Mastering Watercolor Gradients with an Asian Sunset Scene

Projet de cours pratique

With this class, I invite you to paint a peaceful Asian sunset landscape with me.

We’ll begin with 3 short gradient exercises to warm up, and then move on to the main painting step by step—starting from a pencil sketch, creating a soft sky gradient, adding distant mountains, and finishing with a calm foreground and an Asian-style temple.

You can follow the project exactly or add your own touch by changing the colors or temple shape—it’s completely up to you!

Whatever you create, don’t forget to post your project in the Projects & Resources section. I’d love to see your beautiful artwork and hear about your experience! What part did you enjoy most? Was there anything challenging?

Materials Needed:

Here’s what you’ll need to follow along:

• Watercolor paints – I use Cadmium Orange, Lavender, Neutral Tint, Indanthrene Blue, and Pyrrole Orange, but feel free to use any similar colors.

• Watercolor paper – Preferably 100% cotton and 300 GSM.

• Watercolor brushes – One large soft brush and one small brush for details.

• Jar of water – One is enough, but two can be helpful.

• Palette – For mixing colors.

• Pencil, regular eraser, and kneaded eraser – For your initial sketch and refining lines.

• Board – I use an acrylic glass board, but any sturdy waterproof surface will work.

• Paper or cotton towels – To blot your brush or control water.

Let’s fill the gallery with sunsets!