How to Paint a Sunset Scene with Adobe Photoshop

Step 26

Create a new layer and use a soft brush with the color #273578, the opacity about 10-15% to paint on top and bottom of the canvas. Change this layer mode to Multiply 100% and use a layer mask to reduce the effect on the top or any areas if needed..

Step 27

Make a Curves adjustment layer to darken the scene. Paint around the sun area to reveal the light there.

Step 28

Add a new layer and use the Pen Tool (P) to draw a shape like a boat which is towards the sun. Fill this selection with the color #773941.

Step 29

Make a new layer above the boat shape one and set it as Clipping Mask. Use a darker brush's color (I've chosen #432125) to paint on the back of the boat

Create a new layer and use the small brush with the same color to paint some curves along the form of the boat. Add a layer mask if you need to correct some errors.

Step 30

Add a new layer and use a bright brush's color (#f6c8ac) to paint some bright lines along the existing lines and curves.

On two new layers, use the colors #432125 and #f6c8ac to paint more details and texture for the boat.

Step 31

Make a new layer, change the mode to Overlay 100% and fill with 50% gray.

Activate the Dodge and Burn Tool (O) with Midtones Range, Exposure about 10-15% to refine the light and shadow on the boat. You can see how I did it with Normal mode and the result with Overlay mode.

Step 32

Create a new layer and use a small brush with the color #f8cea8 to paint highlight for the contour of the boat.

Step 33

Make a Curves adjustment layer to brighten the boat. On this layer mask, paint on the back/hidden side of the boat so it won't be affected by this adjustment layer.

On a new layer, use a soft brush with the color #e7f3c3 to paint on the front of the boat which is towards the light. Change this layer mode to Overlay 100%.

Step 34

Make a Color Balance adjustment layer and alter the Midones and Highlights values:

Select all of the boat layers and hit Ctrl+G to make a group for them. Add a mask to this group and erase the bottom of the boat to hide it below the water surface.

Step 35

To make the boat's reflection, duplicate the boat group and right click this layer, choose Merge Group. Flip it vertically and move it below the boat. Use Ctrl+T to transform the form a bit. Set this layer below the boat's group.

Add a mask to this layer and use a soft black with a lowered opacity (about 20-25%) to reduce the top of the reflection a bit.

Step 36

Apply the Gaussian Blur and Motion Blur filters with the following settings:

Step 37

Create a new layer below the boat's group and use a hard brush with the color #803949 to paint a row of the boat.

Make a new layer (set as Clipping Mask) to paint a soft shadow below the row.

On a new layer, use a small brush with the color #ffdeb7 to paint the light contour of the row.

Step 38

Make the row's reflection as done with the boat. Create a new layer above the row's reflection and use a soft brush with the color #ffdeb7 to paint the reflection of the light on the row.