Whether you’re an experienced watercolor painter or want to give the art of watercolor painting a go for the first time, there are many gorgeous locations around Virginia Beach that are ideal for capturing scenic scenes, from beaches and lakes to woodlands and marshes.
Here are some of the best sites that you’re sure to love painting.
Virginia Beach Resort Strip
As you may know, Virginia Beach has thirty-five miles of beautiful beachy coastline, but it’s along the resort strip where most people gather.
So, if you want to paint a gorgeous seascape or beachscape that also captures people relaxing or swimming in the sea, and which will undoubtedly represent the heart of Virginia Beach, head to the resort strip.
The beach is quite broad, so there are numerous ideal spots to set up your easel and gain fantastic vantage points.
You can either purchase trending Singulart paintings for sale that depict beaches and other gorgeous natural landscapes, or try to experiment and create your own painting and hang it on your wall.
You could even sell your watercolors of the Virginia Beach area.
Cape Henry Lighthouses
There are two lighthouses located near the northern end of Virginia Beach within Fort Story at Cape Henry and both will make wonderful subjects for watercolor paintings.
There are various spots in the area where you can get a great view of the lighthouses.
The newer lighthouse’s striking black-and-white design certainly has aesthetic appeal, but you may prefer to paint the older lighthouse, which has historical significance. Dating from 1792, it’s the fourth-oldest lighthouse in the U.S.
Of course, you have the option to paint both!
And with a stunning seascape in the background, from the right vantage point, you can create a wonderfully composed picture or a beautiful area.
Sandbridge Beach
With marshes and open water, Sandbridge Beach is a more secluded spot than the Virginia Beach resort strip. So, if you want to capture the natural beauty of a beachfront, Sandbridge Beach is the perfect location.
Furthermore, there’s a tranquil vibe to the beach, so any artist will enjoy soaking up the quiet atmosphere and smelling the fresh Atlantic air as they paint a view of their choosing.
Stumpy Lake Natural Area
For a truly gorgeous natural landscape with an abundance of flora and fauna, head to Stumpy Lake Natural Area.
There are endless spots among the 1,422-acre sites that are ideal for painting the beauty of the area.
You could paint the pines, oaks, and sweetgums of the woodlands, areas with plants like buttonbush and lizard’s tail, or the swampy section that is home to dragonflies, reptiles, amphibians, and songbirds.
Of course, Stumpy Lake itself is the perfect subject for a watercolor painting. And at the lakeside, you might even spot creatures like butterflies, bald eagles, and prothonotary warblers.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Virginia Beach, along Sandbridge Road, you’ll discover Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which is next to Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
You have the opportunity to paint sand dunes, maritime forests, or freshwater marshes.
And you might spot creatures like muskrats, bobcats, and deer; which would make fine additions to your painting – as long as you’re able to draw or paint them before they disappear.
Indeed, when painting natural areas that are home to an abundance of wildlife, it might be worth taking a camera with you so that you can snap creatures and add them to your painting even after they have fled the scene.
First Landing State Park
With salt marsh habitat, sand dunes, freshwater ponds, and cypress swamps, not to mention over a mile of beachfront, First Landing State Park is another gorgeous location where you’ll discover multiple spots to set up your easel and paint natural beauty.
Located at Chesapeake Bay, the ancient 2,888-acre site is an enchanting place that is simply waiting to be painted!
Also, Chesapeake Bay’s beach is one of the least crowded beaches in the area.
Red Wing Metro Park
For a more urban park, which still has outstanding beauty, head to Red Wing Metro Park. It’s located south of the resort area.
The park is home to several gorgeous gardens, including the Reba S. McClanan Fragrance Garden. So, you can smell sweet floral scents while you paint the abundance of flowers and other natural features of the park.
False Cape State Park
With six miles of stunning beaches, the ocean-to-freshwater habitat of False Cape State Park offers multiple idyllic spots to paint.
You could capture coastline, sand dunes, woodlands, salt marshes, or farmers’ fields in the remote park.
False Cape State Park is also home to a wealth of wildlife, including snow geese, feral pigs, wild horses, loggerhead turtles, white-tailed deer, red foxes, and otters.
Events
