Painting Soft Clouds in Watercolor

Trouble getting soft-looking clouds? Skies looking patchy or just plain flat? This demo addresses these common problems when painting skies
140lb cold press paper by Arches
Biaelk squirrel hair brushes
DaVinci Watercolor
Speedball Color Wheel Palette
Check out my full Zoom workshops for painting realistic watercolor
shelleypriorart.com/zoom-work...
Shelley
www.shelleyprior.com
shelleypriorfineart
shelleypriorfineart
Shelley Prior Fine Art - KZbin

[@scottenosh4548]

This is definitely the best cloud tutorial Ive seen...just...wow.

[@barbmummey5467]

Have watched a lot of cloud videos and you are the 1st artist who has really shown how to soften the edges and make the clouds look real. Thank you!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I'm so glad it was helpful Barb. Thanks so much for watching.

[@gowrishankark.jkrishnaveni8504]

Good work mam superb.

[@saphirs33]

Same for me. I have some hard time with skies. But this tuto is really the best I watched since I started painting 7 months ago. Perfectly explained, and beautiful achievement. Thank you so much from France🙏

[@yagechen8230]

​almost want to take notes for everything said when you are painting. Thank you so much. Waiting for your next tutorial.

[@adarrazabdelhakim547]

Very good .intresting excellent .from morocco

[@iforester4449]

Beautiful clouds! After years of self criticism I started painting again and am so glad I found your channel. Please keep repeating things, it is very helpful to someone learning new techniques.

[@scottkowalczyk9670]

I agree that this is the most comprehensive and useful demonstration of realistic cloud painting for us watercolor novices, thank you. Compared to other demonstrations, this is most useful for achieving desired results.

[@budhawley]

THE best suggestion you made has helped me immensely for blending and softening of color: wash, blot and use the tip. Sounds so simple and it is. Bravo!

[@jas8815]

I've never seen anyone paint clouds this way before. It's fascinating to watch and the results are so realistic. Thanks for sharing!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it and I was able to offer something new. Thanks for watching.

[@amandaterrio4823]

I was shocked at how real they look

[@jaclisse]

Félicitations Madame pour votre pédagogie !

[@ttjasi98]

Thank you for showing your method of being able to take your time and do one thing at a time and let it dry and do some more. I've found watercolor to be stressful in thinking I need to finish something in one go and this is so much less anxiety inducing..

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I know exactly what you mean. Work on good paper and you can add colour in stages.

[@linvandenberg6382]

THANK YOU for your efforts and all the many fine points you made and we need!

[@susanmills4557]

Your tutorial on soft clouds is amazing! I've tried quite often to paint clouds...but you make it make so much sense! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@chrismostert5338]

BEST tutorial for me by far. So low key, so simple, so Excellent. Thank you Shelley.

[@marybethfee2777]

Great video! I appreciate the time you spend explaining. First time I've heard "the brush must he drier than the paper"! Great tip...and amazing clouds.

[@jonimarsicano4642]

I am new to watercolor, and loved this video. I’ve struggled with clouds, and you gave a lot of good tips in this video. Thank you so much!

[@raebigwood7430]

Just begun to really try to learn watercolour painting. I like still life so i worked for a few weeks before deciding to join a class in my home town. The teacher rushed through basic techniques and then went straight into landscape. I could not follow quick enough so had to leave the class. Thank God i have found you.There is a saying, "When you are ready, the Teacher comes to you."

[@gkfrandsen7739]

I agree the clouds technique is very realistic and beautiful. Most watercolor artists clouds don't have much in detail. This really works well.

[@cynthiabowen7092]

You are such a patient and very good teacher, thank you! I'm a beginner.

[@chasingpaint0702]

This was really helpful. Not only about painting the clouds in several layers but also the tip about the paper/brush water ratio. I will give this a try. Thanks for sharing this.

[@andrewdavies7575]

I've only just started doing art at 32 years old, watercolour being my chosen form. This has so far been the most life changing tutorial. I adore this style and will spend some time trying to get this look.

[@oljastevanovic]

This is the most detailed, well explained lesson on painting sky in watercolor I have ever watch. And the most lovely painting also in tutorials so far :) :) So , I will be glued to your channel for a long time , since I have found it today ( sadly ... lost so much time struggling with lifting paint to make a cloud ... or racing against time with a large washes .. ) Thank you so much :)

[@Shinetimeart]

You give so much valuable information. And its never too much… yes i will hear your voice. The brush must be dryer than the paper. Love you…

[@barbarachristian8538]

Another excellent video, thank you so much for these helpful reminders! I don't think you can say it enough about the brush needing to be drier than the paper and also stopping or spritzing once it starts to dry. You have helped me a lot! Thank you!

[@johannamovassat6780]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. Even after a year when you first presented it, it’s still the best cloud tutorial on the internet. You truly are an exceptional instructor. Thank you thank you!

[@Mail2elr]

By far the best water color cloud tut I've seen, and believe me I've watched them all. Thanks a lot.

[@charlesbell8721]

Really appreciate you Shelly sharing your knowledge. Your very kind!

[@estellegrove4853]

Shelly this is fabulous. Thank you so much, this is the first tutorial that has made me truly understand how to show perspective with clouds. Thank you so much, you’re a star ⭐️ ❤

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I’m so glad that it was helpful. Thanks so much for watching 😊

[@estellegrove4853]

@@shelleypriorfineart 💕💕💕

[@gretchenmack-pq4fo]

Thanks for finishing it with the trees & lake!

[@gmax758]

Your mastery of watercolor is a thing of pure beauty to me, and you are an incredibly good teacher. In my days, I’ve been through many university classes and have spent years as a college art teacher from which I’m now retired. I’m seeing many things I wish I had known. Thank you so much for making these wonderful videos ❤ I’m working daily in watercolor and learning a great deal from you. ,

[@laurencecoutant4836]

I do agree , this is by far the best video I’ve watched on how to paint skies and fluffy clouds . Thank you for the advice and tips .

[@cheshirebowman4465]

Probably the best tutorial on clouds I've ever seen. Beautiful and very well explained.

[@chellepitts1990]

All I can say is….amazing. Will be trying this!❤

[@joannparnell1753]

Totally enjoy your tutorials. I am just a beginner and enjoying it!

[@mauricebyrne5016]

Thank you so much for the very best demo of cloud painting that I have ever found.

[@windywednesday4166]

I've watched this video two or three times, and I still learn something new every time! It's way above my skill level, but I'm going to try it anyway. I bounce back and forth between trying to paint, studying pigment information and pallet organization, experimenting and practice exercises. "Don't have more water on your brush then you do on your paper"! Well, well, well. That solves a problem I've been having when I swatch my colors and play in my book. From the videos I've been watching I'm not the only one that needs to learn that! ❤ LOL. That's the perfect tip to put me back on track.

[@terryheasley7027]

Oh my gosh! Your clouds are fantastic, and you are a genius!

[@donnahenry3772]

This was a fantastic video! Thank you SO much for explaining everything so clearly.

[@brendalazellestephenson2319]

Once again, Shelley, just watching you paint gets me excited and eager to move forward with my painting. Clouds have been so challenging I felt blocked. Now I'm determined to get back in and just do it! Thank you.

[@maryannbaker]

What brand of brushes are you using

[@colouredeye9775]

Omg! This is brilliant! Such a unique way to paint the clouds in watercolours… thank you Shalley

[@bonnieterry2030]

I love the way you teach! Thank you!

[@survivalist56]

Thank you for the lesson, I repeated it and studied it, and something turned out to be quite good to draw)

[@jeremiahchapman513]

Incredible! Favorite cloud video I’ve found. Thanks for sharing your technique 🤗

[@gretchenmack-pq4fo]

So beautiful, and you always explain techniques so well! Thank you 😊

[@bythehandofbob]

This is my first time watching a Shelley video. WOW! Those are beautiful clouds!

[@carollivengood5472]

Best sky/cloud video ever! You have been so helpful.

[@virginiavredeveld7956]

Beautiful, for sure. Thank you.

[@sudhakasinadhuni1071]

Just a few days back I wanted to paint clouds and was postponing it. I happened to click on your video and I love the way you have demonstrated and explained. Thank you so much

[@patriciahorelick6450]

This was extremely helpful!!

[@ark2450]

You are so immersed in the nature while painting and it turned out to be a fantastic landscape 👌👏👏👏. Excellent tutorial. Thank you very much.

[@loredana8716]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I have learned a couple of very good pieces of information on painting skies. I can tell that you really want others to learn and do well in their art.

[@kayclark4406]

Wow! I just discovered you. What a wonderful new way to paint realistic clouds. Thank you for a great lesson.

[@amandaterrio4823]

I’m so glad that KZbin recommended your video! I’m excited to learn from you

[@cannabiscupjudge]

Wonderfully helpful. This hour passed so quickly! Thanks

[@Cchouette]

Same opinion as your subscriber Barb ! I watched a lot of videos on the subject "clouds"... your video is the only one I will remember 🤩 A big THANK YOU to you for sharing your way of making these beautiful realistic clouds 🇫🇷😘

[@lynnnicholas5248]

glued to my screen. Excellent tutorial. Watching from Tucson, AZ.

[@sandragiuria8725]

I really loved your painting and how you explain how to work or correct. Sandra from Uruguay South America

[@billdiuguid328]

Thank you! This was VERY helpful ❤ you are amazing!

[@ewarrin]

Loving these videos. Super helpful. Thanks for taking the time. I can’t wait to try some clouds.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks very much Eric ☺️

[@sueconforzi1303]

Wonderful cloud demo….so appreciate the extra time you take to explain the ‘why’ of various techniques.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thank you Sue. I'm glad that you enjoyed it :)

[@kathleencrum4833]

I loved this! I cannot wait to try this here at home.

[@Bearwithme560]

You seem like such good person, as well artist. Thanks for this.

[@deebarnard5439]

The most logical and easiest cloud painting video. I've seen so far. I'm going home to get out my abandoned watercolours. Thank you so much. ❤❤

[@loredana8716]

Very beautiful!

[@phyllco672]

I just love your tutorials ! I’ve found them so helpful !

[@nikkiswenson54]

Outstanding demo! ❤🎉❤

[@cindyculbertson5886]

Thank you for your reminders on so many good tips, i.e. brush not wetter than paper, so I keep your voice in my head😊. Also, love your method on the clouds as I have always heard, "do your sky and do not go back to it" but when it lightens up, it is not what I want. Now I really want to try this. Thank you so much!

[@Dojustdoandbe]

Wonderful tutorial! Thank you

[@jefffawver888]

AWESOME JOB! Thank you for sharing.

[@jacqulynhilyard1561]

Another excellent tutorial! Thank you very much.

[@sherryfurr9115]

Excellent video. Thank you, especially for emphasizing brush to paper wetness so many times. Hopefully I will remember this! I keep forgetting it.

[@stephanyfaycohen3842]

Many thanks for this video. For years I have tried painting SKY.... your demo is perfect.

[@laurieanderson9290]

Fantastic clouds!!

[@normaneames5901]

Very helpful and love your patience and how well you explain everything. Thank you Shelley.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thank you very much Norman

[@Katrina.for_art]

OMG I've always heard ppl say you're using too much water or less water on your brush but this makes more sense!!! the brush has to be dryer than the paper. It's relative. thankyou for the clarification ( after 5 yrs of trying)

[@user-dz5wt4vp2y]

Lovely to watch your video specially showing reference photo along with your painting process in one frame, which others don't do.

[@JeanneK930]

Thank you for this very detailed and great video! This was super helpful. Few people explain this.

[@janeekitchen7727]

First time watching clouds built this way.....a fantastic, relaxed method giving lots of control. Many many thanks for sharing! x

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks Janee. I do enjoy painting without the pressure of getting all of it down in one single pass.

[@janemillar-ck3nc]

I am watching 8 months on, thank you, it makes so much sense to me now, can’t wait to have a go 👏

[@cavalli5757]

Omg!! Omg!! This is fantastic!!! Thank you very much for this precious tutorial! Youre amazing! 🌺👏🏻

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I'm delighted that it was helpful. Thanks so much for watching :)

[@Otherside2020]

A truly great lesson on clouds! I must have a thousand photos of clouds taken on trips in the passenger seat. All types and conditions. Looking forward to trying some of your techniques.

[@pennythedomelady]

Wow! So many excellent tips! I'm also very pleased to see a sky that looks like ours in the mountains of Colorado, instead of the gloomy overcast skies prevalent in other areas around the world. I'm very happy to have found your channel. Thank you so much!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Welcome Penny and thanks so much for watching. I'm glad that you enjoyed this.

[@susanwilson1276]

Love your video! To paint in these kind of layers, as in shadows first then blue sky is fantastic, first time I've seen it done like this and I love it! Thank you 😊

[@dianemcgregor6171]

Yes I've not seen it done in this order either. I think it might work better for me. And yes I must remember Shelley that my brush must be drier than what's on the paper!

[@lyndaranson1728]

Thank you! Love your sky! Learned a lot that I needed since I keep painting clouds

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks Lynda. I'm so glad it was helpful. There aren't a lot of landscapes that don't require painting a sky of some kind, especially with clouds. :)

[@sophieraia2427]

Vraiment super bien expliqué ! Merci beaucoup, c’est très réussi ❤

[@clareschwab6113]

You are the best at skies! Exactly what I needed! Thank you

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thank you so much Clare. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the demo. Happy Painting!

[@BornAgainFarmGirl]

Watching this two months later , timeless instruction . Thank you Shelly 😊!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Replays definitely work too. Thanks for watching :)

[@Sertava]

Прекрасное небо, прекрасная вода, прекрасный пейзаж)))) благодарю

[@irenehynes7536]

Great explanations! Thank you!

[@user-uu4fp5uj3g]

The best tutorial on clouds I've seen and I've looked at quite a few. Thank you!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks very much Ross. I’m so glad it was helpful 😊

[@bl9531]

Excellent video, thx for posting

[@nancywillette8762]

Greetings from northwestern Vermont. Beautiful new snow overnight. About 8” here at home. Just came in from a snowshoe in the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere you spoke about. Now for some watercolor!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks so much for watching and welcome Nancy. Nothing like a fresh new snowfall

[@ginaschissler9887]

There isn't anything you can't do...beautifully! Thank you!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

That’s really sweet of you Gina. Thanks so much 😊

[@Bees123Knees]

Hi from northern Ontario. We had a few days of snow last week, but I think it was too early to be silent, over the collective groans, lol. I know the first deep snowfall quiet that you mention, and I thank you for that reminder. It is special. I like this tutorial very much and subscribed.

[@roubend1]

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your demos Shelley!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Awww thanks so much. I’m so glad that you are demoting my demos

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks very much for watching. 😊

[@ksmith4944]

Wonderful!

[@mahirakhan-rea9625]

Learned a lot today!

[@maria.3649]

Very nice clouds!good job!

[@dushyanthangeetha-kb2cl]

Love your demonstration. Thank you so much.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I appreciate that. Thanks so much for watching!

[@jesswoodhere]

Wow - incredibly helpful!! Thank you for the detailed tutorial!! 😊

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I’m so happy that it was helpful. Thanks for watching ☺️

[@a2mcginnko]

Great tutorial! Thank you!

[@hamnhock]

I love this demonstration, so many great lessons. I know now how i make blooms!!!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I'm so glad it helped you William. Thanks so much for watching.

[@user-kl7fm2lt1r]

This is the best and new to me to me, Thank you so much

[@krismua1209]

Beautiful- - thank you!

[@teacher5628]

Thanks for helping me with technique! - From you neighbor in Michigan.