Art Guide - ☁️ How to Paint Clouds + Real-time Painting Video ☁️

Hello Patrons! 🤍☁️

Today I wanted to talk about how I approach painting clouds! Painting clouds can be a very fun process but it can also get daunting, so I will share simple methods and tips that have helped me approach painting this subject!

☁️ Value Structure ☁️

When it comes to painting clouds, it helps break them up into a simple 2-3 value structure. In the example below I’m taking references of varying cloud shapes. I usually use a hard round brush or a lasso tool to create a big shape.

Although the clouds come in many different shades, grouping the values will help simplify the shape.

I divided it into two contrasting values: lightest and darkest (you can also add a third value for the middle value)

When it comes to colour, you still want to simplify the structure. You can always add more detail and shades to it after you’ve solidified the clouds' form.

Remember, even when you add color, it’s important to take note of your values. Having contrasting values will help create a more dimensional effect.

☁️ Perspective and Form ☁️ 

Another tip to remember is to think of clouds as big shapes in the sky. To create more dimension to your piece, consider thinking about the perspective.

In the first image below, the cloud shapes vary in size. Although, the painting is not necessarily “wrong,” it can be improved by changing the perspective and form of the clouds.

In the second image, by creating a vanishing point it creates a more dynamic picture. The clouds now look like they have a structure and the composition has improved.

☁️ How I Approach Painting Clouds ☁️

Practice by doing simple cloud studies using the lasso tool. Always start small and then add details later.

In the first step, I used a lasso tool to create different cloud shapes using one colour/value. *if you’re using Procreate, it helps to turn on the colour fill to fill in the shape with one solid colour

Second step: I divide the shadow by adding a contrasting value. In some cloud shapes, I put the darkest value on top of the light one.

Then, using the lasso tool, I create shapes within the cloud form and use a textured brush to add varying values. Always remember to think about your edge control. That’s why I recommend using a lasso tool to avoid over-blending.

☁️ Master Study ☁️

Another practice, I like to do is to do a master study of different artists' work. It’s always interesting to see how other artists approach painting clouds. You can learn how they group their structures, use different brush methods and they can create cloud forms.

Brett Allen Johnson 

Jim Musil 

☁️ Cloud Painting Study Video ☁️

You can watch the video I’ve provided in real-time on how I did this cloud study.

Watch Here 

Watch Here 

Thank you so much for reading! 🥰

Love always,

Maxine