Create Stunning Clouds with Top Procreate Brushes: A Comprehensive Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 25 May 2023 11 min read

Creating stunning clouds in your digital artwork can elevate your pieces and bring them to life. With the right cloud brush procreate, you can achieve impressive results that capture the essence of nature's most majestic creations. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of choosing the perfect cloud brush, painting clouds with various techniques, and exploring advanced methods to make your cloud art stand out.

1. Choosing the Right Cloud Brush Procreate

Before you can start painting clouds, it's important to choose the right brush for the job. In this section, we'll discuss the different types of cloud brushes, how to understand brush settings, and how to customize your cloud brush procreate for the best results.

a. Types of Cloud Brushes

There are several types of cloud brushes available in Procreate, each with their own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular cloud brush types include:

Textured brushes: These brushes have a rough, textured appearance that can add depth and detail to your clouds.
Soft brushes: Soft brushes are ideal for creating fluffy, wispy clouds that appear to be gently floating in the sky.
Stencil brushes: Stencil brushes allow you to create cloud shapes quickly and easily by using a pre-defined shape as a template.

Experiment with different brush types to see which one works best for your desired cloud style.

b. Understanding Brush Settings

Procreate offers a variety of brush settings that can help you achieve the perfect cloud effect. Some key settings to consider when selecting a cloud brush procreate include:

Size: Adjust the size of your brush for larger or smaller clouds.
Opacity: Control how transparent or opaque your brush strokes appear, allowing for subtle variations in your clouds.
Blending mode: Experiment with different blending modes to see how your brush strokes interact with the colors and layers beneath them.

By understanding and adjusting these settings, you can fine-tune your cloud brush procreate to create the exact look you want.

c. Customizing Your Cloud Brush

One of the great things about Procreate is its ability to customize brushes. This means that you can create your own unique cloud brush procreate tailored to your specific needs and preferences. To customize a brush:

Open the brush settings panel by tapping on the brush icon.
Adjust the various settings such as size, opacity, and blending mode to your liking.
Experiment with additional settings, like jitter or spacing, to create unique effects.
Save your custom brush by tapping "Done."

By creating your own custom cloud brush procreate, you can ensure that your clouds have a distinctive look that sets your artwork apart.

2. Painting Clouds with Your Cloud Brush Procreate

Now that you've chosen the right cloud brush procreate and customized it to your liking, it's time to start painting clouds in your digital artwork. In this section, we'll explore basic cloud painting techniques, how to use color and light effectively, and ways to add details and texture to your clouds.

a. Basic Cloud Painting Techniques

When starting out with your cloud brush procreate, it's important to master some basic techniques to create convincing clouds. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Use light pressure: Applying light pressure with your stylus can help you create soft, fluffy edges for your clouds.
Build up your layers: Start with a light base and gradually build up darker layers, adding depth and dimension to your clouds.
Vary your brush strokes: Don't be afraid to mix up your brush strokes, using both short and long strokes, to create a more natural-looking cloud.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting with these techniques until you feel comfortable with your cloud brush procreate.

b. Using Color and Light

Color and light play a significant role in making your clouds appear more realistic and dynamic. Here are some tips on how to use color and light effectively with your cloud brush procreate:

Choose the right colors: Clouds are not always pure white. Depending on the time of day and lighting conditions, they can take on shades of blue, gray, pink, or even orange. Observe real clouds and use reference photos to help you select the right colors.
Consider the light source: Identify the direction of your light source and use it to guide your shading. Generally, the parts of the cloud closest to the light source will be lighter, while areas further away will be darker.
Use highlights and shadows: Add highlights to the tops of your clouds and shadows to the bottoms to create a sense of depth and dimension.

By paying attention to color and light, you'll be able to create clouds that look more lifelike and blend seamlessly into your digital artwork.

c. Adding Details and Texture

Adding details and texture to your clouds can make them appear more interesting and natural. Here are some suggestions for enhancing your clouds with your cloud brush procreate:

Create variations: Avoid making all your clouds identical in shape and size. Nature is full of variety, so strive to create clouds with different forms and dimensions.
Add wispy edges: Use a smaller brush size to add wispy, feathered edges to your clouds, giving them a more delicate appearance.
Experiment with texture: Try using different cloud brush procreate types or custom settings to add texture to your clouds, making them appear more dynamic and three-dimensional.

Don't be afraid to take your time and experiment with different techniques to find the perfect balance of detail and texture for your clouds.

3. Advanced Techniques for Cloud Brush Procreate

Once you've mastered the basics of painting clouds with your cloud brush procreate, it's time to take your skills to the next level. In this section, we'll explore some advanced techniques that will help you create even more realistic and captivating clouds in your digital artwork. Let's dive in!

a. Dynamic Brushes for Realistic Clouds

One way to create more realistic clouds is to harness the power of dynamic brushes in Procreate. Dynamic brushes can respond to variables like pressure, tilt, and speed, giving you greater control over your brush strokes. Here's how you can use dynamic brushes with your cloud brush procreate:

Pressure sensitivity: Adjust the pressure curve in your brush settings to make your brush strokes more responsive to the pressure applied with your stylus. This can help you achieve softer, fluffier edges and more natural-looking clouds.
Tilt control: Enable tilt control in your brush settings to vary the shape of your brush based on the angle of your stylus. This can help you create diverse cloud shapes and add texture to your clouds effortlessly.
Speed sensitivity: With speed sensitivity, your brush strokes will change based on how fast you move your stylus. This can help you create more dynamic clouds with a greater sense of movement and spontaneity.

Experimenting with these dynamic brush settings will allow you to create clouds that look more lifelike and add depth to your digital artwork.

b. Layering Clouds for Depth

Layering clouds is an effective way to create a sense of depth and volume in your digital artwork. With your cloud brush procreate, you can use these techniques to layer your clouds:

Foreground, midground, and background: Create separate layers for clouds in the foreground, midground, and background. This will allow you to paint and edit each layer independently, giving you more control over the composition and depth of your cloudscape.
Opacity and blending modes: Adjust the opacity of your cloud layers and experiment with different blending modes to create a sense of depth and atmospheric perspective. For example, try using a lower opacity for distant clouds to make them appear more hazy and far away.
Layer masks: Use layer masks to hide and reveal parts of your cloud layers, allowing you to create a sense of depth and overlap between clouds without permanently erasing any of your work.

By mastering these layering techniques, you'll be able to create complex, multi-dimensional clouds that add depth and interest to your digital artwork.

c. Atmospheric Perspective

Atmospheric perspective is a technique used to create a sense of depth in a landscape by simulating the way that air and atmospheric conditions affect the appearance of objects in the distance. To apply this concept to your clouds with your cloud brush procreate, consider the following tips:

Color and value shifts: As objects recede into the distance, their colors tend to become cooler and less saturated, while their values become lighter. Apply this principle to your clouds by using cooler, less saturated colors for distant clouds and warmer, more saturated colors for closer clouds.
Softening edges: Distant objects often appear less defined and have softer edges due to the scattering of light in the atmosphere. Use a lower opacity and lighter pressure with your cloud brush procreate to create softer, more diffused edges for distant clouds.
Reduced contrast: Contrast between highlights and shadows tends to decrease with distance. To create a sense of atmospheric perspective, reduce the contrast between light and dark areas in your more distant clouds.

By incorporating atmospheric perspective into your cloudscapes, you'll create more realistic and visually captivating digital artwork that draws the viewer in.

4. Drawing Inspiration for Your Cloud Brush Procreate Art

Now that you have the techniques and tools to create stunning clouds with your cloud brush procreate, it's essential to find inspiration for your artwork. After all, the sky's the limit when it comes to creating captivating and unique cloudscapes. In this section, we'll explore different sources of inspiration to help you create your cloud masterpiece.

a. Real-Life Observation

One of the best sources of inspiration is the world around you. By observing real-life clouds, you can better understand their shapes, colors, and overall composition. Here are a few ways to make the most of real-life observation:

Step outside: Take a moment to step outside and observe the clouds in the sky. Notice the different shapes, sizes, and colors, as well as how they interact with each other and the light.
Photograph clouds: Capture images of clouds with your smartphone or camera. This way, you'll have a visual reference to refer to while working with your cloud brush procreate.
Study weather patterns: Understanding weather patterns and how they affect cloud formation can give you a deeper insight into creating realistic and dynamic cloudscapes in your digital artwork.

By observing real-life clouds, you'll be well-equipped to create more authentic and visually striking cloudscapes with your cloud brush procreate.

b. Artistic Styles and Influences

Another source of inspiration can come from studying the work of other artists, both traditional and digital. This can help you develop your unique artistic style and give you fresh ideas for using your cloud brush procreate. Here's how you can draw from artistic styles and influences:

Study art history: Explore the works of famous artists who excelled at painting clouds, such as J.M.W. Turner, Claude Monet, and Georgia O'Keeffe. Observe their techniques, color palettes, and compositions to gain insight and inspiration for your cloudscapes.
Follow digital artists: Discover contemporary digital artists who create stunning cloudscapes using Procreate. By following their work, you can learn new techniques, get inspired by their styles, and even connect with a community of like-minded artists.
Experiment with styles: Challenge yourself to create cloudscapes in different artistic styles, from impressionism to abstract. This will not only help you grow as an artist but also keep your cloud brush procreate skills fresh and versatile.

By exploring various artistic styles and influences, you'll continually evolve and refine your cloud painting skills with your cloud brush procreate.

c. Digital Resources and References

In addition to real-life observation and artistic influences, you can also find inspiration through digital resources and references. These online tools can help you get ideas and improve your cloudscapes using your cloud brush procreate. Here are some digital resources to consider:

Online tutorials: There are plenty of online tutorials available that can help you master your cloud brush procreate skills. These tutorials often provide step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to create various types of clouds and cloudscapes.
Art forums and communities: Joining art forums and online communities can provide you with valuable feedback, inspiration, and support from fellow artists. You can share your work, ask for advice, and learn from others' experiences with cloud brush procreate.
Reference images: Websites like Pinterest and Unsplash offer a wealth of cloud reference images that can serve as visual inspiration for your digital artwork. By studying these images, you can better understand cloud formations and compositions, which will translate into your work with your cloud brush procreate.

By tapping into these digital resources and references, you'll never run out of inspiration for your cloud brush procreate art and continue to grow as a digital artist.

5. Pro Tips for Mastering Cloud Brush Procreate

With the techniques, inspirations, and resources in hand, you're well on your way to creating captivating cloudscapes with your cloud brush procreate. But what separates good artists from great ones is the willingness to continually learn and refine their skills. In this section, we'll share some pro tips to help you master your cloud brush procreate abilities and elevate your digital cloud art to the next level.

a. Practice Makes Perfect

As with any skill, practice is key to mastering the use of cloud brush procreate. The more you use your cloud brush, the more confident and adept you'll become. To make the most of your practice sessions:

Set aside time: Dedicate a specific time each day or week to practice your cloud brush procreate skills. Consistency will help you improve more quickly.
Focus on one aspect: Concentrate on mastering one technique, style, or aspect of clouds at a time. This will help you build a strong foundation and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Remember, practice is not about achieving perfection, but about learning and growing as an artist. So, embrace your mistakes and keep pushing forward with your cloud brush procreate journey.

b. Experimentation and Adaptation

Experimentation is crucial for developing a unique artistic style and discovering new ways to use your cloud brush procreate. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new techniques, styles, or even creating clouds you've never seen before. Some ways to encourage experimentation include:

Vary your brush settings: Tweak the settings of your cloud brush procreate to see how it affects the final outcome. You might find a new setting that works perfectly for your artistic vision.
Combine techniques: Blend different cloud painting techniques or artistic styles to create a fresh and original cloudscape.

By experimenting and adapting, you'll not only become more versatile with your cloud brush procreate but also create more captivating and unique cloud art.

Sharing your cloud brush procreate art with others can be both rewarding and educational. It allows you to gain valuable insights, learn from others, and even inspire fellow artists. Here's how to make the most of sharing your work:

Join online communities: Share your cloudscapes with digital art forums or social media groups. These communities are great places to receive feedback, ask questions, and find inspiration from fellow artists.
Ask for specific feedback: When sharing your work, ask for feedback on specific aspects of your cloudscape, such as composition, color, or technique. This will give you targeted advice to help you improve your cloud brush procreate skills.

By sharing your work and embracing feedback, you'll foster a growth mindset and continue to refine your cloud brush procreate abilities, ultimately elevating your digital cloud art to new heights.

Armed with these pro tips, a wealth of resources, and a passion for cloud art, your journey with the cloud brush procreate is just beginning. Remember, great art takes time, patience, and dedication. Keep practicing, experimenting, and learning from others, and you'll soon be creating breathtaking cloudscapes that leave viewers in awe. The sky's the limit, and with the cloud brush procreate in hand, you're ready to soar.

If you enjoyed learning about creating stunning clouds with Procreate brushes, we highly recommend checking out the workshop 'How to Draw A Fruit In ProCreate' by Vicky Catalan. This workshop will teach you the techniques and tips to master drawing fruits in Procreate, further expanding your digital art skills and creativity.