How to Paint Three Types of Clouds: Easy Acrylic Painting for Beginners

Creating stunning cloudscapes can transform your artwork, and with just a few simple techniques, you can master three different types of clouds. Grab your acrylic paints, a few brushes, and let’s get started!

1. Fluffy Cumulus Clouds
To paint fluffy cumulus clouds, start with a clean brush and a mix of titanium white and a touch of ultramarine blue. Using a round brush, dab the paint onto your canvas in a circular motion, creating soft, rounded shapes. Layer these dabs, allowing the shapes to overlap slightly for a volumetric effect. Blend a tiny bit of grey using your blue and white mixture to add depth at the base of the clouds, giving them a shadowy appearance.

2. Wispy Cirrus Clouds
For wispy cirrus clouds, you’ll need a fan brush or a flat, dry brush. Begin with a base of pale blue for the sky. Once dry, dip your brush into a thin mix of white with a touch of light grey. Lightly drag the brush across the canvas in long, sweeping strokes. Focus on achieving an airy look; cirrus clouds are high and delicate, so avoid heavy application. You can add some quick flicks of a fine brush to enhance the wispy effect.

3. Rolling Storm Clouds
To convey the drama of rolling storm clouds, use a larger flat brush. Begin with a dark base of Payne’s grey or a mix of cobalt blue and black to form the sky. While this layer is still wet, introduce lighter shades of grey and white, blending them to create turbulent shapes. Use a circular motion to give them texture and movement, suggesting the heaviness of impending rain. Don't be afraid to add darker touches for contrast and depth.

Remember, the key is to practice and enjoy the process. Each type of cloud brings its own beauty and can complement your landscapes beautifully. Happy painting!