How to Paint a Sunset on a Lake with Sailboat | Inspired By Vermont

Learn how to paint a sunset on a lake with a sailboat with acrylics in this painting tutorial. Artist Ashley Krieger is traveling and painting in all 50 U.S. states. Today she takes you to Vermont to capture a sailboat on Lake Champlain, Burlington, Vermont.  I hope you learn a lot and enjoy this video as she paints plein air. 

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While we were in Vermont we stayed in a small town near Burlington on Lake Champlain. The lake was absolutely stunning and a place full of enjoyment for many. People were playing on the beaches, laughter and good times could be heard on the boats lined along the shores. I can imagine that those sailing off in the distance were having a great time as well. I was very excited to finally see sailboats close enough to paint one. I have always been drawn to sailboats. I suppose it's my adventurous spirit. I would love to sail around the world. 

I call this painting "Changing Winds" because I had spent the week changing my website and business plan. This is a big deal for me. I made much-needed changes. Some of these changes I was reluctant and scared to change. However, I felt like it was time and it was a long week of hard work. Afterward, I was able to relax and felt like I am finally sailing with the wind and not against it. 

You can find the videos for each state she has traveled to thus far here. 

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Learn How to Paint a Sunset and Lake

You can find the acrylic art supplies use here. I also used metallic gold and silver Liquitex heavy body acrylic paints. Watch the tutorial to see what colors I used and when. ​

Watch the Video Tutorial

How to Paint a Lake with Sailboat, Step by Step...

Step 1 - Paint in main colors. Choose a place for a horizontal line to separate your sky and water. Paint in the main colors on the water, mountains, and sky. 

Step 2 - Paint sky with the colors you wish. I started with a pink and decided to add more blue to make a nice purple. You don't need to clean your brush. Add blue to the top of your painting. Use side to side brush strokes on your canvas to blend the colors together. 

Step 3- Paint the mountains above the lake. This area is heavily forested so you will have layers and need to add texture to make it appear as trees. See video for color recommendation and how to layer.  

Step 4 - Paint the waves on the lake. The lake will be lighter closer to the trees. As you move forward add darker paint and lighter paint. Use the video to see the brush strokes I use to get the water texture.  Use the colors in your sky to add to your water. 

Step 5 - Paint the Sailboat. The trick is to paint the lines and shapes as you see them. If your worried about this step, you can use transfer paper and a photo reference. Trace the boat with your transfer paper onto your canvas.  Then paint it. All Createful Art Members get a reference photo to complete this art piece. You can become a Createful Member anytime to get the reference photo. After you become a member search, sailboat reference. 

Step 6 - Look back and see what your painting needs. Be creative and add your own personal touch. 

Thank you for watching!

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