Try These 2 Simple Tricks for Easy Watercolor Clouds!

A sky with clouds doesn't have to be complex in watercolor. In fact it can be a distraction in a complex scene. Most skies should be kept simple and spontaneous looking. Here are 2 simple tricks I use all the time to paint two of the easiest type of skies with clouds that I know of.
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[@victoriousvalentine9779]

Last week I paid $300 for a day being tutored on watercolour clouds. I learned far more from this. Thank you so much.

[@reginameese8166]

Clouds are my nemesis! I have practiced forever. I watched this video and my first practice … I made clouds!, Thank you for this tutorial! I just may have clouds in my next painting.

[@treesapgrl]

I wish this wonderful man could instantly know what his videos mean to me... I just found this channel last night and have already learned quite a few key things that made missing pieces click into place for me. I'm neurodivergent and often times will struggle to find teachers who can teach me. Love this man already ~ highly recommend. THANK YOU, KIND SIR!

[@angelyncurran]

Spent the last two days failing at clouds and your first simple technique produced my first successful effort. Thank you, my blood pressure is returning to normal. 😊

[@tonymartin858]

As a complete novice I have watched countless videos to do a sky that I can replicate. This is the first one that has left me looking at the canvas and not feeling like a 5 year old! Amazing, thank you. Now to learn grass!

[@pstutor1]

I had lost the ability to make good clouds and sky. The first half of your demo solved ALL of my problems. Thank you so so much. Now I can make a good wash with any blue for my sky!

[@tarotbysemaj2424]

Loved the second lesson on the SKY. Those clouds were so fluffy and brilliant. It's such a joy to see the ease in which you make it all seem so easy. I appreciate you sharing your wisdom and talent with us, it feels like a gift each time.

[@1msfit]

This is a great video. Every painting does not require a dramatic sky with big cumulus clouds. Sometimes what you want is a calm supporting element, but still with a little interest rather than all blue. I was practicing your lesson yesterday. Sometimes I get a good result using a tissue to lift out the clouds, but other times there are straight lines because of the way it has folded, which is annoying. I decided to try something new to me-a sea sponge. I wet it, wrung it out as much as possible, and then pulled the edges up to make a ball about the size of a wad of tissue. It made some great cirrus (horse tail as my Dad used to call them) clouds quickly and easily. For those who are interested in improving their skies, I also highly recommend finding a copy of an old Eric Sloane book entitled “Skies and the Artist,” a very thin large format paper book reprinted by Dover Publications. It is oriented toward oils but much is adaptable to watercolor, plus the basic cloud information applies to all drawing and painting. He insists that you can’t paint a convincing sky if you don’t understand the subject of clouds. I haven’t finished it yet but have already learned a lot. Hope others find it helpful too.

[@macgurrl]

Good Morning Steve, I just tried making these clouds this morning and they turned out great. Up to now they have always been such itty bitty clouds. Thank you so much for doing this video.

[@ChandlerWrites]

That second technique was new to me. Can't wait to give it a try.

[@ArtistAtWork]

that was a wet on dry technique and demonstrated very well

[@patriciarobinson8368]

Great demo. Thank you.

[@kristenhunt211]

Thanks Steve.

[@MegaPortenio]

Great teaching, thanks!

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Thank you for showing and explaining your techniques. I always admire your paintings!

[@PlacesWeveBeen]

Painting sky in a way that doesn't make them look contrived is always a struggle for me. These are great techniques, the second one is completely new to me. I'll definitely will be trying it out!

[@debnorberg3021]

I am loving your simple laid back method of teaching. Started to teach myself this art while recovering from back surgery and have been feeling like i had hit a wall Excited !

[@karenturner-cf7vq]

I am inspired with this demonstration.

[@theresehudran7635]

This is the most advice I have got from anyone. Thank you. Your skies are so realistic.

[@lechat8533]

Thank you, Steve :) This is what I needed today... I love observing and painting clouds.

[@artistranjan]

Excellent demonstration

[@jp8649]

Thank you!! I've been working on clouds and oceans/water recently so this is greatly appreciated.

[@zenaidamateos9376]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@TheTreeOctopus]

I'm so glad you said dont use pulp... I've just tried to do similar on pulp and just couldn't get it to work. I'm about to attempt on Arches cotton....wish me luck! 🤞

[@barbarabunn86]

The cloud part of this tutorial at the end is sooooo cool!. It's kind of like painting the negative space. I love the look. Thanks, Barbara

[@helenduplessis9820]

Applause for this lesson! Loved it!! Will definitely watch it again!!

[@salliewhitney5889]

I really really appreciate the second round of demonstration because it hammered home the difference half a minute of drying time can make. I’m finding WC in a hot Baltimore apartment is not the same at all as WC in the same cold Baltimore apartment. I’m adapting. 🙂

[@jenniefrench1338]

I love cloudscapes and practicing shadows and dramatic storms. So far my fav cerulean hue has been from Davinci. It is so smooth. I would love to see the cloudscapes with the faint yellow light around the cloud edges and grey shadow. The scenery on my way back from the east coast was breathtaking. I will keep practicing. It seems that I have a degree of more success in certain aspects with oil painting but I love the spontanaity of wc. It is a challenge for sure. Thank you Steve!

[@200stars5]

This is great, nobody has ever explained that you don't put much water with your pigment before. My skies are so much better now. Thanks!

[@kattdejager6102]

I loved the way you pushed back the paint with your brush it made the clouds pop - a neat trick - wow! tks

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Steve. I love the second technique for drama. Thanks so much. Woohoo, so exciting!👏👏👏👏💜

[@ArtLoverScotland]

Excellent demonstration thank you. I especially love the simplicity of the first painting. Loving it.

[@Abby-oz4wv]

thanks for including a view of the palette during painting, very helpful

[@jessicakulow6718]

Thank you for this! I'm just starting watercolor and really appreciate good explanations. I'm in CA, so we have amazing skies and I'm close to national parks, so excited to start landscapes!

[@maricarbo]

Thank you for this demonstration. Anybody should be able to do clouds now!

[@gingerkelly5146]

You make it look like so much fun and you’re so soothing and patient. Truly relaxing. Thank you for sharing your talent!!!! 💐💐

[@ThomasKeenJr]

This video is genius.

[@rhondagdesignsrhondagwellm4337]

Ive never tried the bottom one, im going to try that one now

[@brownspicyrice]

The first technique was like magic!

[@michellepittman8410]

What a wonderful tutorial! I am anxious to dip my toe into the water of water coloring! You have encouraged me to move toward that endeavor! Thank you so much for sharing your talent.

[@carolatchley3797]

Thanks for focusing on the sky. I find it difficult to make skies look natural. Also, I appreciate you showing us how to control a backwash. This was a totally new idea to me.

[@hopiedee2270]

something about this mans voice makes me know i can trust his advice

[@drycounty3]

I know, Right?! If I have to take my car to the auto shop I want to take him with me. lol

[@pakarmygirl9121]

Yes he talks to much

[@falwyn]

The Kermit effect

[@carlduffin]

@@pakarmygirl9121 - charming!

[@pakarmygirl9121]

@@carlduffin 😂

[@patstokes3615]

Steve you are just the best for showing us beginners how effects are made. So appreciate your channel.

[@karschier6246]

Thank you for sharing these techniques! I'm going to go try them right now

[@rainbowfox1934]

I liked painting clear water and paint around it. It creates realistic looking clouds.

[@StrokesandCurves]

for me the first method for very simple and easy to do.

[@rmuller366]

Love this Steve! I’m glad you left the backwash on the second try of the bottom one. I’m still getting this at times and never really quite know if I should leave it or soften it. Mostly I’m happiest when I leave it. Thanks for affirming that it’s ok to leave a bit of backwash. Backwash happens, we just need to know how to use it to our advantage. Thank you for sharing. Blessings to you!

[@carolannparlato3341]

I'm new to watercolour.....thank you for sharing your expertise!

[@lisah336]

I was going through your Playlist for technique practice. My end goal was cloud studies. What a pleasant surprise to see this vid. Almost feels like cheating. Haha.

[@jmnm4894]

Steve! THIS! More of this - PLEASE! This is where my frustrations come in. I know enough to get myself in trouble but not enough to get to the next level. This type of, "How To ..." Is EXACTLY what I am looking for to help me establish a firm footing in the fundamentals so I can progress with watercolor rather than floundering in the same thing that I can never seem to master or repeat on demand. I was checking out your Patron page. Do you have more of this type of content, the "How To ..." on the Patron page? Thanks again, Steve!

[@cockatielnation5425]

Finally! Happy little clouds!

[@radharcanna]

Thank you for doing two demonstrations twice. Beautiful sky effects.

[@MariaNyceDesigns]

Wonderful lesson on clouds, thank you for sharing your time & talent! Blessings!

[@sassylass9406]

Omgosh…I’m so very happy that you made that “happy mistake” with the 1st sky tutorial. The backwash was exactly what I needed to see so that I could achieve that!!! I often wondered how many artist did their clouds to get that beautiful peak (as I call it) in them. So happy that I watched this, and looking forward to try this out! Keep up the great job! Happy painting 🖌🎨 It’s been some time since I’ve painted or commented, however I’m back attempting this medium once again..happily 💕

[@pauloolivenca5923]

Thank you very much... Perfect for a saturday afternoon with watercolor

[@sharonk9831]

You made it look so easy, I’m getting my art supplies out to try your techniques, while it’s fresh in my mind!

[@carolvasenko3438]

Great techniques to do clouds. Very clear instruction and I really appreciate it!

[@kindracalypso9977]

Thank you. I can't wait to try this.

[@alexthe1cat]

Love your skies, Steve. Thanks as usual!

[@miskibee]

Thank you so much for doing it twice. I think it shows a much more genuine process of how little things can greatly affect the outcome.

[@blondelebanese9922]

Yep it means a lot to artists to know how to do it right. I spent about twenty years failing at making realistic clouds. Then one day I accidentally dropped a tissue on my cerulean watercolor sky. Found how to do it only after I thought I'd ruined my landscape. Never had an art teacher, I just tried my best and constantly studied the works of the many Masters from the past.

[@ArtistAtWork]

@@blondelebanese9922 that must have been an AHAA moment for you after 20 years. sometimes accidents are discoveries

[@hussmeister792]

This little exercise was great Mr. Steve! When I started watercolor I was a paint stingy frustrated painter--don't be cheap and buy 100% cotton paper and quality paints! You buy cheap, you buy twice!

[@raed3063]

Thanks Steve. These techniques look so much easier.

[@Cherylherb]

thanks Steve for sharing that with us. I love clouds and that technique will be very helpful.

[@lb7579]

Thank you for the great explanation. It works.

[@jmeyer3rn]

Relevant. Happy little clouds. My clouds would have cloudy gray shadows. And watercolor, she is a cruel mistress. Thanks for the demos.

[@thewylddream]

Thank you for making this lovely tutorial. I look forward to practicing what I learned.

[@robinfinch314]

Thank you so much! I'm a self-taught artist so videos like yours are very important to me.

[@haeleepues6267]

Thank you so much for the help! I’m very new at watercolor and you explain everything so well.

[@yelsyels]

Love the first technique!

[@carolburkett7018]

I watch your tutorial as much as I can. Your the best.

[@kimleon-guerrero9980]

Thanks for the cloud tips Steve. 💞💫

[@colleenlever976]

I will be trying these tomorrow

[@LonaLee]

This is exactly what I needed for a simple background to some calligraphy. Thank you!

[@danadarling101]

Thank you very much. I appreciate you. 💙

[@davido1953]

awesome clouds! and technique...today I tried the tissue paper technique and I could not believe how good my clouds looked!

[@mariannebrearleylove3936]

Fabulous technique thank you for your generosity

[@1bigheaddave]

Basic is best!! Very inspirational.

[@elflordsjourneys]

I've used both technique for years,both good ,prefer the lifting, seems to make them more realistic. Thanks steve.😀

[@lizmasters3959]

Excellent tutorial. I'm coming back after a long lay off and am rusty on technique. This was just what I needed. Thank you. :)

[@dianaauerhammer5681]

Love this, especially #2. My tissue has texture - you know, little pillows. So it left some marks. Plain tissue will work better though. Fun! And thanks!

[@billd6069]

Great demonstration

[@marleiseturner4689]

Thank you! Love these techniques. Going to try this as I have been struggling trying to get realistic looking clouds.

[@YuanJane]

Thanks for the cloud demo. I happen to have some natural sponges and they are great for the first application

[@nakakokomima2556]

Really learning a lot from you,Steve! Thank you for this.😊💯💕

[@MrNyuntshwe]

Thank you so much for this wonderful cloud painting tutorial. I'm a complete beginner and will practice your method starting from tomorrow!! Thanks again!!!

[@zhinekelsang3768]

Incredibly helpful! Thank you so much!

[@rhi963]

Thanks for showing the controlled backwash! I've been doing that but not knowing what it's been called

[@carolbenson6524]

How Cool! Good video..I'm going to try wetting down my paper first.

[@Art-What..]

Mind..Great sky's,best of the best🕷️

[@AlichinaThePinkLady]

Thank you for this! The second technic will be very useful for me because I do a lot of plein air! I'm gonna practice :)

[@indigosky9578]

Me: wow...those clouds are so realistic! Him: I waited a bit too long. I was hoping for a crisper edge.

[@judihopewell7148]

A wonderful teacher and a very effective method...

[@michaelannfitzgerald8742]

Thank you so much! I've been struggling with whispy clouds.

[@JD-qi4hg]

Thank you so much for this. I'm trying to do the World Watercolor Month prompts, and today was Sunny Sky. So this really helped! I'm happy with the clouds I got using the tissue technique. This is my first time painting clouds. :)

[@shellymcguire3075]

This is great! Thank you for sharing these techniques.

[@denniscaeton9577]

YOU'RE FANTASTIC. THANK YOU SO MUCH.,

[@katyakaterina5232]

thank you! and for the verse

[@SomeduttaGhosh912]

Thus was very very helpful. Thank you.

[@elainebowman9641]

I always have trouble with clouds. I feel your way will help me a lot . thank you.

[@debbielinderman3076]

Love it. Thank you so much!!!

[@claudiahowell9508]

Love it, and, yes, so simple.

[@joannayokokawa1592]

That was really informative and easy to follow! I look forward to trying both techniques out! Many thanks!!