In this tutorial, you will learn how to draw sunset in a simple, friendly style.
This easy drawing tutorial is perfect for beginners who want to practice curves, faces, rays, and waves.
Take your time with each step, and keep your lines soft before making them darker.

What You Will Need

• Drawing paper
• Pencil
• Eraser
• Black marker or pen
• Red, orange, or yellow coloring tools

Here are my RECOMMENDED Art Supplies!

• Crayola Coloring Set (140 Pieces – Mega Value!)
• 24 Colored Crayon Set
• A4 Printer Paper
• Crayola Coloring Pencils
• HP Home Printer with Instant Ink!

Time needed:

23 minutes.

Step-by-Step Drawing Guide

Step 1: Draw the Upper Half of the Sun

Start near the lower middle of the page and draw one wide curved line.

Let the curve rise like half a circle, with both ends stopping at about the same height.

Pro Tip: Keep both sides of the curve balanced so the sunset feels steady.

[Alt Text: A sunset sketch begins with a wide red half-circle curve for the top of the sun.]

Step 2: Darken the Outer Curve and Add Small Circles

Trace over the curved line with a darker stroke to make the sun shape clearer.

Add two small circles inside the curve, keeping them balanced from left to right.

Pro Tip: Place both small circles at a similar height so the drawing looks neat.

[Alt Text: A sunset drawing is refined with a darker sun curve and two small red circles inside.]

Step 3: Finish the Eyes and Draw a Smile

Turn the two small circles into black eyes, leaving tiny highlights inside.

Between the eyes and slightly lower, draw a short upward curve for a smile.

Pro Tip: Place the smile between the eyes so the expression looks cute and balanced.

[Alt Text: A sunset drawing is refined with black eyes, small highlights, and a red smiling mouth.]

Step 4: Add Sun Rays on the Left Side

Draw three short straight lines outside the left side of the sun.

Let the lines stretch outward from the sun’s edge, each pointing in a slightly different direction.

Pro Tip: Leave a small gap between the rays and the sun’s edge for a cleaner look.

[Alt Text: A sunset drawing is refined with three red sun rays added on the left side.]

Step 5: Complete the Top and Right Sun Rays

Continue adding short straight lines above and to the right of the sun.

Mix vertical, diagonal, and horizontal directions so the rays feel lively and balanced.

Pro Tip: Keep the rays similar in length so one side does not feel too heavy.

[Alt Text: A sunset drawing is refined with more sun rays added above and on the right side.]

Step 6: Draw the Ocean Wave Lines

Add several horizontal wavy lines below the sun, making it look behind the ocean.

Let each line rise and dip gently, with the middle sections passing in front of the sun.

Pro Tip: Keep the wave lines evenly spaced so the sunset ocean feels calm.

[Alt Text: A sunset drawing is refined with red ocean wave lines crossing in front of the smiling sun.]

Step 7: Color in your drawing!

Fun Facts

• Sunsets often look red or orange because sunlight travels through more air near the horizon.
• A sunset over water can reflect warm colors across the waves.
• Simple curved lines can make a sunset drawing feel peaceful and friendly.

Pin it now, Draw later!

Now you have completed a cheerful sunset with a smiling sun, bright rays, and calm ocean waves.
You can color the sky with soft orange, pink, or yellow shades to make the scene warmer.
Try this drawing for beginners again, and make each sunset a little different.

Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide

FREE Download Printable Sunset Drawing Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this sunset drawing good for beginners?

Yes, this step by step drawing uses simple curves, small circles, short lines, and wavy strokes.

How can I make my sunset look brighter?

Use warm colors like yellow, orange, red, and pink around the sun and sky.

Can I draw the waves in another color?

Yes, you can use blue, purple, or orange waves to match your sunset style.