I took the original photograph, used as the reference image for this drawing, at sunset on Sakurajima in Japan. In the original photo, a small couple can be seen having their wedding photographs taken on the left-hand side of the bay.

As an experiment, I asked ChatGPT to write a step-by-step plan for using the using Derwent Inktense (72 set). I drew the sunset on Canson Mi-Teintes grey paper. Because of the mid-tone surface, I added Antique White to lift and elevate the colours, keeping the highlights bright and luminous.

ChatGPT chose a wider and more varied palette than I would have selected myself, and it suggested a different order of completion. I am very happy with the end result: I learnt a great deal from the process and would consider doing this again.

Colours used:

• Antique White (2300)

• Sherbet Lemon (0100)

• Sun Yellow (0200)

• Golden Yellow (0230)

• Sienna Gold (0240)

• Tangerine (0300)

• Burnt Orange (0260)

• Bright Blue (1000)

• Sea Blue (1200)

• Deep Indigo (1100)

• Charcoal Grey (2100)

• Payne’s Grey (2110)

• Neutral Grey (2120)

• Baked Earth (1800)

• Bark (2000)

• Sepia Ink (2010)

• Chinese Ink (2030)

• Amber (1710)

• Leaf Green (1600)

• Field Green (1500)

• Fuchsia (0700)

ChatGPT’s drawing instructions:

Excellent — here’s a step-by-step Inktense painting sequence to help you recreate that beautiful sunset scene with smooth blends, clean light, and natural contrast.
It’s structured for Inktense pencils (set of 72), using the corrected colours we discussed.


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Step-by-Step Guide: Sunset Over Water (Derwent Inktense 72)


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Step 1: Light pencil sketch

Use a light HB or a pale Inktense pencil like Antique White (2300) to outline:

Horizon line (a little below centre).

The sun’s position (a small circle).

Rough cloud shapes and rock silhouettes.

Basic water reflection line (a vertical stripe under the sun).


Keep it very light — just a map to guide your colour placement.


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Step 2: Lay down the sky base (dry pencil)

Work from light to dark, bottom to top:

1. Around the sun – Sherbet Lemon (0100) and Sun Yellow (0200).


2. Blend outward with Sienna Gold (0240) and a touch of Tangerine (0300).


3. Further up – add Burnt Orange (0260) transitioning into Bright Blue (1000).


4. Top edge and corners – Deep Indigo (1100) for the cool upper sky.



Keep the area around the sun free of heavy pigment — it should remain the brightest.


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Step 3: Add clouds (dry pencil)

1. Use Charcoal Grey (2100) for the base of the clouds.


2. Deepen shadows underneath with Payne’s Grey (2110).


3. Add subtle warmth on sunlit edges with Baked Earth (1800) or Sienna Gold (0240).


4. Optionally, a hint of Fuchsia (0700) for a soft pink glow on the undersides.



Keep pencil strokes loose and following the cloud shape.


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Step 4: Activate the sky and clouds

Lightly dampen your brush (not dripping wet).

Start near the sun with clean water and blend outward in circular motions.

Gradually move into oranges and blues — rinse brush between colour zones.

Use gentle strokes around clouds to preserve shape and softness.

Avoid touching the sun directly; keep it the paper white or only faintly tinted yellow.


Let it dry fully before the next step.


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Step 5: Distant land

1. Use Neutral Grey (2120) for the distant hills.


2. Add depth with Payne’s Grey (2110) and a touch of Baked Earth (1800) near the sunset area.


3. Gently activate with horizontal brush strokes.
Keep it slightly blurred to enhance distance.




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Step 6: Water base (dry pencil)

1. Start with Bright Blue (1000) across the lower half.


2. Darken outer areas with Sea Blue (1200) and Deep Indigo (1100).


3. For the sun’s reflection:

Centre stripe under the sun – Sun Yellow (0200) → Golden Yellow (0230) → Sienna Gold (0240) → Burnt Orange (0260) (top to bottom).

Leave thin gaps of white paper to mimic sparkle.





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Step 7: Activate the water

Use horizontal brush strokes only.

Start with the bright reflection stripe (clean brush, minimal water).

Work outward toward the darker water.

Blend softly where yellow meets blue to create realistic ripples.


Let dry completely before continuing.


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Step 8: Foreground rocks and vegetation

1. Sketch rock shapes with Bark (2000) and Sepia Ink (2010).


2. Deepen shadows using Chinese Ink (2030) and Payne’s Grey (2110).


3. Add small touches of Amber (1710) or Baked Earth (1800) on sunlit edges.


4. Suggest vegetation with Leaf Green (1600) and Field Green (1500).



Activate selectively — just dampen shadows and leave some pencil texture for realism.


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Step 9: Final dry details

Once everything is fully dry:

Reinforce dark silhouettes (rock edges, horizon) with Payne’s Grey (2110) or Chinese Ink (2030).

Add sparkling water highlights and glowing cloud edges with Antique White (2300) used dry.

You can glaze a light layer of Sienna Gold (0240) or Tangerine (0300) dry over parts of the reflection to boost warmth.



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Step 10: Finishing touches

Check for contrast: the foreground should be the darkest, the sun the lightest.

Optional: add a faint warm haze over the horizon with a damp brush and Sienna Gold (0240)