Sunrise and Sunset Painting Tips

Want to paint the glow of a sunrise or the dramatic color of a sunset with more confidence? In this lively, practical lesson, Katie Liddiard guides you through plein air sky studies and shares her go-to methods for capturing these brief, beautiful moments.

Katie begins by showing why skies can add so much impact to landscape paintings, and how each time of day brings its own mood and color range. You’ll learn why sunrises often feel cooler, sunsets tend to be warmer, and how season, atmosphere, and dust can subtly shift the light.

Using examples from her own studies, Katie explains how to divide a changing sky into quick snapshots, from deep purples and soft pinks to glowing oranges and golden yellows. She also shares favorite pigments, including cobalt blue, cadmium yellow and orange, and quinacridones for luminous transitions.

During the demo, Katie explores the importance of value and context: a color that seems too dark on the palette may look just right once placed within the full sky. You’ll see how to apply bold color, adjust nearby tones, and avoid chasing the constantly changing light.

By the end, you’ll be ready to approach skies with more freedom and clarity, whether painting outdoors or in the studio. Katie’s process will help you create dawns and sunsets that feel vibrant, glowing, and full of life.