Simple Steps To Paint A Beautiful Cloudscape - Mastering The Art Of Oil Painting

If you're drawn to big sky paintings, then follow some simple steps to paint a beautiful cloudscape. I turned a photograph into this painting and now you can too.
I started with a grey-primed canvas and some easy steps to set out the scene. Then the fun part! Using a cloth to wipe out the cloud shapes I was able to demonstrate how any beginner could start their own painting. I made some mistakes of course. But I show how to correct any happy accidents.
If my tutorial helped you then I encourage you to watch Janhendrick on his own KZbin channel / @paintingskies1 see how an expert captures the scene perfectly. And, learn so much more about the different techniques he uses to create stunning sky scenes. Then start painting your own!
I tested this brush - great for soft blending - more tests to come
Royal and Langnickle Synthetic Brushes - amzn.to/42qCvF3
#bobrosspainting #paulransonart #beginnersoilpainting
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🎨🎨 Paints, Brushes, and other materials I use in the studio 🎨🎨
The Masters Brush Cleaner geni.us/CL3GSAd (Amazon)
bob ross liquid white geni.us/AqOFAe (Amazon)
bob ross liquid clear geni.us/oO31Af (Amazon)
BR Palette Knife (Lg) geni.us/MtIyl (Amazon)
1" brush geni.us/aivj6se (Amazon)
2" brush geni.us/8ACco (Amazon)
BR Half Round geni.us/KoqSs3g (Amazon) UK & USA
No. 3 Fan geni.us/nllMdnh (Amazon) UK & USA
No. 6 Fan geni.us/pzLMBl (Amazon)
BR Basic set geni.us/H4px (Amazon)
BR Master Set geni.us/9iIHb (Amazon) - BEST VALUE ✅✅
Reynolds Freezer Paper geni.us/5aHLO (Amazon)
Lining Paper DIY Canvas geni.us/Zw5AeHf (Amazon)
Daler White Acrylic geni.us/QdMIsB (Amazon)
Daler Black Acrylic geni.us/RTlez (Amazon)
BR Thinners geni.us/sCZM5O (Amazon)
Zest-It geni.us/R2NTBIk (Amazon)
Daler Table Top Easel geni.us/Ivv7Gvt (Amazon) - RECOMMENDED ✅✅
Daler Floor Easel geni.us/hf9oFAS (Amazon)
📸📸 My Studio Camera Set-Up
Canon M50 Mk 2 geni.us/cWDf (Amazon) - BEST VALUE ✅✅
Blackout Yeti Mic geni.us/t3eGBU (Amazon)
Neewar Video Lights geni.us/aYyS (Amazon)
Viltrox Video Lights geni.us/v1aUJ (Amazon)
UK Boya Shotgun Mic geni.us/F0AwZ (Amazon)
Boya Lav Mic geni.us/E6JI1Z (Amazon)
Paints Used - Bob Ross Liquid White, Titanium White, Ph. Blue, Prussian Blue, Alizarin Crimson, Dark Sienna, Vand dyke Brown, Yellow Ochre.
28.3.24

[@PaulRansonArt]

This tutorial looks at a simple easy to repeat technique for cloud painting. For more sky painting tutorials check out Janhendrik Dolsma's channel Painting Skies for his expert tuition @PaintingSkies1 - Thanks Janhendrick for sharing your amazing talents!

[@margaretbutters6181]

another great lesson thankyou

[@PaulRansonArt]

I'm glad you found it helpful! Always here to share more lessons and insights!

[@sueconte6790]

You're may absolute favorite!!!! This is another great one. I hope you'll do another oil over acrylic, too! I'll be watching (and painting) for sure!!

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you so much Sue for the kind comments - see you soon - Paul 😃

[@WilliamHedison]

Great advice as always...I have in the past struggled with painting clouds...always came out a bit flat with no fluffy edges,will be trying your technique ,lovely painting showing our lovely coast line we have in the UK thanks Paul...ps love how the puss claims the canvasesmust have been warm in the window

[@PaulRansonArt]

Hi William - yes, were blessed with some amazing coastal paths and beaches. These fluffy clouds are so much easier when painted over a couple of days and a little extra highlight to add some depth. Just stay away from pure white until the last moments. I didn't use any pure white for this scene! We share the house with the kitties. They let us live here as long as the cupboards always full of their favourite treats. Poppy is actually one of the sweetest cats. But she does love a canvas!😃😎

[@Metalgods74]

This is great! Love the tip where you wipe off the blue before applying the cloud. I often end up with blue clouds because the white paint won't stick or it sticks and just blends with the blue. Great painting !

[@PaulRansonArt]

Hi MG - its a common challenge when painting wet on wet oils. If the base colours are even a tiny bit too wet then a blue cloud is likely. If you chack out my other cloudy sky videos you'll notice that I apply slightly less liquid white and paint a very patchy sky. I pop my clouds in the gaps between the blue of the sky. Sneaky top tip but it keeps me out of trouble. 😃😉😎

[@Metalgods74]

@@PaulRansonArt thank you so much for this explanation!!!

[@robinruby3156]

Good evening. I just had to reach out to say that I received my BR fan brush!! It’s fantastic and I almost don’t want to use it, it’s so perfect! And Paul, I sent a screenshot of your guide stick to my little brother. Within the space of 1 hr, he fabricated one from things in his garage and brought it straight away. What a difference!!! It may not be as nice as yours, but it will make painting straight lines so much easier for my old shaky hands. 😊 Thank you for sharing that!

[@PaulRansonArt]

Haha what are brothers for! He sounds like a champ! Now, get those brushes broken in and lets shed some hairs 😃😎

[@lindamyers8605]

Love love love!!!

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you, Linda. I think I could paint clouds every day like Jan. I'll be doing more sky scapes soon. Happy painting - Paul 😃🥰😎

[@lindamyers8605]

@@PaulRansonArt Thank you! You are so uplifting and encouraging. I struggle but you give me hope that maybe I can do a painting I am really happy with someday.......please keep up with the videos and encouragement....need all I can get! Love the kitties too!! Have a beautiful day!!!😍

[@PaulRansonArt]

@@lindamyers8605 We all need that little extra lift sometimes. I never forget that I was once struggling to do the basics. And I still do sometimes. The fur babies are tucked up in bed. No doubt it will be breakfast time in a moment and a small ginger chap will be giving me the big eyes. 😻😻😻

[@lindamyers8605]

@@PaulRansonArt Hi! Yes I have 2 kitties that I raised from tiny sick babies so they will always think they are babies I think.... even though they are full grown young ladies. Id sure be lost without their company...they are my family for sure! Happy painting today!!!🙂

[@PaulRansonArt]

@@lindamyers8605 Ahh the fur babies will love you for your kindness. Happy video editing day for me today - yawn. 😣😜🤪🤡🐓

[@SRTW67]

Hi Paul! I love this tutorial! Notes taken….😃 and so many wonderful new techniques for us! I will definitely try this to improve my skies. By the way, your photography is very beautiful! The sky here in your painting really captured the depth and “eternal” look of the sky in your photo reference. The diversity of materials used here is exciting for me because lately I’ve been less than happy with my clouds. Is it possible that we can become burned out on clouds? I think it was due to my lack of knowledge about brushes. Now seeing how we can experiment with brushes, our fingers and cloth, it’s really opening my eyes to a fun way to make skies! I’m painting a winter night scene and my moon and sparkly highlights in my clouds were off. I think my “a ha” moment happened when you reminded us to use color with titanium white to brighten skies! Teri- thanks for assisting us too with your helpful tip! It was sweet to see your furbaby at the end too. Have a wonderful week. Your big sky seascape is very beautiful! ☺️ Oh- forgot to mention..I also would like to see how the synthetic fan works on evergreens. I’m still struggling with them, the fan brushes I have are a bit crunchy now..🤔

[@PaulRansonArt]

Hi Stephanie 🥰 This is a technique I've used in the past at classes where folk have been a little wild with the liquid white. It's a nice easy fix for those 'blue clouds' I'll paint another big sky painting later where I use a similar technique but over a coloured ground. Its so much fun I sometimes don't finish the painting. Yes, my absolute top tip is always to tint your titanium white. It will give your paintings so much more depth and character. There's hardly anywhere in nature that you'll see a pure white. These fans are a little soft. But I will try an evergreen just for fun. I give my fans a good wash now and then in a little Old Master's brush soap - (not the 1" or 2" - they don't like water IMO) This will get them back in shape. Just a little lathering up to break up the old paint then a quick rinse and towel dry then leave them to re-stiffen. - Now on to the next painting 😃😎🥰 *Paul*

[@keneit]

I'm a little late this time, but I have to tell you how beautiful this sky painting turned out! It reminds me of the netherlands, where I used to go on holiday as a kid. Thanks for sharing this nice technique for painting clouds 😊 And I think it's the most sweet to include Terry and her advice 🥰

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you so much 😀 Terri has a keen eye for detail that I sometimes miss. Between her and the cats we're a good team! 😃😍😎

[@evanstheresa]

love this paul,this is my next effort,keep these videos coming,your amazing and teach great technics

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you so much for the kind comments. I think another big sky scene is in the mix soon. Lots for to come as well - Happy Painting - Paul 😃🥰😎

[@AnnieTroe]

Beautiful Paul! Love the soft color and value shifts 🎉🎉 fun to see how you build up the clouds ❤ CUTE kitty! 😻👋

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you so much 😀Annie - Poppy cat saus 'hi' or was that 'where's my breakfast?' ..... oh the latter 😃😍😎

[@AnnieTroe]

👋😻👋😻@@PaulRansonArt

[@paulcarson5658]

this is the only video i have seen of yours, subscribed straight away, I love the reference of a mud mixer. ( i am guilty of this). Cant wait to step through this on a canvas later today . Really great presentation and explanation.

[@PaulRansonArt]

Hi Paul - well if you don't mix a little mud now and again your just not trying hard enough! I reference Janhendrick's channel in my video. He's a real sky master so be sure to check him out too. I usually try and film a project each week so fingers crossed there will be some new mud this Sunday 😃😃😎😎

[@kimlister5364]

Beautiful Paul. I like these lighter brighter paintings alot x

[@PaulRansonArt]

Hi Kim - thanks for dropping by and watching. Big sky scenes are something I'm drawn too. I watch an other channel by a chap called Layne Johnson. His sky scenes are amazing. Check out Janhendrick's channel too. Lots more to come and I hope you get to paint some of them - Paul 😃😎

[@srm8866]

😂🤣😂 0:01 HaHa - love the intro and tiny easel! Fantastic tutorial. Thanks, Paul! (21:45 - lol) - (24:11 Awww )

[@PaulRansonArt]

Hi Steve - my silly humour again and yes she is just a cutiepie. Latest habit is waking me up at 4.30am just to let me know she's OK - thanks Poppy!🥰🥰😎

[@thepaintingbiker]

Hello Paul: I really enjoyed your video with Gabi. I am so humbled to be a part of such great artist to have been interviewed by her. You did a bang up job! Congrats! The Paining Bike -Lynn

[@PaulRansonArt]

Hey there Lynn - thank you so much. It was a fun chat with Gabi and I was please to pass on a little of what makes me tick as an artist and tutor! Happy painting 😃😎

[@GinnySmith700]

Beautiful

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you Ginny - hope to see you for more painting fun on Sunday 😃😎

[@robinruby3156]

Paul, I’ve watched a number of J D’s videos per your recommendation. His work is truly awesome. And while I loved every moment, I find it easier to follow along with your videos. This isn’t to say I won’t go back for more. But if I endeavor to play along, your style of teaching is simply easier for me. I do stray from time to time but I always end up coming back to my favorite teacher…you! Thanks again for all you’ve brought me to my table.

[@PaulRansonArt]

Great Robin. I think its a good idea to stray onto other tutors channels to pick up different takes and methods. Janhendricks work is an example of how he might build up a painting over weeks or months. This is how you might tackle your wonderful photograph. Its subtile green colour would be so hard to do wet on wet. So, give it some thought and start making some some test swatches and making some careful notes on how you got the results. Its a more scientific approach which yields a more predictable outcome.. Just reading the next comments about brushes. Yes, new brushes are a treat! Paul 😃😎

[@robinruby3156]

This question may be a bit silly, and certainly off topic, but when I showed your vid to my bro to fashion a guide stick like yours, he wondered how you managed to keep your hands so clean. I did google certain products that might work, but just curious. 🧐

[@PaulRansonArt]

Its a good question Robin. I used to get in a real pickle back in the days but this sent the wrong message to my students. My teachers drilled us to keep our work stations clean and organised and to always have clean hands . The secret weapon is cheap non scented baby wipes. Not the ones with skin softeners!They make your brushes as slippy as an eel. Always have a piece od paper towel for your used brushes. And a some 1/2 sheets of towels for brush wiping. Lastly - not even the most talented artist can use more than one brush at a time. So you only need to hold one at a time. Not a fist full. There maybe I should do a tour of my studio set up before I start the next painting . 😃😃😎😎@@robinruby3156

[@gregorystannard1652]

Great one, can’t wait to try it! Clouds are what I need to practice the most right now, so couldn’t be better timing

[@PaulRansonArt]

So pleased to have dropped this video for you. have fun and kep it nice and loose - thats the secret 😃

[@kerriangle0214]

This is going to be perfect for me today, as I’m practicing some cloud techniques as an exercise right now! 🎨🖌️☁️🌫️😊

[@PaulRansonArt]

Wonderful Kerri - I think your going to love this video - See you soon 😃😍😎

[@frank290862]

I'm learning a lot from your videos Paul. Thanks so much.

[@PaulRansonArt]

Glad to hear it Frank. I've lots more to come 😃😎

[@mashriqi6456]

I really enjoyed this tutorial and your techniques. Those little pebbles were looking amazing. Thank you for sharing it.

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thanks so much 😊. Yes those little pebbles were easy to paint and look so realistic. Sometimes the simple elements of a paintin work the best. Happy Painting - Paul 😃😎

[@hughtempleton8640]

Fantastic painting and tips Paul. ❤️

[@PaulRansonArt]

Your welcome Hugh 😃

[@thecrowsplace1134]

Very beautiful painting..... very inspirational and instructive!!!! I have 4 kitties... 3 will watch and one wants to join in all the timr...lol

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thanks for stopping by - yes the fur babies want to get in on the action too. Glad you like the video and hope to see you for some more. I try and release on every Sunday - Happy Painting and say hi to the kitties from Henny Puss and Pipkin!😃😃😍😍😎😎

[@tinamckeage6665]

Beautiful clouds and reflections.

[@PaulRansonArt]

Glad you enjoyed it Tina. Its a fun painting I did over about three days. I find I mix a little less mud this way. Check out Janhendricks channel too. 😃😎

[@dbauerlien]

I love this! Simple, yet effective ❤

[@PaulRansonArt]

Glad you like it! Give it a try 😃😎

[@petereriksson1390]

Dear Sir Paul R Art in UK! One moore comments from Peter Eriksson in Sweden! I think one nights sleep, did this painting to a better painting! Lovely tutorial as normal from Sir! Best Regards Peter Eriksson Orsa Dalarna Sweden! 8/1 2025

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you for your kind words, Peter! I'm glad to hear that a good night's sleep made a difference in your painting. Keep up the great work!

[@robinruby3156]

Hey guys, Hoo, hoooooo! I just got my 1st BR 1 incher today! It’s a thing of beauty. Compared with the knock offs I’ve been using, well, I feel like Rembrandt! If you don’t already have one (or 3) you gotta treat yourselves. Cheers!

[@PaulRansonArt]

Huzzah! Now your cooking Robin! Order a painters smock and berret and you'll look the part too. Have fun 😃

[@robinruby3156]

Thanks!

[@PaulRansonArt]

Many thanks as always - Paul 😃😎

[@antonettelamberty5650]

Well done as always. Love your videos!!

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you very much Antonette🥰 Lots more videos to come 😃😎

[@Angel-kc1cr]

Hi Paul, lovely picture. Beautiful spacious sky and beautiful reflections in the water. Wonderful, incredible and fantastic. Really beautiful work. This week was a little harder for me than usual. School has become more difficult as graduation and other exams approach, but your videos always help me. Thank you for that. I really like the picture, especially the clouds. They are really wonderful. Was this a project with a big dramatic sky or is it still to come? Along the way I was looking through my tool collection and found my first brushes that have served me well, they are the same size as Bob Ross and Bill Alexander brushes. But they are synthetic and have a different handle. But they work great with this technique. I think I'll switch to them. Unfortunately, due to wear and tear, the brand has worn off, so I can't tell you exactly which manufacturer it is, but I saw the same ones in a local hardware store. When I get new ones I will send a picture and let you know. Thank you once again for the wonderful work and the wonderful series. I can't wait for the next video. Until next time, happy painting and have a nice week.

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you Angel - yes this was the big sky scene so far. But I have another big sky project as well ... our secret though 😊 I started with any brush I could get to work. Mostly old paint brushes too. I'd like to use synthetic, but they are just not quite the same yet. However the makers are getting better all the time. That soft fan worked well. I'll try painting a few fir trees as well but I think its a bit too soft for heavy oil paint. Love to see how you get on. Best wishes Paul 😃😍😎

[@phillies4eva]

I really struggle with clouds. For some reason I end up with tons of brush strokes and when I try to smooth it out it ends up blurry. I really want to paint super contrasty clouds that almost pop out against a smooth blue sky. I have a few pictures I want to use… Okay I’m seeing how you do it and I love it!!

[@PaulRansonArt]

Thank you. Its all about getting a good background sky the right colour but not too thick with paint. I plan a little ahead as you can see to leave a gap here and there. Then my colours really pop and stay nice and bright. 😃😎

[@mariecolteau880]

Bonjour Paul. Je viens juste de découvrir votre vidéo et votre chaîne... Et j'adore votre façon de transmettre l'art de la peinture et surtout d'en simplifier les techniques. Je m'abonne tout de suite et je vais faire un petit tour dans le passé et visionner vos autres vidéos. Seul petit bémol pour moi : étant française, je ne comprends pas tout vos propos. Hélas !!!! Mais merci pour votre partage ❤

[@PaulRansonArt]

Bonjour Marie, merci pour vos aimables paroles et commentaires. Je suis ravi de savoir que vous appréciez autant mes tutoriels. Si vous cliquez sur l'icône 'CC' j'ai mes tutoriels sous-titrés en français. J'espère que cela aidera avec la traduction. Plein de bons voeux à vous en France - Paul😃😃🥰🥰😎😎

[@mariecolteau880]

@@PaulRansonArt Super et merci pour la traduction française. Je vais essayer tout de suite.

[@steviekeane]

Try painting a lamp post , one of the the last things on painting . As i did on a whitby painting . Its not fun . I need tool like that . I used a golf club shaft.

[@gauthierceline908]

Paul, your painting is amazing! I am a beginner working with acrylics… eventually will try oils; how can I apply your techniques for this painting with acrylics? Thank you so much for sharing your talent and knowledge.

[@PaulRansonArt]

Hi Céline - thank you so much for your lovely comments. Oils and acrylics are so very different. But they can both produce wonderful paintings. You will need to use a retarder to slow the drying time of the acrylic paint. It will still dry much faster than oils but it will give you more chance to play. Then its time for you to experiment. Try a few small test samples to see how much you can do before the colour dries. Let me know how you get on - Paul 😃😍😎

[@gauthierceline908]

Thank you Paul, I will definitely try it. Take care. @@PaulRansonArt

[@jasonking5560]

Paul can I request a tutorial of Bobs shadow pond. Thanks for your videos.

[@PaulRansonArt]

Great suggestion Jason. I've added your request to my list of future projects - Paul 😃😎

[@dalebabcock722]

Do you ever do your first painting and then go over it later when it completely dries and add more paint??

[@PaulRansonArt]

I have done Dale. I usually just add glazes to intensify a shadow or to add an extra pop to a highlight. 😃

[@richardmika2136]

beat the devil out

[@PaulRansonArt]

I did and have nice clean brushes! - Thanks for watching 😃😃😎😎

[@kenmonk8262]

i live at Petworth not very far away from Worthing

[@PaulRansonArt]

Hi neighbour! Love visiting Petworth House now an then. Some stunning paintings and sculptures to see. You no doubt have seen them too. Plus some lovely woodland walks 😃

[@kenmonk8262]

@@PaulRansonArtI have never been in Petworth house as I have been around Petworth since 1975 but i have fished the lake but I started sea fishing and painting to stop thinking about what is coming with C.O.P.D which it will Kille me in the end

[@PaulRansonArt]

Its a strong reminder to make the most of every day. @@kenmonk8262

[@silvain2173]

*Promo sm*

[@PaulRansonArt]

😃😎