Easy Watercolor Sunset Tutorial | Wet-on-Wet Techniques + India Ink for Drama
- DeElla Hoberg
- Mar 28
- 2 min read
Learn how to paint a glowing watercolor sunset using wet-on-wet techniques and India ink for bold contrast. Step-by-step beginner-friendly tutorial.
How to Paint a Glowing Watercolor Sunset (with a Little Extra Drama)
There’s something about a sunset over water that just makes you pause.
This painting was inspired by a photo one of my students took at Lake Lanier, and it felt like the perfect opportunity to practice something we all want to get better at in watercolor…
That soft, glowing light.
But here’s the thing—that glow doesn’t come from overworking.
It comes from letting the water do what it wants to do.
🎥 Watch the Full Tutorial
🎨 Supplies You’ll Need
Don’t overcomplicate this—you can absolutely use what you already have.
Suggested supplies:
Watercolor paints (any brand)
140 lb / 300 gsm cold press watercolor paper (100% cotton if you have it)
Round brushes (a few sizes)
Water + paper towels
India ink (optional, but fun for the final step!)
🌅 Step-by-Step Overview
1. Start with Water, Not Paint
We begin by wetting the paper to prepare for those soft, flowing blends.
This is where the magic happens—before you even pick up color.
2. Drop in Your Sunset Colors
Warm tones like oranges, pinks, and yellows blend together naturally on wet paper.
Try not to over-control this part.Let the colors move and mingle.
3. Suggest the Landscape
While things are still soft, we start hinting at trees and distant shapes.
Nothing needs to be detailed yet—just soft impressions.
4. Build Reflections
The reflection doesn’t need to be perfect.
In fact, it shouldn’t be.
Use horizontal strokes and let the water blur things slightly. That’s what makes it feel like water.
5. Let It Dry (Yes, Really)
This is the step most people rush.
Letting your painting dry gives you the ability to add contrast without everything turning muddy.
6. Add the Drama with India Ink
This is where everything comes to life.
Using India ink, we add:
Dark tree silhouettes
Strong vertical elements
Contrast that makes the glow feel even brighter
This step is bold—and a little scary—but it’s also where the painting really finds its voice.
💭 A Little Reminder (From Me to You)
If you’ve ever felt like watercolor has a mind of its own…
you’re not wrong.
But the goal isn’t to control it completely.The goal is to work with it.
Let it surprise you.Let it be a little messy.Let it teach you something.
That’s where the good stuff happens.
🌿 Want to Go Further?
If you enjoyed this lesson, you might also love:
My beginner watercolor classes (perfect if you’re just getting started)
My “Next Steps” classes (for building confidence and control)
Workshops like Wild & Loose Watercolor, where we lean all the way into freedom and flow
💬 I’d Love to Hear From You
Did you try this painting?
Tell me in the comments—or tag me if you share your work. I love seeing what you create, and no two paintings ever turn out the same (which is kind of the best part).
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