ARTISTIC THEME
Colored pencil palettes for fire, sun and sunset
Explore 168 colored pencil palettes for fire, sun and sunset and continue working with them in the interactive Atlas.
168 palettes · 6 brands · 5 color roles
How colors are organized in fire, sun and sunset palettes
Warm palettes progress from very pale light toward deep reds, violets or earth colors. Contrast around the focal point makes fire or the sun appear to emit light.
Light
Occupies the brightest center of a flame, sun or reflection and should stay lighter than it first appears.
Base
Defines the dominant orange, yellow or red that unifies the warm scene.
Transition
Connects yellows and reds, or the luminous sky with cooler sunset areas.
Accent
Introduces sparks, golden reflections or a cool contrast that intensifies the sensation of heat.
Depth
Darkens smoke, edges and surroundings to increase the focal point’s luminosity without covering it.
Palettes for fire, sun and sunset
Compare golden, reddish and twilight combinations. The key is to preserve the light and distribute contrast around it.
Golden flame · Natural
Five pencils organized around this combination, balancing light, main color, nuance and depth.
Open Golden flame · Natural in the AtlasGolden flame · Natural
Five pencils organized around this combination, balancing light, main color, nuance and depth.
Open Golden flame · Natural in the AtlasGolden flame · Natural
Five pencils organized around this combination, balancing light, main color, nuance and depth.
Open Golden flame · Natural in the AtlasGolden flame · Natural
Five pencils organized around this combination, balancing light, main color, nuance and depth.
Open Golden flame · Natural in the AtlasGolden flame · Natural
Five pencils organized around this combination, balancing light, main color, nuance and depth.
Open Golden flame · Natural in the AtlasGolden flame · Natural
Five pencils organized around this combination, balancing light, main color, nuance and depth.
Open Golden flame · Natural in the AtlasGolden flame · Higher contrast
Five pencils organized around this combination, balancing light, main color, nuance and depth.
Open Golden flame · Higher contrast in the AtlasGolden flame · Higher contrast
Five pencils organized around this combination, balancing light, main color, nuance and depth.
Open Golden flame · Higher contrast in the AtlasHow to read and apply these palettes
First observe relationships between lightness, temperature and depth; then adapt pressure and layer order to your paper.
Frequently asked questions about fire, sun and sunset palettes
Simple answers for adapting combinations to your pencils, paper and way of coloring.
How do I make fire look bright on white paper?
Reserve the light center and gradually darken the surroundings. The sensation of light comes from relationships between values, not just yellow.
Can I add blue or violet to a warm palette?
Yes. A cool accent can intensify oranges and help represent smoke, shadows or a twilight sky.
Why does my sunset look too orange?
Introduce pink, violet or blue transitions and leave less saturated areas. The sky needs breathing room between intense colors.
In what order should I color a flame?
Protect the light first, lay down pale yellows, add oranges and finish with reds and darks on the outside and in the surroundings.
Turn the combination into a useful palette for your drawing
Open the Atlas, check the exact pencils and substitute each color with another that performs the same visual role.
Open this theme in the Atlas