Art doesn’t have to be difficult, and drawing a boat on water is an excellent place to start. As long as you have a picture, some paper, and a few basic tools, you can create a masterpiece. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started right away!
First, pick a spot. Water scenes are great for allowing both a foreground and a background, so find an area you want to focus on in your work. Choose a light pencil for the first layer of your sketch.
Second, look at the biggest shapes of your subject. Look at the main part of the boat, the sun, and the horizon. Start outlining these shapes with your pencil and try to keep the lines even and connected.
Third, add in the details. Move onto the windows, doors, and more intricate shapes of the boat. Fill in the waving water and the reflections of your boat.
Fourth, add a hue. Use light watercolors and mix in your paint to match the colors of the boat, skies and water.
Fifth, layer it up. Sketch out and color any reflection, shade and highlights found on the boat, the sky and the water. With these extra layers, your sketch will come to life as if it was right in front of you!
Section 2 – The Power of Perspective
When drawing a boat on water, perspective is key. It adds depth and texture to the artwork and takes it from flat to perfected. The trick is to make sure everything that is on the same line appears to be the same size. Even though the boat is further away, it should be the same size as it appears closer up.
Make sure to also focus on the sunlight and shadows in the reflections of your painting. This will allow for a sense of space to be produced and transitions the painting from being two-dimensional to three.
Also pay close attention to the color of the reflection on the water. This is often the same color as the sky, but it can be an entirely new hue.
Last, take a step back and admire your work. Focus on the small details and make sure that everything looks just right.
Section 3 – Drawing Techniques
The key to a great water-filled painting is perfecting the details. Small tricks can elevate the finished look and draw out the best in your artwork.
When sketching out the shape of the boat, try adding some ripple effect on the edges. This will give off the impression of movement and add a spark of life to your painting.
Then, don’t be scared to go bold with the reflections. Make the details pop and exaggerate them to create the desired affect.
Also, choose a water color that will match the sun’s light and brightness. Work with a light hand and cup so that the waves of the water don’t look like a blob.
Finally, use darker and lighter tones to add shadow and depth. This will make the painting feel real and transport your viewers into a different setting.
Section 4 – Adding Finishing Touches
Once you’ve perfected your drawing of the boat on the water, take a moment and appreciate your hard work!
Before you are done, take a few moments and add a few extra elements. Birds flying above the boat, waves on the surface, small boats in the distance will captivate onlookers with your artwork.
Once your small details are in place, pay attention to the background. Soft and light hues along with warm and cool tones will give the painting visual interest. Sky gradients and dust particles will look amazing and show off your talent as an artist.
Last but not least, focus on the lighting. If the sky is bright and sunny, draw the sun and its rays directing at the boat. This will give off a sense of peacefulness and will help all of your details flow together.
Section 5 – Let Your Art Speak
Once you’ve put your brush down and stepped back, it’s time to let your art speak for itself. What stories can be seen in the shadows and reflections? What images can be created from the small details? What emotions will be brought out when someone is looking at your painting?
Take a deep breath, step back and just enjoy the masterpiece you’ve just crafted. You’re now a pro at drawing boats on water and you’re sure to create many more breathtaking works of art in the future.
