There are several ways to reproduce various cloud effects.
Landscapes and seascapes are favorite subjects for many artists, both amateurs and professionals alike. One of the biggest challenges in many landscapes is reproducing the atmospheric effects of the sky. The form, color and tone of a painting's sky can determine how viewers respond and make the difference between an interesting work and a masterpiece.
Use a Base Color
One of the simplest ways to begin just about any landscape painting is with a base coat of titanium white paint. Then begin to brush in a base color for the sky. This can be a blue, green or any other color that will dominate the tone of the sky in the finished piece. Begin at the top of the composition, working side-to-side and using less paint as you approach what will be the horizon line. This gradient--darkest at the top--mimics the actual sky, which is always lightest at the horizon. Using a base color also gives you a color standard to use when choosing which other colors to use to create complements and contrasts within the sky.
Experiment With Mixing Colors
Even a relatively smooth, cloudless sky actually contains several colors, or shades of the same color. To reproduce a sky accurately, you need an eye for color and the ability to mix subtle variations of paint. Experiment with mixing colors to achieve different shades of the base color. You also might want to produce one or more small studies of the painting. These can be small paintings on paper or colored pencil drawings in a sketchbook. The purpose of a color study is to determine which colors you want to use in the final painting, and mix paint to produce those colors.
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is a common brush technique that is useful for creating clouds. Clean and dry a soft-bristled brush thoroughly. Then, use paint that you have mixed but not thinned with water or any other medium. Brush or dab the paint onto the dried base coat, using a soft motion to add small amounts of paint with each stroke.
Layering
Layering is a technique that artists use along with dry brushing to create cloud effects. Once you've dry brushed a base for your clouds, let the layer dry. Next, add another layer of color to all or part of the cloud forms you established with the first layer. Start with light layers, and gradually add the darker and more saturated colors. Remember to shade each cloud in the same direction, so that viewers understand the direction of the sun. In most cases, the tops of clouds are lightest and the bottoms darkest, indicating that the sun is somewhere overhead.
Knife Techniques
Another technique for painting skies and clouds is to use a palette knife. These smooth, flexible, blunt blades create sharp-edged forms. This can give a more rigid or impressionistic style to clouds. A knife is also useful for creating the sharp edge of the horizon line, causing the sky to recede relative to the rest of the composition.
