How to Draw a Sailboat
Skill Level : 1 Beginner, 2 Intermediate
Medium : Pencil Drawing
Subject : Seascapes, Transport
Tutor : Nolan Clark
Class Length : 2 hours 10 minutes
Avg Rating : No Ratings Yet
Silver Level or Higher Class
Class Description
In this lesson we will draw a sailing boat.
During the class you will learn:
1) How to draw clouds
2) How to draw the sails so they look like they have various amounts of wind
3) How to draw reflections in the water
4) How to show the land in the distance
5) and much more...
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Class Tutorial
![Reference photo - how to draw a sailboat](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20181024103620/1c-draw-sailing-boat-reference-photo.jpg)
In this tutorial we will draw a sailboat. This is the reference photo I will be working from.
Drawing the Sky
![Cloud reference photo - how to draw a sailboat](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20181024103735/1b-draw-sailing-boat-cloud-reference.jpg)
Our sailboat reference photo doesn't have nice clouds in it so I have found this photo which does have nice clouds.
We will use our artistic license to add clouds similar to these into our drawing. That should add extra drama and interest to the scene.
![Cover scrap paper in graphite - how to draw a sailboat](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20181024103025/1-draw-sailing-boat-graphite-paper.jpg)
Start off by covering a spare piece of paper with graphite.
We will use this and a cloth to draw with.
![Mask off the horizon - how to draw a sailboat](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20181024103123/2-draw-sailing-boat-mask-horizon.jpg)
We don't want to lose the horizon so we mask it off.
![Use cloth to draw clouds - how to draw a sailboat](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20181024103219/3-draw-sailing-boat-draw-clouds.jpg)
Now rub the cloth over the graphite paper, then onto your drawing to draw the clouds.
In a circular motion rub the shadows of the clouds onto the paper.
![Erase cloud highlights - how to draw a sailboat](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20181024103316/4-draw-sailing-boat-erase-cloud-highlights.jpg)
What I am trying to do is create the gradual shadings formed by the clouds.
To ensure I don't loose the shape of the boat I use an eraser to keep the edges of the sails defined.
The clouds give us the contrast we need for the white sails to be visible so don't be shy with the contrast you add to the clouds.
Drawing the Sails
![Sail with smooth shadings - how to draw a sailboat](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20181024104056/5-draw-sailing-boat-erase-round-sail.jpg)
Now we can move over to the sails.
Each sail has a different shading because of its shape so you need to carefully look at how the light reflects off of each sail.
This one here is round so it has a gradual shading.
![Sail with cast shadow - how to draw a sailboat](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20181024104156/6-draw-sailing-boat-sail-with-cast-shadow.jpg)
The one behind it is also round so will also get that gradual shading.
This time however the first sail is casting a shadow on it so the tonal values of these shadings are different.
To draw these tonal values and shadings correctly vary the pressure you apply to the pencil as well as use harder and softer pencils.
![Sail with creases - how to draw a sailboat](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20181024104255/7-draw-sailing-boat-sail-with-creases.jpg)
This sail is full of creases, just suggest these creases by creating a series of contrasting lines.
Look very carefully at the direction of these lines through as they follow the shape of the sail.
Do the same with the other sails as well.
![Sail details and rigging - how to draw a sailboat](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20181024104349/8-draw-sailing-boat-rigging.jpg)
Now we can start to add the detail to the sails.
For this use a very sharp pencil or a mechanical pencil to add in all the rigging and to suggest the stitching work on each sail.
![Draw the masts - how to draw a sailboat](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20181024104459/9-draw-sailing-boat-masts.jpg)
To ensure you draw the masts accurately use a ruler to draw the outside edges. Then color in the insides.
To show the mast is round darken the right hand edge on each mast.
Now we can gently remove the masking tape in order to draw the water.
Drawing the Water
![Using a ruler to keep horizon straight - how to draw a sailboat](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20181024104702/10-draw-sailing-boat-ruler-horizon.jpg)
There is a dark edge to the horizon so I use the ruler to establish the edge of the boat so I don't lose it's shape.
![Blocking in the water - how to draw a sailboat](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20181024104756/11-draw-sailing-boat-block-water.jpg)
Now use your cloth and the graphite paper to lay down a basic tonal value on the water.
![Draw the ripples on the water - how to draw a sailboat](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20181024104846/12-draw-sailing-boat-water-ripples.jpg)
Erase the ripples on the water using a kneaded eraser.
To show perspective, make the ripples in the distance short and close to each other and the nearby ripples large and further apart.
![Draw the water reflections - how to draw a sailboat](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20181024105113/13-draw-sailing-boat-water-reflections.jpg)
The reflections are broken vertical lines so put in the dark vertical lines using the cloth first.
Then squiggle out the lighter reflections.
I have also used the pencil to squiggle a few extra contrasts here and there which completes the water.
Drawing the Boat
![Shade the hull - how to draw a sailboat](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20181024105258/14-draw-sailing-boat-hull.jpg)
Now shade in the shape of the boat.
![Draw the people and detail - how to draw a sailboat](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20181024105344/15-draw-sailing-boat-detail.jpg)
And use a dark pencil to suggest the people and detail on the boat.
Don't draw fine detail here. Suggestions and basic shapes are good enough. Your brain will imagine the rest of the detail when looking at the completed artwork.
![Draw the birds - how to draw a sailboat](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20181024105548/16-draw-sailing-boat-birds.jpg)
This is what the final sailboat drawing looks like:
![Learn how to draw a sailboat with this online art lessons by the Paint Basket and Nolan Clark](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20160314095854/how-to-draw-a-sailing-boat-1200.jpg)
Enjoying This Tutorial?
![Learn how to draw a sailboat with this pencil drawing tutorial by Online Art Lessons](https://dym0z5qy5v964.cloudfront.net/uploads/20181024102444/how-to-draw-a-sailing-boat-sailboat-pin.jpg)
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