5 Practical Techniques for Painting Clouds with Acrylics

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 6 min read

Clouds are a beautiful and versatile element to include in your artwork. Mastering the art of clouds painting can add depth, character, and atmosphere to your acrylic landscapes. In this blog, we will explore five practical techniques for painting various types of clouds with acrylics, from fluffy clouds to abstract formations.

1. Creating Fluffy Clouds

Fluffy clouds are a classic addition to any sky scene. By using the right brush, mixing colors, and employing a layering technique, you can achieve a realistic clouds painting that's both captivating and natural-looking.

Choose the Right Brush

For fluffy clouds, a round or filbert brush works best. These brushes have rounded tips that allow for softer edges and smooth blending. When selecting a brush, look for one with medium stiffness and durable bristles to hold up against the acrylic paint.

Mixing White and Blue

Creating the perfect color for fluffy clouds begins with a simple mixture of white and blue paint. Start by mixing a small amount of blue with a larger portion of white paint, aiming for a light sky blue color. This will act as the base for the cloud. To add depth and dimension, mix a slightly darker shade of blue for the shadow areas and pure white for the highlights.

Layering Technique

Layering is essential when painting fluffy clouds. Begin by applying the light sky blue base color you mixed earlier in a general cloud shape. Next, add the darker blue shade to the bottom and sides of the cloud to create shadows, blending it seamlessly with the base color. Finally, apply pure white highlights to the top and edges of the cloud, giving it a 3D effect. Remember to work in thin layers and allow each layer to dry before adding the next one—this will help you achieve a more realistic and dimensional clouds painting.

2. Wispy Clouds

Wispy clouds are delicate, elongated, and often appear as if they're being pulled across the sky. Painting these cloud formations requires a different set of techniques, including the use of a fan brush, dry brushing, and blending wispy edges.

Using a Fan Brush

A fan brush is ideal for painting wispy clouds because its bristles are spread out, allowing you to create thin, elongated shapes. To paint wispy clouds, load your fan brush with a mixture of white and a small amount of blue paint. Use light pressure and gently sweep the brush across the canvas in a horizontal direction, following the natural movement of the clouds.

Dry Brush Method

The dry brush method is an effective way to create a soft, wispy appearance. To do this, remove most of the paint from your brush by dabbing it onto a paper towel or cloth. Then, with minimal paint remaining on the brush, lightly drag it across the canvas in a horizontal motion. This technique allows the texture of the canvas to show through, creating a subtle and airy effect in your clouds painting.

Blending Wispy Edges

Wispy clouds typically have soft, feathered edges. To achieve this look, use a clean, dry brush to gently blend the edges of the paint strokes, smoothing out any hard lines. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can cause the clouds to lose their wispy appearance. With practice, you'll be able to create stunning wispy clouds that add a touch of elegance to your acrylic landscapes.

3. Stormy Clouds

Stormy clouds often evoke a sense of drama and tension in a painting. These clouds are characterized by their dark, billowing shapes and bold contrasts. To create stormy clouds in your acrylic painting, focus on adding darker shades, creating texture, and incorporating contrasting highlights.

Adding Darker Shades

When painting stormy clouds, begin by mixing darker shades of blue or gray. Don't be afraid to use strong, bold colors to create depth and intensity. Layer your paint, starting with the darkest shades at the base of the clouds and gradually blending into lighter tones as you move upwards. This will help to give your clouds painting a sense of depth and dimension.

Creating Texture

Texture is a key element in capturing the turbulent nature of stormy clouds. To create texture, use a variety of brushstrokes and dabbing techniques. Experiment with using the side or tip of your brush to create interesting patterns and effects. You can also use a palette knife or a sponge to add layers of paint and create a more dynamic surface texture.

Contrasting Highlights

Integrating contrasting highlights is essential for capturing the drama of stormy clouds. Use a mixture of white and a small amount of blue or gray paint to create lighter tones. Apply these highlights to the upper portions of the clouds, where sunlight might be breaking through. The contrast between the dark shadows and bright highlights will enhance the overall impact of your clouds painting and truly capture the essence of a stormy sky.

4. Sunset Clouds

Sunset clouds are known for their captivating colors and tranquil beauty. To capture the essence of a sunset in your clouds painting, focus on using a warm color palette, blending colors seamlessly, and incorporating sun rays for added depth and interest.

Warm Color Palette

Begin your sunset clouds painting with a warm color palette consisting of oranges, yellows, reds, and purples. These colors will help you create the rich, glowing hues that are characteristic of sunsets. Start with the lightest colors, such as yellows and light oranges, near the sun, and gradually transition to darker shades as you move away from the sun.

Blending Colors

Blending colors is essential for creating the smooth, gradual transitions seen in sunset clouds. Work with wet paint, as acrylics dry quickly, and use a soft brush to blend the colors together. Move your brush in small, circular motions to achieve a seamless blend. Don't be afraid to go back and forth between light and dark colors to create the perfect gradient in your clouds painting.

Incorporating Sun Rays

Adding sun rays can give your sunset clouds painting an extra touch of realism and depth. To create sun rays, mix a small amount of white paint with your lightest colors, such as yellow or light orange. Use a thin brush to paint thin, radiating lines coming from the sun, extending through the clouds. The rays should be more prominent in the lighter areas of the clouds and become more subtle as they reach the darker portions. This technique will add a sense of depth and dimension to your clouds painting, making the sunset scene even more enchanting.

5. Abstract Clouds

Abstract clouds paintings offer a unique opportunity to explore your creativity and experiment with various techniques. With abstract clouds, there's no need to adhere to realistic shapes or colors, allowing you to express your artistic vision freely. To create eye-catching abstract clouds, try experimenting with different shapes, using a palette knife for texture, and incorporating mixed media elements.

Experimenting with Shapes

When painting abstract clouds, don't be afraid to play with unconventional shapes and forms. You can create cloud-like structures using geometric shapes, swirls, or even random patterns. Try combining various shapes and sizes to create a dynamic composition in your clouds painting. Remember, there are no rules in the world of abstract art, so let your imagination run wild!

Using a Palette Knife

A palette knife is a versatile tool that can add unique textures and effects to your abstract clouds painting. Apply thick layers of paint with the edge of the knife to create bold, textured strokes or use the flat side to spread and blend colors. You can also scrape away paint to reveal underlying layers or create interesting patterns. The possibilities with a palette knife are nearly endless, so don't hesitate to experiment with this tool and discover new ways to depict clouds in your painting.

Incorporating Mixed Media

Adding mixed media elements to your abstract clouds painting can elevate it to new heights of creativity. Consider incorporating materials such as collage elements, ink, pastels, or even fabric to create a multi-dimensional clouds painting. For example, you could use torn pieces of paper to represent fluffy cloud shapes or apply ink washes for a more ethereal effect. By combining different media, you'll not only create a visually engaging piece but also showcase your artistic versatility. Remember, the sky's the limit when it comes to abstract clouds painting!

If you enjoyed reading about the art of realism painting, then don't miss the 'Follow Along: Realism Paint Workshop' by David Shepherd. This hands-on workshop will guide you through the techniques and skills you need to master realism painting, allowing you to create stunning works of art. Join now and take your painting skills to new heights!