😊

[@HoliVibesbyRia]

Thank you so much for your precious advice! This lesson was quite a revelation! ☺When you said, that it can be very tiring, making so many decisions during a day spent with painting, I felt that you addressed one of my major observations. Most of the time when I put down my paint brush and call it a day, I just realize, that I am quite exhausted, which - until now - was surprising to me, since many people are talking about painting as a relaxing activity. I was wondering, whether I was doing something the wrong way 😄So thank you for your reassuring words, that this is quite a common effect☺

[@eileenporter3468]

Hiya Im in Scotland where wehave beutiful Sunsets which is why I am so interestied in your tutorial I want to do our sunsets justice

[@hannahb.4722]

Mud (aka brown) only results when you mix all three primaries. As long as you stick to two primaries, your colors will be clear. Not everyone knows this, but EVERY primary-color paint contains at least a small amount of a second primary. The trick is knowing which of the other primaries is in the hue. For instance, Permanent Rose (Quinacridone red) has blue in it. Cadmium Yellow has a touch of red in it. So if you mix those two colors you will dull down the secondary color (orange) you are mixing, because all three primaries are present. To make a "pure" orange, you need to mix, for instance, Cad Yellow and Cad Red. There is no blue present.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I do try to avoid cadmium colours for the most part as they are opaque. They do have their place but I prefer to let the bright white of the paper shine through transparent colours to illuminate them.

[@Lacroix999]

@@shelleypriorfineartI think their point was to find primaries that don’t contain the colors you don’t want. A red that leans on the side of yellow with a yellow that leans on the side of the red, both won’t produce a brownish color because neither have a blue in them to to mute out the color.

[@user-mk9ex5nw3e]

Ваши облака невероятные, волшебные удивительно настоящие! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@BabsBBee]

I’ve been working improving on sky and sunset landscapes lately. This is a perfect project to try. Thank you for your tutorials!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks for watching Bes. Happy painting!

[@shirleyatkinson5780]

Your tutorials are wonderful! I am glad you take so much time to explain each process. Thank you!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks Shirley. I try ☺️

[@nlc6275]

The most important thing I heard you say in this video was that even YOU couldn’t figure out how some artists get the whole sky done in one go! Trying to do that has caused me more heartache than it was worth. I suspected that layers and resetting could work, but had no idea how to approach it. I’m so grateful that you share your techniques. Thank you!!

[@christinegelormino5594]

OMG this is the best sky demonstration. Can't wait to try painting this. I love that you take the time to explain everything. No matter how experienced you are, there is always something to learn from your videos. Absolutely stunning painting. So glad I found your channel

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks so much Christine. I'm so happy that it was helpful. :)

[@roubend1]

Shelley, you are my favourite teacher. As you know, there are many good ones too but you are the most genuine and generous one. Thank you so much!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

What a lovely thing to say. Thanks so much Denise ☺️

[@amandaterrio4823]

I’ve learned the value of having patience with the paint, paper and myself. Thank you for this tutorial

[@laurahale5774]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

[@karindodge9814]

Thx for taking the time to explain the process in real time. I really felt like I was in a private painting class being guided through the layering process.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks so much Karin. That means a lot to me. ☺️

[@jaclee6]

Another excellent Wed lesson, knowing when to stop and let it dry. Thank you!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Indeed JJ. I learned that the hard way, like mostly everyone else. ;)

[@sarahlin3443]

Thank you so much, Shelly. This is the best tutorial I ever watched.

[@marlynrichardson8531]

Thank you! I’ve learned so much just watching and listening to you. I get intimidated with watercolor but also I like the challenge of getting intimidated!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Paint scared. It’s the best way to get out of your comfort zone. Thanks so much for watching 😊

[@GailynJohnson]

Thanks for great teaching!

[@Adprogamer46]

you are realy good teacher... you know how to paint and your differences from other artists is you know how to teach. please go on your videos.

[@mindfulmeditation356]

I have learnt so much from this tutorial. I have followed other teachers and have been so frustrated that I could not replicate the subject. I really appreciate your description and guidance on how wet the paper was and how to work with that is a game changer for me. Thank you

[@patricianeville464]

I love your videos, cause you explain all the details which help me learn more. Please don’t ever stop doing theses videos. I hate it when someone fast forwards when painting cause they are actually skipping steps.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks very much Patricia. 😁

[@user-qg1le6bm2t]

I really appreciated the detail to explaining how different paints ie transparent and opaque work and how we can come back many times after we dry. Game changer for me! Thank you!!

[@Magic65750]

Love seeing the reference while you paint.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks so much. I prefer to see the reference when I watch videos so I make sure to include it. Thanks for watching.

[@kaleidascopescreates]

You are the best teacher Shelley that explains the plan on making a watercolor. Thanks for sharing with us, great tips!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks very much. I’m really glad you enjoyed my demo ☺️

[@lidanaude8022]

Amazing to see you create! Beautiful!

[@imsosmart942]

You're reading my mind! I also had a picture lined up that needed a sunset sky! It's All coming back to me now LOL thank you!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Awesome! Hope it turns out wonderfully for you. Happy painting!

[@lauramurray4651]

Watching the replay and can’t wait to try this! Thanks for the excellent teaching on re-wetting the paper to continue working on soft layers.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I'm so glad that you enjoyed it Laura. Happy painting!

[@Teejay09876]

You make it look easy.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thank you Tarin. It actually took a lot of practice to make it look easy.

[@kayclark4406]

So thrilled that I found you. Thank you for your thorough explanations color, mixing edges, drying, amount of water on your brush,etc. I realize that a beautiful sky doesn’t happen in 5 minutes! Not sure if you are still doing live demos but I hope I can find you. Beautiful sun set.😊

[@shelleypriorfineart]

There’s a whole list of my demos here shelleypriorart.com/free-online-demos 😊

[@susanwilson1276]

Fabulous demo, thank you, I love how you have done this in layers, definitely will try this 😊

[@martapence8627]

You are an excellent teacher!!! I love your commentary and skill. 😁

[@doloressweeting5491]

Thank you very much for this tutorial. I really learned a lot from it. Especially that I now know that it can be re-wet the paint.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks for watching Dolores. I'm so glad that you found it helpful. Be sure to use 100% cotton paper and you can re-wet multiple times as needed. 😊

[@alishaali409]

Looking on from the Caribbean. I’m a newbie and luv learning from professionals like you. ☺️

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Hi Alisha. I LOVE the Caribbean. I'm sure you have some amazing sunsets to paint! Enjoy.

[@alishaali409]

@@shelleypriorfineart Yes indeed! That’s why I need some tips and tricks to know how and where to start. Thanks

[@ingriddean5333]

What a nice demonstration! I know exactly what you mean about feeling tired after a painting day (my husband doesn't get it, either--lol). Loved all your tidbits of information. Thank you!!!!!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks so much Ingrid.

[@ewwwobbie]

Thanks Shelly, you are an amazing teacher! I learned so much from this video. I am from NL, spent many years living in Edmonton, AB and now living on Vancouver Island. I am retired now and have lots of time, and inspiration here. I certainly know what you mean about thinking and planning taking a lot more time than painting! And I believe the only way we learn is by making all the mistakes! But perseverance pays off! That was a beautiful cloud. I'm so happy you made this tutorial.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks very much Sheri. That’s really sweet of you.

[@user-lm6cv1en5g]

Thank you for explaining the various processes Shelley. Hampshire UK

[@carolburkholder9351]

Thank you for the fantastic details required to achieve the brilliance of a sunset. I’m so glad and grateful to have found your fantastic channel.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

That’s very kind of you Carol. Thanks for watching and commenting. 😊

[@donnastrohmeier8739]

Thank you so much for this terrific tutorial. What a great lesson. I really appreciate you taking the time to teach. I have learned a great deal from this, love your explanation, of misting and keeping your brush and paint at the same wetness. 👏👏👏🤩

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thank you very much 😊

[@mysticriver9420]

Superbe !❤❤❤❤

[@Heidi.M]

I discovered you on a Facebook post about the best watercolor tutorials. I’m so glad I checked you out. Right away I was excited to see all four screens! It’s soooo much better seeing all of the actors involved in the play. I wish more artists did this. You’re a wonderful teacher🙌

[@sandralaine1027]

i have been fascinated by he sky water colour. I'm a beginner and didn't realise I could keep wetting, drying, adding and moving. Reassuring. Thank you. Sandra in Saltash, Cornwall UK

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks so much Sandra. Yes, discovering that I could layer was a game-changer for me. You do need good paper though (100% cotton)

[@carolehague]

Shelley thank you! This is just what I needed. I live in Taos, NM and have the most amazing sunsets.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Oooooh I bet your sunsets are amazing. Thanks for watching and happy painting!

[@carolkelley-nl6zk]

This is the second sky video of yours. Fantastic! I’ve learned so much. I look forward to more of your lessons. Thank you.

[@listentostoriestogether4028]

I have just discovered your amazing videos!! I’m from London UK !

[@janetgoldstein7597]

So painstakingly agonizingly, meticulous!! I am usually trying to paint in a hurry! I have to slow down. Love the results you achieve

[@judylarkin1978]

Thank you Shelley for this marvelous tutorial. I didn’t catch it live but I’m so happy that I could pause and take in all you wonderful information. You are absolutely the best teacher I could hope for. I live in Florida, Palm Beach County, and we get hundreds of sunsets this beautiful and I had no idea how to tackle a project like this.! Thank you thank you!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

That's very sweet of you Judy. Thanks so much :)

[@lisarodgers2534]

Thank you so much for the abundance of info on clouds, water amounts, color mixing, paper drying, mud avoidance, and so much more. This was so informative and useful especially for a beginner. I really appreciated thinking about keeping transparent colors available especially when doing these type of skies. It will go a long way in my next watercolor selections.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I'm so glad that it was helpful. Thanks for watching Lisa.

[@a.-c.mcgraw8660]

I love your practical and easy teaching style and am so appreciative of the tons of watercolor techniques you showed about color theory, brush strokes, water control and more. Thanks for sharing so much with us!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

It’s my pleasure to share. Thanks so much for watching 😊

[@sandralaine1027]

Im watching from Cornwall, UK. Love to watch you working.

[@annelloydholden2567]

Thank you so much Shelly. Wonderful demonstration and explanations.

[@lorrihonstein7251]

Thank you so much. This was very helpful to me because I live in a dry climate. Your video has taught me that sometimes it may be best to just stop and dry the whole thing and then wet and keep going instead of getting frustrated with that in between stage

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks Lorri. Yes, working in that partly dry stage is quite risky indeed!

[@karenkornbau5050]

You are my favorite teacher. Wow. I am in new Mexico and things dry extremely fast here.

[@donnagoode6923]

this was amazingly concise and useful. I have a sunset photo from a family member that has these same colors and water in the foreground... I thought it would be impossible to paint in watercolor, but after watching this video I may be able to tackle it. You show how to capture the glow. Thank you so much.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I’m so glad that you enjoyed it Donna. Thanks so much for watching ☺️

[@helenshields3557]

I’m in Texas and this is my first time watching your video.

[@suel4269]

Gorgeous painting!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thank you very much :)

[@louisescaini-jojic8660]

I am impressed that you can think and talk while you paint! What a challenge Great job

[@shelleypriorfineart]

LOL Thanks Louise. It’s hard if I’m really concentrating.

[@MarjonnekeGrech]

Thank you Shelley! You're inspiring. I look forward to launching into the sky ; )

[@terrasubramanian1950]

Holy crap you are wonderful! I’m a person who usually learns best by a little reading followed by a little experimentation. That said, I have watched a lot of KZbin art demonstration videos. I learned more in One of your videos than all the other demos I’ve watched put together. Easily. You have a knack for mentioning all the “little” pieces of info that others move past without discussing. But it’s these same nuggets of information that make ALL the difference between disaster and success when a person goes yo try this themselves. Many ( not all) other KZbinrs consciously or unconsciously are more focused on showing off what they can do than actually teaching. You are a natural and excellent teacher. Thank you so much!

[@ewwwobbie]

I wholeheartedly agree with everything you just said!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful remarks. I love teaching and since I'm not naturally talented, I know that much of what happens in watercolor is not really that intuitive. Knowing the frustrations that I experienced as I was learning watercolor, I hope to share what I have learned and save someone else a lot of time and frustration with my explanations. I'm so happy that it's useful. Thanks for watching :)

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thank you so much Shari. That's very sweet of you. Thanks for watching.

[@jeannettemulheisen2567]

Excellent lesson! Really enjoyed this!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thank you Jeanette! 😊

[@maggiew7293]

Thank you...watched the replay. Very creative way of producing beautiful results. I will give it a try.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks very much for watching Maggie! Happy painting! :)

[@maggiemac52]

thaank you for being such a great teacher. First time I have followed along. Love it

[@myrealtorjanie]

Thank you for doing this! So informative. ❤ from Texas

[@liviariviello9474]

Fantastico!!

[@doreenthorogood9426]

Hello from London. Thanks for all your great tips.

[@mulberry51]

Eileen KT Greetings from North Carolina, U S

[@suew4609]

The sky is gorgeous, but I think I’d add the land in the picture to go with it👏🏼😊

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Lol thanks! The land will be added last. Not leaving it out 😊

[@beverlystarr33]

Watching from Woodbury New Jersey USA...first time watcher

[@citycity747]

I LOVE

[@blanchetait8063]

Wonderful lesson, I missed the live streaming yesterday but very much enjoyed it this morning. I learned so much and I thank you for all the great tips and explanations. I now realize the many mistakes I am making and hope to correct them in the future. Please continue to do these wonderful tutorials!!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks very much Blanche.

[@kpop633]

You're an incredible teacher, Shelley. I've watched a few of your videos and have already learned so much. I would love to see a painting done with cadmium/student grade paints versus more translucent, artist grade paints, as you mentioned in your video! I am an intermediate-level painter, and the only items I haven't upgraded to a professional level in my artist kit are my paints... I think it's time to make the change, but it would be lovely to see a comparison beforehand :) Thank you for all that you do for the art community!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thank you very much. I don't know that I have too many Cadmiums, Chromiums or opaques left but I will see what I can find.

[@FanOfLiberty1776]

Beautiful

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks very much :)

[@kristin3484]

What a great tutorial! Thank you!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks Kristin. I'm so glad you like it.

[@barbarachristian8538]

Thank you for this video! I have been wondering why I sometimes end up with the hard lines and now I know. Also, I've sprayed into paper that wasn't quite dry and ended up with the spots. This information is not offered on very many instructional videos, so thank you so much for explaining it!! I also have a photo that is similar to yours and have been wondering how to paint it, so thank you for showing me how. You're a great teacher!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks so much for your kind words Barbara. I’m glad that my explanations have been useful. Happy painting! 😊

[@amyberkner8525]

Just what I was looking for. So helpful. THANK YOU!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

My pleasure Amy. Thanks for watching.

[@mollyseaton8107]

Hello from northern Alberta :) Thank you so much for your content Shelley. I've been painting water-colour for a few years, never formally taught in high school art classes but I love it. This is inspiring and greatly informative for me. Happy painting!

[@donnaoldford-puls9215]

Love your tutorials, I am just learning, from Kenora Ontario Canada

[@janetkyle9932]

Hi and thanks for this descriptive tutorial. I take so many photos of skies just like this from our house and never know how to achieve getting it on paper. You are an excellent teacher with such diverse subjects that I am interested in that I now am in tutorial overload in a good way. Very good way. 👍🏻😊🎨

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks a million Janet. Happy painting ☺️

[@tananza17]

I cannot believe I am just now finding you! I had been pretty stagnant in my painting and feeling discouraged, this gives me the motivation to get back out there. So beautiful, thank you so much for sharing!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I'm so happy if my demo motivated you to pick up those brushes. Thanks for watching and happy painting! 🖌

[@sylviabailey831]

This was a masterclass. Thank you so much. I have learned a lot. Had been trying to do a watercolor sunset and nearly gave up and went to oils, but wanted the transparency of WC.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks so much Sylvia. Yes, that's what I love about watercolor too. That transparency is unique to watercolor! I struggled to figure it out but only after hundreds of failed attempts!

[@jannesbitt1679]

G'day from Australia I'm just learning and haven't even done any painting yet but I love learning all these techniques from you. Thank you for sharing your skills with us.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

G’day Jan. Thanks for watching.

[@chiarapege2333]

Hallo from italy i like so much your cloud😊

[@l38blue72]

Great lessons Shelley. So inspiring ans excellent explainations of what you are doing. Thank you so much for doing this.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

My pleasure. I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@1TimothyFourTen]

That is so pretty.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thank you very much. Sunsets never get old. Love the colours.

[@1TimothyFourTen]

@@shelleypriorfineart I do too! I tried to paint this but didn't do very good. I always need to try these a couple times before I can come close. Thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge with all of us!

[@maryannrusso5052]

Hi Shelley, painted with you at HADA. Thank you for sharing. I love this.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks so much Maryann ☺️

[@2mexico1994]

Thanks so very much. I really enjoyed following along with your tutorial. I think you described the process so well. Happy New Year from Brisbane Australia.

[@marylynnefabas5413]

Thank you Shelley. Loved your video. So calming and not rushed. Very helpful for this newbie sunset painter. I took 3 pages of post it notes 😅😊.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

3 pages?! Lol thank you. You are welcome to watch the replays too 😊

[@catherinenash278]

I very much appreciate your valuable demonstration thank you so much

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks so much for watching Catherine ☺️

[@lyneqc7805]

How nice to see an Artist from Canada, well explained

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks very much Lyne. 😊

[@margaretmcglynn5077]

This is super useful information about maintaining the right level of dampness in your brush and on your paper. Seriously, this is the best cloudy sky watercolor painting info I've seen on KZbin. Thank you so much, Shelley! Subscribe!

[@billjones3976]

Love your teaching..hope to see you in the spring..Gail Jones Mississauga

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks very much Gail! I'm looking forward to it :)

[@TheArtGearGuide]

Your work is simply amazing and absolutely beautiful and your ability to teach is the best. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful skill you have developed and your soothing, inspiring and intuitive teaching method. Thank you so much

[@shelleypriorfineart]

You are very sweet for saying that. Thanks so much :)

[@carolinecooke8779]

From Worcestershire UK. Loved this 🙂

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Welcome. Thanks for watching Caroline 😊

[@Lacroix999]

33:15 If you have a finer mist spray bottle, that sprays more continuously, like the kind hairdressers use, you won’t get those heavy spots of water like that on your paper. I just picked one up from Amazon for only like $5 and it’s a game changer for watercolor painting!!

[@SG-dk9gn]

Wow! Just Wow! I'm so grateful that I found your channel. We have the most spectacular sunsets and my camera is full of them! I try to paint them but they always end up in the "watercolour gone wrong" pile. Thank you for explaining in detail how to successfully produce a beautiful watercolour painting that captures the composition, atmosphere and those stunning colours.❤️🇨🇦👍🏼😃

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I’m so glad that you found my video helpful. I hope you have success with your next sunset painting 😊

[@lisajensen1843]

Yay! I just found you and I’m so excited! I’ve always wanted to do a sky like this but because of all the layers of color I couldn’t figure out how not to ruin it. You just answered my question… dry in between! Good grief, this is huge! Thank you from Boise Idaho😊. Hot here in the west but cooler days soon!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks so much Lisa. So glad it was helpful. ☺️

[@shyamalideb]

How underrated are you. Happy to find you.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks so much. I'm a relatively new KZbinr so it will take a while before others find me. Meanwhile I'm just doing my thing and enjoying the ride :)

[@MM-qo5gu]

Thank you

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching

[@saryanavatishaya2084]

Speechless. Amazing demo with so much detail I will watch it again, and again and then try it. THanks soooo much Shelley. I will also watch you with Eric Rhodes.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks so much. I'm glad you enjoyed this demo.

[@brigittemason3567]

I am from Thunder Bay, On. I love your instruction. I wish I could attend your classes in person. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks so much Brigitte 😊

[@greentea6]

wonderful demo. thank you so much.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for tuning in.