Use a fan brush and mars black. Slightly water the black down.
Sunset Landscape Rock Painting Tutorial
Ever had a hankering to capture the magic of a sunset on something a bit unconventional? If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered how to turn a humble rock into a canvas that’s as vibrant as the real thing. Well, good news! I’m here to walk you through it, step by step.
As someone who loves to paint on the go, I’m excited to share with you how I created a stunning sunset landscape on a rock without a truckload of fancy supplies—just one trusty brush and five basic colors. Plus, I’ve got pics and a timelapse video to show you the ropes.
So roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive in and paint the sky, one brushstroke at a time!
Materials You’ll Need:
Before we dive into this, double-check that your tools are at the ready. We’ll be working with acrylics, and things might pick up speed – think a limited palette and direct blending. Ready? Let’s go!
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- Primed rock (apply a layer of white acrylic paint or gesso on a clean rock)
- Acrylic paints (blue, white, red, yellow and black)
- Medium brush (I used a flat brush, but any basic brush will work)
- Jar of water
- Rag or paper towel
- Clear coat
- While these links can come in handy when you’re overwhelmed by countless choices, don’t stress over the particulars. Just work with whatever you already have or can easily find.
- If you’re a complete newbie to rock painting, consider taking a peek at my Rock Painting Beginners Guide for advice on materials and the basics to kickstart your journey.
Watch the Sunset Landscape Come to Life
Kick back and enjoy our chill timelapse video, showing how I turn a plain rock into a gorgeous sunset landscape. It’s like painting in fast motion, and it’s pretty darn cool!
Load your brush with blue paint and brush it horizontally across the rock to form the blue sky.
Now, add some white paint just below the blue. Let the brush gently blend the colors without overdoing it, preserving those lovely white cloud streaks.
Give your brush a quick rinse and wipe it clean to prepare for the next step.
Materials
Yield: One 11 x 14 Canvas Painting
Paint a vibrant orange sky reflecting over a lake in this landscape painting.
Active Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours
Materials
- 11 x 14 Canvas
- Acrylic Paint
- Brushes
- Painters Tape (Masking Tape)
Colors
- Cadmium Orange Hue
- Primary Yellow
- Titanium White
- Prism Violet
- Mars Black
- Red Oxide
- Hooker’s Green Hue Permanent
Brushes
- 3/4″ Flat Wash
- 12 Bright (optional)
- 3/8″ Angle Brush
- Round Bristle Brush
- Fan Brush
© Tracie Kiernan All Rights Reserved
Download This Tutorial
Download this painting tutorial to view PDF printable/offline instructions, video download and BONUS traceable templates! Now available in my PDF Download shop.
