How to Draw a Sailboat
Let's learn how to draw a sailboat! Grab your pencil, drawing paper, plus some crayons or colored pencils - maybe even a black marker if you're feeling extra fancy. A ruler may sneak in for a few straight lines but if you don't have one it's okay.
You’re in for a fun-filled session of outlining and coloring. From the billowing sails to the playful waves, we’ll add unique touches that make your sailboat pop off the paper. Let's get those creative juices flowing as you draw your very own sailboat illustration!
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Level: Intermediate
Materials
- Pencil
- Drawing Paper
- Crayons or Colored Pencils
- Black Marker (optional)
- Ruler (optional but helpful)
Lesson: How to Draw a Sailboat
Today we're drawing a sailboat out in the water. This lesson has some detail and a full background so I'll have to extend this one to 18 steps. No need to stress, I got you covered from beginning to end. Let's jump right in (ha ha get it?...jump in the water!). Yeah I know a dad joke... but seriously let's get started on this sailboat drawing!
Outline the Hull
Start by drawing a long and pointed shape to outline the boat's hull.
Form the Gunwale
Form the upper edge of the hull called the gunwale by drawing a long horizontal line.
Draw the Waterline
Now, draw a wavy horizontal line to draw the water surface touching the base of the hull.
Attach the Bowsprit
Attach a diagonal rod on the front of the boat to form the bowsprit.
Add the Cabin
Form the outline of the sailboat’s cabin.
Outline the Portholes
Draw rectangular portholes on the cabin.
Add the Mast
Draw a tall, vertical rod extending upwards from the top of the cabin to form the mast.
Draw the Boom
Near the base of the mast, draw a shorter horizontal rod extending outwards to form the boom.
Outline the Sails
Form the triangular outline of the sails.
Add the Pattern of the Sails
Create curving horizontal lines to draw the striped pattern of the sails.
Attach the Burgee
Attach the wavy pointed flag on top of the mast called the burgee.
Draw the Horizon Line
Draw a long horizontal line in the middle of the drawing to outline the horizon.
Add Waves
Draw short, wavy lines around the sailboat to outline the waves, emphasizing the movement of water.
Draw the Clouds
Outline a few soft, fluffy clouds in the sky.
Color the Boat
Use shades of orange to fill in the boat’s hull and bowsprit.
Add Color to the Sails
Color the sails with white and red. Next, shade the boom and mast with dark brown. Then, fill in the burgee on top of the mast with yellow.
Shade the Cabin
Shade the cabin with white and the portholes with dark blue.
Fill in the Sea and Sky
Fill in the sea with a vibrant shade of blue. Then, use a lighter blue color for the sky. Then, shade the clouds with white.
Artist & Educator