I'm at a dead-end at thi point.
The walls are all painted but the window trim needs another coat or two and some caulking. But that's not what's holding me up. It may sound simple once i describe it to you, but from my point of view, it's a problem. A Simple atatement of the problem is therefore in order.
How does one paint realistic looking clouds? It sounds simple but it's more complicated than I ever realized since clouds are uniformly white and they aren't all of simple shapes. Besides, no two will look alike nor will they be evenly spaced in the sky. If you don't believe me, just look at the cloud formations on a sunny day. Sure they will be mostly white but you'll also see grayish shadows as well a patches of different shades of blue peeking thru as well.
My problem is probably complicated by my reasearch into painting believable clouds. I must have read several hundred articles and seen a large number of videos on the subject. I've discovered that each and every one shows different technique and uses different paints, brushes and even air-brushes to get the effects they wanted. So in addition not having found a suitable method for me I also have an information overload problem as well.
So what do I do? Right now I am thinking that there has to be a path in the woods to follow here. So what I would like to know is what has worked for you? Please remember that I am not an artist and I don't think I have much talent when it comes to drawing straight lines or circles or anything geometrical without som outside assistance or a tool.
Irv
clouds
Here's a couple of samples I,ve been working on before I start the backdrop.
Glenn
How to paint clouds
Those look very nice. What technique did you use?
Irv
Take a look at these......
...sites.
http://www.2guyzandsumtrains.com/Content/pa=showpage/pid=26.html
http://www.2guyzandsumtrains.com/Content/pid=40/page=1.html
Have fun.
Moose
Hey Moose.............
So I am wondering Moose, how did you get the paint to stick to the water vapor in the clouds? More importantly, how did you get 'em to HOLD STILL?
Jacko
PS: They look great, now I need to find some sticky clouds..............
Moose, thank you for
Moose, thank you for posting those links!
Of course, the OP could have found both via this thread Amazing list of "How To's" over at 2guyzandsumtrains.com which was posted before the question was even asked!
technique
You'll need a good brush. at least 2 inch wide or better And a 1 inch brush. one of those throw away cheap ones will work. A spray bottle with water. A windex bottle type. Some flat white paint. I use a color called swiss coffee. And some of the blue you already have. Also get a small bottle of black like they sell in the craft dept at any walmart or craft store.
If you look at the sky you will notice it gets brighter at the horizon and bluer as you look up. slop some white on your back board or wall and brush it side to side. If it starts getting dry spray some water on it and keep brushing it out. then dip the same brush in blue and start rom the top and work you way down. spray water again. blend them near the center or lower. I would practice this first till you get comfortable with the paint. Use a scrap piece. Let it dry. Now put some blue and white in 2 separate bowls. Just a dab of black in a 3rd. with the one inch brush. dip in some fresh water just to keep it damp. Now get some white on the top edge of the brush and get some blue on the bottom of the edge. almost a 50/50. You can play with the mix here. Then just go from right to left with the brush. See how it automaticaly blends the top and bottom of the cloud? From here on out it will be up to you how much white and blue you use and how you sweep the brush. By going over the area after it drys you can build up clouds. I use differant brushs to get smaller and larger clouds. Try some of that black/blue/white together for those heavy rain clouds. Keep the brush damp or spray a mist.
I started out by buying a beginner artist kit and some books. A large tube of white and some clear gesso. But practice alot on scraps before you start your real backdrop. Good luck and have fun.
glenn
Quick and easy clouds
These were made using two natural sponges, one with white acrylic, the other with light gray.
A very special....
....and rare substance called 'Monkey Spit'.
Have fun.
Moose
Just trying to be......
......helpless....er, i mean helpful.
Have fun.
Moose
Technique
I hadn't read your message in detail until just now. I see what you mean.
This past Sunday I decided to experiment a little with painting clouds on my wall. I opened a can of Glidden ceiling white and used a 1 1/2 in sponge brush to try painting the clouds. I used a stipling action and turned the brush as I did it. Some of them came out halfway believable. When they dried I tried to add a dark gray to the bottoms and other parts to make the clouds look like they were textured.
My sons saw them and said I should give up. My wife said that those I put on one wall were nice but the others needed to be redone fixed. I'll redo those but I'll use a regular brush this time and see waht happens. I'll also experiment with some of Tamiya model paints to see if I can improve the appearance of the bad ones.
Irv
Irv, I think the key word
Technique
Practice on a sample piece or scrap wood. your liable to get a build up of paint on the wall that will show up like a ghost if you go over it too many times. Don,t forget to step back and view it. What looks bad up close looks different from 3 feet away. You'll get it, it just takes time. Now every where I go I look at clouds and if it's art I try to see how they did it.
I took these yesterday morning.
glenn
Painting clouds
I do the exactly that but I am not a good critic of my own work.
I'll take some pcitures and upload shortly.
Irv
That is one.........
....fantastic back drop.
Have fun.
Moose