Creating fluffy clouds can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity. This tutorial is perfect for beginners as it requires just a few basic tools. It includes numerous illustrative pictures and clear steps to guide you.
STEP ONE.
Start with a blank canvas. Choose a lovely sky color, like blue, to fill it. You can either proceed to the next step or use the gradient tool for an easier option. I prefer the next step for a more authentic sky appearance, but the gradient tool is a handy shortcut for those who prefer it.
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20121110133926im_/http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/egofanatic/cloud/cloud1.jpg)
STEP TWO.
Experiment with the dodge tool (or select different colors) to introduce various shades…
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20121110133926im_/http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/egofanatic/cloud/cloud2.jpg)
Blend … (a larger brush size is more effective!)
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20121110133926im_/http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/egofanatic/cloud/cloud3.jpg)
Remember: the sky tends to be lighter closer to the horizon…
STEP THREE.
Use the dodge tool once more! Set it to “dodge” and create a rough cloud-like shape..
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20121110133926im_/http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/egofanatic/cloud/cloud4.jpg)
Soften the edges to give it a fluffy look (:
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20121110133926im_/http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/egofanatic/cloud/cloud5.jpg)
STEP FOUR.
With the same dodge settings, add another layer slightly smaller than the first…
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20121110133926im_/http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/egofanatic/cloud/cloud6.jpg)
Blend again! Be careful not to blend the outline of the previous layer too much, as the varying shades add depth and dimension (:
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20121110133926im_/http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/egofanatic/cloud/cloud7.jpg)
STEP FIVE.
Switch to a smaller brush.
Using the same dodge settings, lightly outline parts of the cloud, focusing on the bottom and sides. Be subtle!
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20121110133926im_/http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/egofanatic/cloud/cloud8.jpg)
Now with a slightly bigger brush, blend again, but sparingly, to maintain the cloud’s depth and fluffiness (:
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20121110133926im_/http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/egofanatic/cloud/cloud9.jpg)
STEP SIX.
Dodge again …
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20121110133926im_/http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/egofanatic/cloud/cloud10.jpg)
Blend again …
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20121110133926im_/http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/egofanatic/cloud/cloud11.jpg)
Tip: For blending, it’s crucial to use a small brush size and blend moderately to avoid losing the cloud’s distinct shape and colors.
FINAL STEP.
Repeat the process until your cloud looks full and fluffy.
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20121110133926im_/http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p286/egofanatic/cloud/cloud12.jpg)
Your masterpiece is now complete!
All steps are done on a single layer.
Enjoy your cloud painting journey!
![](https://thewindowsbulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/carter.jpg)