Here is an easy step-by-step tutorial for beginners on how to paint a sunset with acrylics:

1. Apply gesso (optional).
2. Start with background colors.
3. Add the sun and refine gradients.
4. Blend sky gradient and add light clouds.
5. Add brighter clouds around the sun in pink.
6. Bring darker clouds up and blend where needed.
7. Darken the clouds further and add the horizon line.
8. Create the sea colors and ripples ^{1 2}.