Painting Clouds with Watercolor - wet on wet watercolor technique

Cloud is such a natural phenomenon that many of us can just look at it all day long. So today, I want to share with you what I have learned, and hopefully, you can paint a beautiful sky with ease.
P.S. sorry about the typo in the bullet point. It happens some time =P
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www.dropbox.com/s/mmtrao2eiru...
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All the materials I use can be found here:
cafewatercolor.com/materials
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Timestamps
0:00 - intro
01:21 - 1- Don't try to control it
01:57 - 2- Plan well, work fast
02:36 - 3- Learn to stop
03:35 - Cloud exercise demo
09:38 - Cloudscape exercise demo
15:18 - Painting demo
30:21 - conclusion

[@Cafewatercolor]

Do you like clouds? I hope today’s video will be helpful for you ☁️ ⛅️

[@sourabhneema8650]

thanks for your content, its very helping and inspiring. i have a suggestion for more videos, well its more like i am searching for ways to approach it and can't find the helpful video of nocturne with watercolor. really hoping that you post some lessons on nocturne. thanks

[@6Pope9]

This video is exactly what i needed

[@joycejohnson7017]

This was so helpful. Ive been practicing clouds for awhile and doing pretty simple skies for my landscapes because I just wasn’t bold enough to try the gray and shadows in the clouds. I usually doing my skies too wet and ended up with the fuzzy edges. Thank you for your art and sharing your technique. I love it!

[@ES-hr8yx]

Hi Eric, I often find that when we look at a loose wc painting (even the work of good painters), from a close distance, say 1 feet or painting distance, it often looks dirty. It also looks like a bunch of strokes have been put together to make it look like the subject matter. It looks childish, dirty, inexperienced, lacks elegance. But when you look from a bit far, it looks so good, so pure, divine. Do you find this also? Should I worry about it because I reject my work often because of this reason. Should one look at the overall picture in watercolour, not too close but a safe distance? Does this happen with all watercolourists, even experienced ones? Thanks

[@6Pope9]

@@ES-hr8yx Well that's kinda the point. To represent subject with the simplest lines. You gain a feeling for it with time but if it is something you don't like about it maybe that technique just is not for you and that's totally fine :) Everybody should have his own style.

[@prettythings89]

What an incredible video, and a privilege to be able to access it for free, thank you so much Eric!

[@ulrike6681]

Thank you Eric!! I will try that now. I am 65 years old and started drawing due to a cancer desease and staying home because of Corona. I am drawing now for about 3 years and sky was always a problem for me😂. Thanks for this super tutorial. Greetings from Vienna Austria Ulrike

[@kristahall7037]

I've been a subscriber for a while & have enjoyed many of your videos, but today it just occured to me why I find myself choosing your videos instead of others. It's because you describe your steps better than most artists & you provide the tips in your discussion before you do your demo & then demonstrate those tips in your demos. I find this format so helpful! Thank you! I'm currently doing another online class, but when it's complete, I'm excited to try yours. Happy painting!

[@telfordlee4896]

Please pronounce things instead of sings. It's 'th' not 's'. Something and not somesing! Just pointing out.

[@uclapt]

@@telfordlee4896 Please take your rude comments somewhere else. I’m an American born Chinese with parents who were born in mainland China in the 1930’s and who have lived here in the US since 1955. They still have accents…and I would never be so arrogant as to tell them how to speak.

[@maryannecapstick4149]

@@uclapt I agree. My sentiments exactly.

[@dianebast9714]

@@telfordlee4896 That is just mean. Go away. Do you know a second language?

[@purrkmeup8001]

I am too a Chinese American, came to the States in my 20s, still speak with an accent. English is hard for Chinese or many Asians. My husband corrects me often, and I appreciate it! And I want him to too! Maybe I am not sensitive to the language- after having been living here for 20 years😆, I don't perceive Monkey's comment as rude. I think it really depends on the person's tone and intentions. People sometimes can get too sensitive to constructive feedback?

[@movingcow]

The best sky/clouds tutorial I have seen so far. Thank you so much for posting.

[@nonzerosum8943]

As for me this is probably the best art/watercolor video on KZbin. Your abstract understanding of what mental activity is involved in painting is indeed the key to understanding what REALLY is involved to progress as an artist. MILLE GRAZIE.....Paolo

[@cherirose6660]

I'm so GLAD I found such a fantastic teacher. Your laid-back way of explaining each steps help me to get rid of the fear of failure!! Thank you Eric🎨🎨🎨👍

[@Ileanacacucci]

Better cloudssky all over KZbin ❤

[@yunzers]

Love the “let go and let it flow” quote. As you say it’s easier said than done. You do it very well. Thanks

[@cindywight2616]

Love the way you paint the shoreline. Such informative instructions. Thank you for your inspiration.

[@maddiepaddy2608]

ur videos are definitely the best free tutorials anyone can find, id love to see you do facial portraits! great job as always

[@mr.m8123]

This was superb! For a complete beginner it was a bit daunting at first; I have tried three times to get even close to your results....I have improved with each attempt and I will continue. Your instructions are very clear and encouraging. Thank you for the excellent tutorials!!!

[@anilvinayakan1701]

Eric, this has been such a wonderful and useful lesson. Thank you so much. You are a great, inspiring teacher.

[@theresajones6088]

Thanks again Eric, I got so much from watching this, love the loose way you painted the sky.....was excited by the way you painted the rain, a pointer I definitely need, and the way to make the perspective with the decreasing size of the clouds was an eye opener....love your demos....the best....

[@katherinelawrence1608]

I'm obsessed with clouds and sky. This was the best video on the subject ever! Love the shadows on the water. Love the tiniest bit of dry brushing in the gloomy painting.

[@elizabethnicholson6691]

💛 Watching you paint (especially your wide skies with clouds) is such a calm and peaceful experience, with after effects similar to a mindfulness meditation. Thank you. 🕊️

[@barblallier9413]

Eric, you have inspired me to start painting again, I seem to have stopped when lock down started, I got in a cleaning/organizing mode! But I'm ready to paint clouds again! Your instructions are so clear, and practice, practice for the fun of it! Thank you, blessings

[@1artyfarty1]

Perfect wet on wet result. Bravo. Thank you for this video. A big star for you

[@3velynbarajas117]

Thank you! I have been searching for an tutorial that actually teaches something. So many videos say "Tutorial" in their titles; but they are almost all timelapse/speedpaint. I appreciate how you mention clouds get flatter near the horizon line ( i had not noticed that in real life before). Other artist's videos, claiming to be tutorials, give no insight behind the reasons for each brush stroke, placement of a brush stroke on the paper or color choice. So, thank you THANK YOU!😄 for this tutorial.

[@shelleypatriotmomwa79]

Stunning clouds. Love this

[@viewfromthetop176]

You teach so well. I appreciate all the tips you shared. Thanks.

[@lasvistasatitlan]

What a great video! So many great tips (like making the clouds at the bottom smaller and flatter). You make it look so easy and your paintings are beautiful. I really like you emphasizing the idea of stopping when you think it's getting good. I have ruined so many paintings when I've tried to fix it. I'll be trying your techniques for sure. THANK YOU!!!

[@wendymueller5547]

Great demo, Eric, as usual. The idea of perspective resulting in thinner clouds in the distance was a new concept but once seen makes perfect sense. I have to say, when you describe a technique as "easy" in your classes I always roll my eyes and chuckle. For you, yes. For me...well maybe someday. Thank you!

[@karenmorris11]

I loved this demo, I’ll be trying it soon. Thank you for sharing this!

[@patirving705]

I LOVE the you way you present the key points. You make it seem so doable! (even after Andy's class I am still struggling with clouds!)

[@paulettecui2650]

Thank you Eric for your detailed instruction of Watercolor techniques. I hv been doing Chinese painting for quite awhile but completely stopped for many many years. So I feel like an almost new student. I hv learned new techniques from you which were not taught by my painting instructor years ago. I continue to watch your demos and learn more. God bless you and your family always! 🌸🌿🌼🌱🔥

[@rupamagdy805]

This is like a full course on clouds. Taking us through step by step to ultimately full demos. Thank you so much. I struggle a lot with clouds and overworking is very hard to stop

[@joycestewart135]

I enjoy your watercolor demos so much and have learned a lot from you. Thank you!

[@Biju2223]

Yes I like to paint clouds. I enjoyed your bold way to do it!

[@annevanderwoude9319]

Beautiful in one word!

[@monami7092]

Great tutorial, the clouds look amazing. I will finally give it a try. Thank you

[@maynahho3370]

Always love your demo, Eric. You are a superb teacher! Thank you so much

[@masaakishimizu4558]

Just as I was thinking that I should paint sky better, but how…? You popped out on my screen. Very inspiring. Thank you Eric

[@millymollymandyism]

Thank you, cloud perspective is something that I had not considered, what a a difference that makes!

[@Zenon-fg4dw]

Two thumbs up! Great work!

[@ChuckleTuckle]

I love making clouds ☁️ and I do agree it’s not so easy to draw them with any medium. The techniques you demonstrate are helpful for everyone 👍

[@michaelgoldstein5388]

thank you so much. I loved it- all was good - particularly ideas 1,2&3

[@gunther744]

Thank you Magister! You are an astonishing artist!

[@paulmorinart]

Excellent tutorial. Clear instructions and superb demonstration. Thanks so much for this.

[@suel4269]

Gorgeous! Exactly how I want to paint clouds.

[@carlosfrostygreen6855]

This has been my favorite of the cloud canvases. Very nice.

[@joannad8630]

Sometimes half of the painting comprises of clouds and Sky. Very informative tutorial.☁️☁️☁️☁️

[@irenemoody4902]

love your cloud painting

[@tsandersonart6199]

I really like your approach in achieving a cloudscape and getting such wonderful depth in a simple composition. Also, you communicate the process in a very easy way to understand. I can't wait to get started now on a couple of scenes from photos I took and have been reluctant to try.

[@kennarsolonart8815]

This is something new and an interesting approach for me, Eric. Whenever I paint clouds, I love to put a mix of hard and soft edges but more on the hard edges actually. I always admire your loose strokes for the clouds. Will definitely give this approach a try 😍

[@barbbochenek5631]

I enjoy listening and watching you paint, you are very descriptive .

[@simonapalosan3208]

Great work, very much liked the technical explanation of the perspective influence over the forms and shadows as well as the diffusion of light due to overcast clouds.

[@tessyoshida2003]

The BEST tutorial video I’ve watched by far. Thank you so much. So well explained in simple terms all the way through.

[@vernonkauffman3264]

I really enjoy learning from your experience and techniques. Thank you for willingness to teach

[@driftinginsound4379]

Wow! Exceptionally great art, and clear lessons with wonderful tips. Thank you(: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania U.S.A

[@sarag8788]

Thank you for so clear instructions and tips!

[@valeriehaumont1312]

I think this format, with practice and them demo is the best so far. Thank you.

[@janesanchez213]

Clouds ARE so beautiful and I’ve had such a hard time painting them. I’m anxious to try again now. Thank you so much Eric!

[@user-jj2ym6up1y]

🖼️☁️ pretty clouds

[@shirleyhuet2959]

Thanks Eric. That was so informative. Your tips for creating cloudscapes really help me to understand what I need to do. Especially to stop when it looks good. Thanks so much. 💜

[@petrusgandamana]

thank you Eric... your explanation is helpful

[@philipdown3147]

Hi Eric thanks for sharing your skills in watercolour clouds I've not been painting long and as you point out clouds are not always easy to achieve. Thanks greatly appreciated

[@gordonanderson5425]

Brilliant tutorial. Your easy manner & describing every stroke is easy to understand so practice is what it takes, as you mentioned 👍👍👍

[@nancywillette8762]

Thank you for taking the time to explain and demonstrate! You work is amazing and your teaching style is very much appreciated.

[@gwenthmartin5727]

Cant wait to try this loose way. Thank you Eric

[@Janartable]

Thank you! A wealth of tips!!

[@telfordlee4896]

And your paintings and lessons are great!

[@user-zi8qi9ip2g]

I really benefit from your discussion of your painting process as you are painting.😊

[@donnakarenedwards2199]

Amazing to watch you. Now I will try it, thank you

[@watercolorlessons5304]

I love your work! Clouds have always been difficult for me. I will practice your techniques, THANK YOU!

[@mrinalsainani7312]

Beautifully explained..loved the technique and the way he teaches.

[@kaguyahime4022]

This was so informative and helpful - thank you so much Eric!

[@TheLeahsKitchen]

All those cloudscapes are extremely beautiful

[@Cafewatercolor]

Still... not as extraordinary as the real thing 😛 but I learn not to compare them

[@isadiddidisa3358]

Merci pour cette magistrale démonstration !

[@BarbrajoanOriginals]

Always a good video Eric, and thank you for this.

[@cherylheard1969]

I love the aspect of not overworking the painting which is very hard to do! New subscriber after this video!

Can't agree more with you: every time I overwork my watercolor,I don't like the result so I repaint my image in a more spontaneous way and it's always better. Thank you for sharing this, we can really learn from seeing you painting 👍

[@jbagzz]

I've been really enjoying bingeing your videos. Thank you so much for breaking down your process.

[@maryguzman3782]

you give me hope to continue with watercolors, thank you sooo much .

[@mikesamovarov4054]

Love this video tutorial! Thank you so much ❤

[@alfredof702]

Hi, Eric!!! You're such a great teacher! To hear your voice and seeing you painting es very delightful! Congratulations! I'm your fan from now on!!!

[@heyamanda101]

Absolutely wonderful video! Thank you soo much for the tips. I will be watching your video over and over and taking mental notes!

[@footloosegoose7463]

This is a video I keep coming back to the most, on your channel.

[@ButterFly-cw7sj]

I really, really appreciate this video a lot!!!! Painting clouds has always been my waterloo. This video proved to be an ultimate help!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@robmcshane6907]

Thank you so much, Eric. You make it look so easy with brilliant results. Great techniques. After my third time watching, time for me to practice 😄😄 - fortunately, your explanations make that much easier.

[@lynnewright4890]

Thank you. This has been a great help for my course!

[@SheridansSojourn]

Wonderful demonstration. Very helpful. Thank you!

[@Schneekoenigin07]

Danke für die herrliche Anleitung zum Wolken malen.

[@stephw1363]

Love your explanations! So.helpful and a nice change from all the sleepy piano music most artists have instead of a voiceover. Thankyou!

[@civilographybsbd1817]

Also that distant raining got my heart

[@nidhigupta1727]

Loved the way you explained every bit of your painting.

[@karenhealy1260]

The best teacher, thanks Eric!

[@sandraklee7920]

Thank you. Very informative. Makes me think I can have a go myself now.

[@evavilla3430]

Very well explained!!! Thank you so much

[@apedreus]

Terrific painting and the best narration of anything out there.

[@Sidweddingphotos07]

beautifully presented. Especially the first two cloud studies are a great way to build confidence and get started. Thanks for this

[@stinar37]

This is the best cloud tutorial I’ve ever seen! Thank you!!!

[@jdlang6839]

Excellent lesson from a great teacher. You are humble, honest about your knowledge, care about your students and I love your calming and gentle explanations. I’m hoping I can get up to Seattle some time in the future (from Sonoma County, CA) to have a class or lesson with you. Also love your portraits. And finally, I’m so happy your channel is growing. You absolutely deserve it!

[@deniseguylabriet4404]

Very, very interesting indeed. I just loved it. Thank you so much. Just listening is a pleasure and I am beginning to see how important it is to have a clear idea of what I want to do. To let it go.

[@maisie6904]

Thank you. I now have a much better understanding - less is more - fabulous tutorial x

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Overall experience over details, great advice all around! Thanks for this excellent video.

[@fenderblender356]

thank you for sharing all your knowledge

[@marcoa.morales9297]

Really nice paintings and very useful class. Thanks again Eric!

[@bridgetthauert5518]

I have been struggling so much with clouds and I really want to do landscapes with clouds thank you so much I cannot wait to get to it!

[@aviaja2008]

Let go and let it flow, I like that. Your clouds look highly professional, very beautiful.