How to Draw Clouds easy with this how-to video and step-by-step drawing instructions. Pencil drawing tutorials for beginners and everyone.

How to Draw Clouds

Please see the drawing tutorial in the video below


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What you’ll need:

  • HB (#2) Pencil, 4B pencil
  • Eraser
  • Drawing paper
  • Drawing surface

You can refer to the simple step-by-step drawing guide below

Step 1

First, as with most drawings, you’ll need to lightly outline the general shape of your clouds. Don’t focus on perfection here. Allowing yourself the freedom to paint will lead to a more organic look and ultimately more realistic results.

Step 2

Next, it’s time to block in the area around your clouds. Since clouds are white, it’s easier to start by filling in the foreground so you get a feel for the shape of the cloud. Do your best to smooth the background shade by mixing with a piece of paper towel, a mixing stump, or your fingers if needed.

Step 3

Once you have your background ready and the negative space will become your cloud, you can now start to volume it up with shading. Start off lightly to know how much shadow you’ll need to achieve to achieve the lighting conditions you’re looking for. Even though a cloud is white, it still has highlights and shadows. In general, the edges of the clouds are completely white, with the interior being a very light gray. However, the darker grays on the top of the whites will make it look like the sun is coming from just behind your clouds.

Remember, always start with light. It’s easier to go back to your shading layer to make it a little darker than it is to erase and lighten the color!