oil paintings Archives | Teresa Bernard Oil Paintings

September 17, 2016August 25, 2019

Sunflower From Behind

Size: 20″ x 16″
Support: Gallery wrap stretched canvas
Description: Oil painting of a sunflower as seen from the backside of the blossom. Gallery wrap means this painting will not require a frame as the composition extends around the edges of the canvas surface.

Purchasing Information

$410

FREE shipping and handling within the U.S.A.

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Artist Comments: I love all flowers, however, one of my favorite kind is the sunflower. I love the bright sunshine yellow petals and huge blossoms that resemble the sun. Most paintings of sunflowers are from the front of the blossom, however, the back side of some flowers can be just as interesting.

Some Interesting Things About Sunflowers

The sunflower is a plant that is native to North America. Later it was introduced to Mexico and Peru. They can grow up to 6 feet tall and prefer dry, sunny places where their roots can dig deep into the soil.
When the plant is in the bud stage, it will face the sun following its movement across the sky from horizon to horizon. This movement allows it to get the maximum amount of the sun’s rays. Once the flower is fully opened into the radiance of yellow petals, it faces east only. It is not known why it does this. One theory is it is possibly a defensive response to prevent the sun from scalding the seed pod during hot summer days.
The sunflower is often equated as a symbol of spiritual faith, worship, adoration, loyalty and longevity. Perhaps because it is always seeking the “Light”.

UPDATED: 19 August 2019

August 4, 2016August 8, 2019

Still Life with Tractor Tire

Size: 12″ x 16″
Support: Gallery wrap stretched canvas
Description: A closeup representation of a tractor tire. This painting will not need a frame as the painted composition extends around the edges of the canvas.

Purchasing Information

$330

FREE shipping and handling within the U.S.A.

All transactions are handled via PayPal, a safe and secure way to make your purchase.

Artist Comments: This oil painting was an interesting one to do. What I like most about it is all of the different textures present in it — the wood, the rubber, and even the rusty metal rim. It was a enjoyable challenge painting all those textures and getting them just right. In addition, there are the warm colors that contrast against the cool ones. There are so many neat things happening in this painting it was just a fun one to paint!

I believe an artist’s environment has a huge influence on the type of art they create — I know it does me. I can always find some interesting objects to paint here on our small Texas ranch, however, I don’t limit myself, I do paint other locations too. When we go on vacation I always take my camera with me to capture as much as I can in photos that will be used someday as reference material for future paintings.

This painting would be the perfect art piece for the man cave especially if you love farm tractors or even cars. I can imagine no one would have ever thought a tractor tire would be the focal point for a painting, but it isn’t the only farm equipment I’ve painted. A few years back I did a painting of some horse tack too. Check out Barn Door with Horse Tack.

Still Life with Tractor Tire reminds me of another panting I did several years ago. It also has a lot of texture. It is called Still Life with Boat Fenders.

UPDATED: 08 August 2019

June 20, 2016August 11, 2019

Lighthouse Monument, Palo Duro Canyon State Park TX

Size: 16″ x 12″
Support: Gallery wrap stretched canvas
Description: A landscape painting of the famous Lighthouse geological rock formation of Palo Duro Canyon. This painting will not need a frame as the painting image extends around the edges of the canvas.

Purchasing Information

$330

FREE shipping and handling within the U.S.A.

All transactions are handled via PayPal, a safe and secure way to make your purchase.

Artist Comments: In 2015 my husband Robert and I traveled to Amarillo TX on vacation. While there we visited the Palo Duro Canyon State Park several times as it quickly became the highlight of our trip. The Lighthouse Monument is one of many “must see” attractions when visiting this park. Multiple visits to the canyon also provided me with a lot of photo ops that will be used as reference material for future paintings of this park.

Fun Facts About Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is located in the Texas Panhandle near Amarillo TX. Also called “The Grand Canyon of Texas” because of its size and its resemblance to the Grand Canyon located in Arizona. It is the second largest canyon in the U.S. measuring 120 miles long, 20 miles at its widest point and 800 feet at its maximum depth. It also has over 29,000 scenic acres for the tourist or vacationer to enjoy. Just like the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Palo Duro Canyon features dramatic geological features, multicolored layers of rock and steep mesa walls.

For the park visitor there are hiking trails, camp grounds, horse back riding and more! The canyon is also host to TEXAS Outdoor Musical, the longest running musical ever performed on stage. This world renown musical drama has been performed on an outdoor stage in the canyon since 1965.

For more information about this Texas state park visit their website.

UPDATED: 11 August 2019

May 28, 2016August 18, 2019

The Large White Dog

Size: 16″ x 20″
Support: Gallery wrap stretched canvas
Description: An oil painting of the profile of a large white dog, perhaps of the Great Pyrenees variety. In the background is a field of yellow wildflowers. Gallery wrap means this painting will not require a frame as the composition extends around the edges of the canvas surface.

large-white-dog-desk-lamp-white-brick-wall

Purchasing Information

$410

FREE shipping and handling within the U.S.A.

All transactions are handled via PayPal, a safe and secure way to make your purchase.

Artist Comments: This is a painting of a large white dog, possibly a Great Pyrenees. The Great Pyrenees has been one of my favorite breed of dog ever since Lobo, our Pyrenees mix dog, showed up at our door one day and decided to stay. Living out in the country as we do, means we get a lot of strays who wonder up to our door looking for a place to call home. We don’t know where they come from, but we never turn them away. We try to find their owner, if possible. If not, then we find them a new home or we wind up adopting them ourselves. This painting isn’t of Lobo, but the dog portrayed in it sure does reminds me of him.

A Few Fun Facts About Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees dog makes a great family pet. They are calm, devoted and well-mannered canines. They also make great guard dogs, especially around livestock. They are very devoted to those they love and will protect family with their very life if need be.

The Great Pyrenees is a dog of great intellect with a mind of their own and love to figure things out by themselves. While this is a wonderful trait, it can create a bit of a challenge when it comes to training.

For more information about this breed of dog, visit this website.

UPDATED: 17 August 2019

May 1, 2016February 17, 2020

My Oil Paintings Index

artist Teresa Bernard in the art studio Below is a list of all my oil paintings on this website. If you don’t find the painting you are searching for here, then chances are it isn’t one of mine. Of course this list isn’t exhaustive. I’ve been painting since my preteens and that was before the Internet arrived on the scene and I built this website. Unfortunately I don’t have any photographs of those early paintings either, only my memories. So there are some paintings by me out in the world that will only be enjoyed by those who possess them.

Jump to:

Click on the thumbnail for more information about the painting.

• Animals & Wildlife

Africa wildlife giraffes — Africa Wildlife — Giraffes (2019)
18″ w x 24″ h
SOLD

Africa wildlife leopard painting — Africa Wildlife — Leopard (2019)
18″ w x 24″ h
SOLD

African Elephant Serengeti painting — African Elephant On The Serengeti (2018)
18″ w x 24″ h
SOLD

ladybug oil painting — Ladybug #1 – Hanging On Tight (2016)
6″ w x 6″ h
**$170**

ladybug on a flower painting — Ladybug #2 – Almost Perfect Camouflage (2016) 6″ w x 6″ h
**$170**

Pet Portrait of Frank (2010)
12″ w x 16″ h
SOLD

african wildlife art — Raging African Elephant (2007)
18″ w x 24″ h
SOLD

TX Horned Toad Lizard Painting — The Texas Horned Lizard (2018)
6″ w x 6″ h
**$170**

longhorn cow oil painting — Texas Longhorn in The Meadow (2013)
20″ w x 16″ h
**$410**

white dog pet portrait — The Large White Dog (2016)
16″ w x 20″ h
**$410**

• Flower Art

Magnolia Flower Blossom oil painting — Magnolia Blossom (2007)
18″ w x 18″ h
SOLD

Sunflower From Behind oil painting — Sunflower From Behind (2016)
20″ w x 16″ h
**$410**

Red Rose flower art — Tyler Rose
(2006)
16″ w x 12″ h
**$330**

Yellow rose art — Yellow Rose of Texas (2008)
18″ w x 18″ h
**$410**

• Landscape Paintings

Bunratty Ireland oil painting — Bunratty Ireland
(2001)
12″ w x 9″ h
**$260**

Calvary at Sunset wall artwork — Calvary At Sunset (2009)
20″ w x 16″ h
**$410**

Camelthorn Trees of Africa painting — Camelthorn Trees Of Africa (2011)
24″ w x 24″ h
**$530**

Covered Bridge Of Lane County Oregon artwork — Covered Bridge Of Lane County (1997)
12″ w x 9″ h
SOLD

Covered Wagon On The Prairie artwork — Covered Wagon On The Prairie (2010)
20″ w x 16″ h
**$410**

Cowboy Sunset canvas wall art — Cowboy Sunset
(2012)
24″ w x 18″ h
**$470**

Fence Post In The Snow wall art — Fence Post In The Snow (2001)
9″ w x 12″ h
SOLD

Forgotten Roads Of Bygone Days canvas artwork — Forgotten Roads Of Bygone Days (2012)
24″ w x 18″ h
**$470**

Life in Texas — Round Hay Bales painting — Life In Texas — Round Hay Bales (2013); 16″ w x 20″ h
**$410**

Lighthouse Monument, Palo Duro Canyon wall art — Lighthouse, Palo Duro Canyon (2016)
16″ w x 12″ h
**$330**

Monument Valley artwork — Monument Valley (2009)
16″ w x 12″ h
**$330**

Mt Kilimanjaro Rising oil painting — Mount Kilimanjaro Rising (2018)
30″ w x 24″ h
SOLD

Mt. Kilimanjaro Africa art — Scaling Mt. Kilimanjaro (2011)
24″ w x 18″ h
SOLD

Sunset Over Texas oils on canvas — Sunset Over Texas (2001)
12″ w x 9″ h
SOLD

Texas Flag Barn artwork — Texas Flag Barn
(2015)
20″ w x 16″ h
**$410**

The Garden Tomb oil painting — The Garden Tomb (2004)
9″ w x 12″ h
NOT FOR SALE

The Garden Tomb at Sunset oil painting — The Garden Tomb At Sunset (2004)
12″ w x 9″ h
**$260**

The Giants Of Sequoia National Park painting — The Giants Of Sequoia (1998)
12″ w x 16″ h
SOLD

The Grand Teton Mountains painting — The Grand Teton Mountains (2003)
18″ w x 14″ h
SOLD

Van Gogh’s Church at Auvers, France oil painting — Van Gogh’s Church At Auvers, France (2011); 20″ w x 24″ h
**$490**

• Marine Life & Seascapes

Along The Inter Coastal Waterway artwork — Along The ICW
(2001)
12″ w x 9″ h
**$260**

Still Life With Boat Fenders marine art — Boat Fenders
(2003)
9″ w x 12″ h
**$260**

clown fish painting — Clownfish
(1998)
9″ w x 12″ h
SOLD

Currituck Beach Lighthouse oil painting — Currituck Beach Lighthouse (2008)
11″ w x 14″ h
**$300**

Heceta Head Lighthouse painting — Heceta Head Lighthouse (2000)
16″ w x 12″ h
SOLD

Oregon Coast South Of The Sea Lion Caves oil painting — Oregon Coast
(1977)
9″ w x 12″ h
SOLD

Peggy's Cove painting — Peggy’s Cove
(2005)
20″ w x 16″ h
SOLD

Peggy's Cove Revisited — Peggy’s Cove Revisited (2008)
20″ w x 16″ h
SOLD

Return To Peggy's Cove oil painting — Return To Peggy’s Cove (2009)
20″ w x 18″ h
SOLD

Sea Of Galilee At Capernaum painting — Sea Of Galilee At Capernaum (2005)
20″ w x 16″ h
**$410**

The Fisherman oil painting — The Fisherman
(2003)
9″ w x 12″ h
SOLD

Victoria Falls, Zambia Africa painting — Victoria Falls, Africa
(2018)
30″ w x 24″ h
SOLD

• People & Portraits

Portrait of Robert painting — Portrait Of Robert
(2003)
12″ w x 16″ h
NOT FOR SALE

Portrait of Tera oil painting — Portrait Of Tera
(2005)
16″ w x 20″ h
NOT FOR SALE

The Ballerina oil painting — The Ballerina
(2013)
24″ w x 18″ h
**$470**

• Space Art

First Man on the Moon oil painting — First Man on the Moon (2012)
24″ w x 18″ h
**$470**

Land Rover Tracks of Mars painting — Land Rover Tracks of Mars (2012)
18″ w x 24″ h
SOLD

Moonset oil painting — Moonset
(2013)
20″ w x 16″ h
**$410**

Night Sky Over Delicate Arch oil painting — Night Sky Over Delicate Arch (2017)
6″ w x 6″ h
**$170**

Space The Next Frontier oil painting — Space…The Next Frontier (2017)
24″ w x 18″ h
**$470**

• Still Life Paintings

Still Life with Coral and Lantern painting — Still Life With Coral And Lantern (2004)
14″ w x 11″ h
**$300**

Still Life with Fruit and Candle painting — Still Life With Fruit And Candle (2004)
14″ w x 11″ h
**$300**

Iron Age Pottery Still Life painting — Still Life With Iron Age Pottery (2006)
14″ w x 11″ h
**$300**

Barn Door with Horse Tack oil painting — Barn Door With Horse Tack (2003)
12″ w x 9″ h
SOLD

The Communion Table oil painting — The Communion Table (2004)
14″ w x 11″ h
SOLD

The Study still life oil painting — The Study
(2004)
14″ w x 11″ h
**$300**

tractor tire oil painting — Tractor Tire
(2016)
12″ w x 16″ h
**$330**

Art Commissions

Not Finding What You Are Looking For?

Teresa is also a commission artist. She has done paintings for fellow art enthusiasts around the world. If you have a special painting in mind, follow the link for more information on how to commission a painting.

UPDATED: 27 January 2020

December 24, 2015February 5, 2017

The Importance of Varnishing Oil Paintings

Now that you have bought this beautiful oil painting, you will want to take measures to insure that it stays that way. One very important thing to do is make sure it has received several coats of non-yellowing varnish. Varnish is a final, clear protective layer applied to a painting after it is finished and completely dry. The artist should have already done this before selling the painting. It is an important first step in preserving the work of art so it lasts for generations to come.

Cowboy Sunset
Landscape by Teresa Bernard
24″ x 18″
Oils on gallery wrap stretched canvas

>> More info

Why varnish an oil painting?

1. Varnish saturates the colors making them pop. Varnish brings out the vibrancy of the colors and gives them that just painted look and shine. In addition, varnish helps to keep those beautiful colors from fading as the years go by.

2. Varnish creates an even sheen over the entire surface of the painting. Oil paint colors dry very differently because of the different pigments that go into making up each individual color. When completely dry, some colors appear matte, some satin and some glossy. A layer or two of varnish will even out the final appearance of the painting, giving it a consistent overall look.

3. Varnish protects the painted surface from atmospheric elements and makes the surface easier to clean. All paintings will require cleaning as time goes by; however, varnish will reduce the frequency of those cleanings and reduce the risk of any possible damage to the painting. If the painting isn’t varnished, over time dust, grime, dirt, grease, moisture and pollution in the environment will change the look of the painting. These can dull the colors, causing them to crack and chip off as the years go by.

When should a painting be varnished?

An oil painting should be allowed to dry for a minimum of 6 months. Depending on how thick the paint is applied it might even need as much as 12 months of drying time before applying varnish. It’s crucial that the oil painting is completely dry before varnish is applied, otherwise the varnish may crack. This is because varnish dries before the oil paint does. As oil paint dries it moves slightly and since the varnish is already dry it begins to crack.

If your painting has never been varnished, you will need to wait at least a year and then take it to a reputable frame shop. They maybe able to varnish the painting, however, it will most like be for a fee. Or is you know of an artist in your area who is an oil painter they may varnish the painting for you as well.

One final solution is to varnish the painting yourself, however, I wouldn’t recommend this if your painting is an extremely valuable piece of art. If you do varnish the painting yourself be sure to use varnish designed for fine art oil paintings. Be sure to follow all instructions on the label. It is not recommended that you use varnish obtained from a hardware store as this kind is to too harsh for the painting and could wind up damaging it.

Additional Reading

A Practical Guide To Caring For Your Oil Paintings

UPDATED: 22 April 2016
Word Count: 543

December 23, 2015November 25, 2018

Proper Care of Your Sunset Oil Paintings

Taking good care of your sunset oil paintings will ensure they last throughout the years and the colors will stay vibrant. Here are few things to consider:

Cleaning Your Painting

Over time your sunset oil paintings will become soiled from dust, lint, cobwebs, dirt, cigarette smoke, or just plain old wear and tear. This can cause all the beautiful colors of the sunset to appear dull and less vivid. With some simple cleaning techniques it is easy to keep the dazzle in those brilliant shades of yellow, orange, blue and purple that make up your sunset canvas art.

The first thing you need to do is remove your painting from the wall. Never try to clean it while it is hanging. You should also remove it from the frame as well. Dust does get into the crevice where the frame overlaps the painting sometimes it is impossible to clean it out while still in the frame. When cleaning be sure to use a soft cloth. Old cotton t shirts or even cloth diapers are great for this purpose. For dusting you can use a feather duster or a Swiffer Duster to remove light coatings of dust, cobwebs and lint. For grimy, oily or sticky areas of the painting you can use an emulsion cleaner that can purchased at an art supply store. Never use a strong detergent as this can damage the colors of your sunset painting.

Preserving the Color

Preserving your sunset oil paintings so they will last a lifetime and even into the next century is a simple task if you follow this easy commonsense technique to care for your artwork. Do not expose your painting to direct sunlight or ultraviolet lights over an extended period of time. Doing so will result in the bright yellow, orange, blue and purple pigments that make up your sunset to fade over time. The best lighting is diffused natural or artificial lights.

Oil paintings need to have some exposure to diffused lighting, if left in storage or in an unlit room for extended periods of time, the linseed oil in the pigment will turn yellow. However, this is a naturally occurring event that the oil goes through. The yellowing can be reversed by putting the painting in a room with natural or artificial lighting. After a couple of days the yellowing in the linseed oil will fade and restore the painting to its original color.

Protecting the Painting

Atmospheric conditions can also affect oil paintings. If you want to make sure your sunset painting will last a hundred years and beyond then you need to take certain steps to protect your canvas art from damage by the environment. Every part of a painting will expand and constrict due to atmospheric conditions. This will cause stress on the painting which can result in premature aging and damage to the artwork. Undergoing rapid changes in temperature and humidity will create the most stress on a work of art. The best environment for a sunset painting is a controlled one where there is a constant 65° temperature.

If this isn’t always possible, the next best thing is to take these precautions. It is best to avoid conditions of extreme dryness and heat or humidity and cold that can occur if the painting is displayed in areas where they are directly under air conditioners, heating vents, fireplaces, etc. Also kitchens and bathrooms can create conditions of rapidly changing heat, cold and humidity. Long term exposure to such conditions can cause the paint to flake, the canvas to rot, or the pigment to discolor.

Additional Reading

A Practical Guide To Caring For Your Oil Paintings

Paintings of Sunsets Collection

UPDATED: 25 November 2018

December 22, 2015November 25, 2018

The Evening Sky Captured in a Sunset Oil Painting

A setting sun is loved most for its warmth, charm and most of all its vibrant colors. Just about everyone loves the view a sun creates while rising or setting in the sky. What a wonderful way for the Creator of all the universe to say “Good morning!” or at the end of a working day to see Him say, “Good evening.” There’s just something about rays of sunlight bouncing off the clouds creating all those vibrant colors that appeal to us. Is there any wonder why artists from all over the world love to capture the setting sun in all its grandeur and splendor and to forever immortalize a fleeting moment like that in one of their oil paintings? The sun sets quickly and lasts for only a few minutes but the beauty of one can last for a long time when an artist takes it and creates a wonderful work of art on canvas.

The world over artists have captured the setting sun in all its splendor in their paintings of sunset. The colors they use are brilliant yellows, oranges, blues and purples in the sky and along with dark shadows of dark browns, deep blues and rich blacks. Yellows and oranges are warm colors which make up the majority of the sinking suns rays. Blues and purples are cool colors that balance out the warmth. On the ground, the warm browns added with black give the warmth of the earth, while the blues added to the black in the shadows give us that impression of cool. And don’t forget the setting sky is always reflected in any body of water.

There is nothing that can substitute for quality wall art in your home, especially when it comes to sunsets on canvas. Oil paintings hanging on the walls in your home or place of business create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and family members as they view them. Sunset paintings give warmth and charm to a room like no other work of art can. The vibrant colors instantly capture of the eye of anyone who happens to walk by. Sunset oil paintings also make wonderful gifts for a housewarming or grand opening for a business. Not only on those occasions, but for the holidays, birthdays and anniversaries too. Next time you need a great gift idea consider a sunset oil painting rather than a boring ol’ house plant.

If you are a collector of fine art, sunset paintings make great additions to your collection. Some famous artists like Claude Monet and Thomas Kinkade, to name a few, have painted some well known paintings of sunsets. Or if you prefer, up-and-coming new artists who are not as well-known also provide great works of sunset art to enjoy. There is simply something for everyone when it comes to enjoying beautiful artworks of the setting sun.

Additional Reading

Oil Paintings of Texas Sunsets

Why I Love Sunset Oil Paintings

Paintings of Sunset Collection

Paintings Of Sunset By Claude Monet

Proper Care Of Your Sunset Oil Paintings

UPDATED: 25 November 2018

December 17, 2015July 29, 2018

Oil Paintings of Texas Sunsets

One of the most beautiful places in the world to capture a sunset in oil on canvas is Texas. Being a native Texan, of course I’m prejudice! The Lone Star State with its wide open prairies, cacti, ghost towns, old west culture and billowy clouds make a wonderful backdrop for some of the most breathtaking sunsets anywhere in the world. Artists, like me, who are fortunate enough to live here get to regularly enjoy countless opportunities to capture on canvas the setting sun in all its grandeur and splendor for our many sunset paintings. Those who don’t live here can delight in making trips to Texas to see the setting sun for themselves and take it back to their studios in the form of digital photos for many future paintings to come.

Texas cities can make a great sunset cityscape with the unique sky line each metropolis has to offer. Head to the Gulf of Mexico and artists can experience the sun going down on the beach or head out west for a more mountainous terrain and get a glimpse of the mountain peaks of Big Bend National Park as they silhouette them against an orange glowing sky.

Many artists love traveling here to capture the setting sun in all its splendor as it disappears below the horizon. Here are a couple reasons why:

A beautiful sunset helps the viewer to appreciate the finer gifts life has to offer. People are naturally drawn to a sunset and there are a few special places on earth where one can embrace a beautiful sunset. Texas just happens to be one of them.
A beautiful sunset helps to inspire you. There’s a reason sunsets are timeless and constant standbys of poets, writers, romantics, and artists — they are inspiring. There is something inherently powerful and spiritual about sunsets.

Some Quotes About Sunsets

“Peace… is seeing a sunset, and knowing Who to thank.” – Unknown

“The setting sun, and the music at the close, As the last taste of sweets, is sweetest last, Writ in remembrance more than long things past.” – William Shakespeare

“When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in the worship of the creator.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Additional Reading

Why I love Sunset Oil Paintings

UPDATED: 16 December 2015

November 8, 2015January 5, 2019

Photographing the Setting Sun for Your Sunset Paintings

Just about everyone loves a beautiful sunset. That radiant burst of color at the beginning (sunrise) or end of the day. Because of this, sunset paintings are a favorite subject to paint for many artists. However, painting a sunset on location isn’t practical. Therefore I suggest taking your camera and shooting reference photos of some lovely sunsets to use back in your art studio.

Using reference photos to create your oil painting is a handy method that will save you time and also preserve your sunset in real life. No two sunsets are alike and they disappear quickly, therefore, taking a reference photo of your sunset can prove to be very useful. It allows you to paint your painting in the comfort of your art studio and at any time of the day or night.

Photographing sunsets is a good idea especially if you want to paint them on canvas. Here’s why:

The sun sets quickly in the evening sky. It would be hard to get your painting done before it goes down.
No two sunsets are identical making it further difficult to paint one on location.
Painting a canvas on location would require it to be started and completed in the same session, however since the sun goes down so fast, this might not be possible.
Photographing the sunset means you can now take it with you back to the art studio and use the image as reference material for your painting.

Reference photos are a great way to forever record a fleeting moment such as a sunset. Here are some great tips for photographing a setting sun:

Tip 1 — Show up early for the shot. It may seem like a slow setting sun, but in reality a beautiful sunset is over with very quickly. Arriving early allows you the opportunity of getting several detail shots for shadows and also other objects that can be used to make your sunset painting a more interesting composition. Try to include objects other than the sun or clouds in your photo shoot. Also think about silhouetting some of the objects against the sky. You will also want to take some photos after the sun has already gone down for further reference when you go back to you studio to start your painting.

Tip 2 — Apply the rule of thirds when photographing the setting sun. Place the horizon either 2/3 of the way up or down in your shot for a more interesting composition. It all depends on your emphasis. If you have a dramatic sky then place the horizon line low to include more sky than ground, if the ground or water is more dynamic than the sky, then place the horizon high on your canvas to include more of what’s going on below. In addition, do not place the sun directly in the center of your frame. Place it over to the side to create more interest. Be sure to use these same tips when you transfer your composition to canvas.

For more information about the rule of thirds, see article titled “Creating Better Compositions in All Your Paintings“.

Tip 3 — Determine what orientation, either portrait or landscape, that you want to your painting to be. Most sunset paintings are landscape in orientation because this allows for the widest possible angle to capture on canvas the most sunset. However don’t dismiss a portrait orientation especially if you have something interesting going on in the foreground. Vertical sunset paintings offer much when it come to including other objects such as water towers, windmills or trees as silhouettes in your painting. Consider including some of those objects too.

Following these simple tips will help make it easier to compose your painting once you get back to the studio and start putting brush to canvas.

Sunsets are a favorite genre of Teresa Bernard. You can view her sunset oil paintings here.

UPDATED: 27 April 2016