Weekly Art Tip
Capture the Last Light of Summer: An August Plein Air Painting Tip
As summer winds down, August offers some of the most breathtaking sunsets of the year—golden yellows melting into soft pinks and dusky purples. For artists, this is prime time for plein air painting and experimenting with a warm, sunset-inspired color palette. Whether you’re sketching outdoors at golden hour or working later from reference photos, learning how to capture the glow of late-summer skies can bring depth, warmth, and emotion to your work.
Art Tip: Capture the Last Light of Summer
August sunsets in the Bay Area are pure magic—glowing with golden yellows, soft pinks, and deep purples. Whether you’re painting en plein air at golden hour or working later from reference photos, let this warm, fleeting light inspire your next piece. For a cohesive, sun-soaked look, try a limited summer palette: yellow ochre, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, and titanium white. This simple combination will help you capture the nostalgia and warmth of late-summer skies.
Why a Limited Palette Works for Sunsets
A restricted color palette creates harmony and helps your painting reflect the natural blending of colors you see in the sky. Using yellow ochre, cadmium red, ultramarine, and white ensures your tones stay warm and cohesive—perfect for capturing that golden-hour glow.
Quick Plein Air Tips for Sunset Painting
Arrive early to set up before the best light appears.
Block in large shapes quickly to capture the changing colors.
Work small to finish before the light shifts.
Use a camera for quick reference shots so you can finish details later.
