How to Color Sunsets
Table of Contents
Coloring a sunset is supposed to feel relaxed, yet the sky often turns into the part that gets the most second thoughts, which is why many people end up searching for how to color sunset in the first place. You know the feeling you want, just not how to get there.
This post shares four common ways to color sunsets that keep the process relaxed and enjoyable!
Tools We Reached For
1. Ohuhu Markers
- Sunset Clouds: V030, Y10, Y1, V150, V270
- Golden Hour Sunset: YR190, Y6, Y040, YR5
- Red-Orange Sunset: R7, R4, Y10, Y5
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Pastel Sunset: B030, V230, RV160, V020, RV180
2. Guangna Acrylic Marker
- Sunset Clouds: 683, 600
- Golden Hour Sunset: 701, 600
- Red-Orange Sunset: 684, 626, 656
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Pastel Sunset: 600, 626
Sunset Clouds
Sunset Clouds focus on bold, layered sky colors and soft cloud shapes. Colors blend in simple bands, then the clouds add contrast, so the sky feels full without getting complicated.
Golden Hour Sunset
Golden Hour Sunset centers on warm light and long, glowing highlights.
The colors stay close in tone, shifting from bright gold to deeper amber, with a few richer cloud shadows for contrast. All together, it keeps the sunset feel smooth and cohesive without sharp contrast, a classic sunset style that many people are drawn to for its familiar, comforting feel.
Red-Orange Sunset
Red-Orange Sunset leans into deep, warm colors with noticeable shifts across the sky. Reds melt into oranges and deeper shadows, and the streaky clouds add extra drama. With a glowing sun and a little sparkle, it feels vivid and full on the page.
Pastel Sunset
Pastel Sunset uses lighter colors with soft, airy transitions. The tones stay gentle and slightly muted, blending into each other without strong contrast. As a result, the sunset feels calm and dreamy, with a light, easy mood on the page.
FAQs
What colors are commonly used when coloring sunsets?
Sunsets usually involve a range of colors, with warmer tones like yellow, orange, and red often forming the base, then bring in purples, blues, or soft greens to balance the sky. How those colors come together can stay flexible, depending on the mood you want the sunset to hold.
Are alcohol-based or water-based markers suitable for coloring sunsets?
Both Alcohol and Water-based markers are commonly used for sunset coloring. Alcohol markers tend to create smoother blends, while water-based markers give softer transitions and a bit more texture.
Which one works better often depends on the look and pace you’re comfortable with.
How to blend sunset colors in a way that feels smooth and natural?
Blend sunset colors by working in light layers and letting nearby tones overlap. Smooth transitions come from gradual changes rather than sharp edges or strict color boundaries.
How to color a sunset with markers in a simple way?
Start with lighter tones and let the colors overlap gradually. Keeping transitions soft and building depth slowly helps the sunset feel smooth without needing strict color order.
Why do some sunset skies look flat even with multiple colors?
Flat-looking skies often come from tones that sit too far apart without enough overlap, making transitions feel abrupt instead of gradual.
How much layering is typical for sunset skies?
Most sunset skies are built in a few light layers rather than many heavy ones, allowing color depth to grow gradually.
