In this step-by-step tutorial I’ll show you how to paint soft, pink fluffy clouds using acrylic paints! Whether you’re looking to add a dreamy touch to your landscape paintings, create a stunning background, or even paint a beautiful cloudscape on its own, this guide will walk you through the process. This art tutorial is for painters of any stage, from beginners to experienced artists, and with just a few simple techniques you’ll be able to bring these light and airy clouds to life in no time. So grab your brushes and let’s get started!
The video below shows you how to paint these clouds, and it’s only five minutes long. If you’d rather watch the full length tutorial with full step by step instructions, then join my Patreon and you’ll get instant access to all of my full art tutorials.
If you’d rather read the written instructions for this cloud painting then just take a look below:
To paint these fluffy clouds, you will need:
- Acrylic paints (white, pink, purple, blue, yellow)
- Paintbrushes
- Canvas/other painting surface
- Reference photo (my reference photo is included in the full length tutorial)
Step 1:
To begin your cloud painting, use light blue, white and pink acrylic paints to paint a gradient over the whole of your canvas/sketchbook.
Check out the video below to see the easy way to blend acrylic paints to create a seamless gradient:
Step 2:
Use a medium paintbrush and some white paint to add the edge of the cloud to your painting. Use a swirling motion with your brush and make sure the line is random and natural. Keep looking at your reference photo to get an idea of the shape of the cloud.
Step 3:
Then, use blue and purple paint to add in the shadows in the clouds. Again, keep referring to your reference photo to know where to paint the shadows.
Step 4:
Continue to build up the layers of the cloud by painting the highlights using white paint, and then repeating steps 2 and 3. This creates more of the fluffy cloud texture as well as adding form and shape, making the clouds look more three dimensional and realistic.
Step 5:
Repeat steps 2-4 again until the whole of your canvas is covered. You should now have multiple layers of fluffy cloud in your painting.
I explain the whole painting process in much more detail in the full length tutorial if you need any extra help.
Step 6:
Use white paint to brighten the highlights, and a darker shade of blue and purple paint to darken the shadows. This will increase the contrast in the painting. You can also add a little bit of light orange/yellow paint to the highlights at this stage if you want to warm them up a bit.
Step 7:
To finish your fluffy cloud painting, use a slightly smaller paintbrush to add little highlights throughout the painting. These little wispy details help to add some more realism and make the clouds look extra fluffy.
I hope this easy cloud painting tutorial has been helpful, and I hope you enjoy painting your own fluffy clouds!
Remember to subscribe to my Patreon if you’d like to get access to all of my full length acrylic art tutorials!
Rachel x
