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Description
Check out the Exercise and Download the Practice Sheet HERE
EXERCISE: Being confident in drawing different types of clouds and how to add lighting accurately
This is a good starter for learning environments. Clouds are a staple in creating and establishing grand scenes. Clouds themselves are not easy to draw at first without using reference or understanding how lighting affects different clouds. You often see “cloud stamps” used in matte painting but those don’t accurately teach you how to shade and render different clouds. Brushes can be recommend and one will be created as a Concept Cookie Citizen exclusive.
THIS IS NOT a color exercise, so colors can be whatever you choose, but be wary and try learning with conventional colors first before trying fantastical color combinations. Once you learn how to shade clouds accurately first, then your clouds will be much more impressive with any color scheme you decide on.
There are plenty of names for different clouds based on their altitude but lets focus on 3 different types, Stratus, Cirrus, and Cumulus. These are the main three types of clouds and then Nimbus describes clouds that create precipitation, whether that be rain or snow depending on the temperature. On the handout worksheet below there are four clouds to draw in this exercise. Here are some basic guidelines on each:
1. Stratus Clouds (low, uniform ones) – These are the clouds that hang low, close to the lands they hover over. Focus on create a flatter bottom with some atmospheric perspective.
2. Cirrus Clouds (the “wispy” ones) – These are tough because of how wispy and undefined they are. Try using a soft edge brush to create the illusion that these clouds are drifting throughout the air.
3. Cumulus Clouds (the puffy, solid ones) – The most fun to draw. These are the clouds that have shaping and form to them. Keep the surface irregular and the lighting consistent.
4. Nimbus Clouds (rain, storm clouds) – This takes a combination of stratus and cumulus clouds. Take the lighting behind the clouds and use reference to see how light passes through. The rain below will add some blur and a soft edge brush may be best here or the blur tool to create the accurate effect.
GOAL: To strengthen your cloud building abilities and how to render lighting passing through objects such as clouds
Having the ability to know how to shade and light a cloud is a must for those wanting to create environment concept and illustration pieces. The more practice you have, the better. So don’t stop with just this exercise, keep practicing on your own time and adding different color schemes. That is where the fun begins!

Description
Check out the Exercise and Download the Practice Sheet HERE
EXERCISE: Being confident in drawing different types of clouds and how to add lighting accurately
This is a good starter for learning environments. Clouds are a staple in creating and establishing grand scenes. Clouds themselves are not easy to draw at first without using reference or understanding how lighting affects different clouds. You often see “cloud stamps” used in matte painting but those don’t accurately teach you how to shade and render different clouds. Brushes can be recommend and one will be created as a Concept Cookie Citizen exclusive.
THIS IS NOT a color exercise, so colors can be whatever you choose, but be wary and try learning with conventional colors first before trying fantastical color combinations. Once you learn how to shade clouds accurately first, then your clouds will be much more impressive with any color scheme you decide on.
There are plenty of names for different clouds based on their altitude but lets focus on 3 different types, Stratus, Cirrus, and Cumulus. These are the main three types of clouds and then Nimbus describes clouds that create precipitation, whether that be rain or snow depending on the temperature. On the handout worksheet below there are four clouds to draw in this exercise. Here are some basic guidelines on each:
1. Stratus Clouds (low, uniform ones) – These are the clouds that hang low, close to the lands they hover over. Focus on create a flatter bottom with some atmospheric perspective.
2. Cirrus Clouds (the “wispy” ones) – These are tough because of how wispy and undefined they are. Try using a soft edge brush to create the illusion that these clouds are drifting throughout the air.
3. Cumulus Clouds (the puffy, solid ones) – The most fun to draw. These are the clouds that have shaping and form to them. Keep the surface irregular and the lighting consistent.
4. Nimbus Clouds (rain, storm clouds) – This takes a combination of stratus and cumulus clouds. Take the lighting behind the clouds and use reference to see how light passes through. The rain below will add some blur and a soft edge brush may be best here or the blur tool to create the accurate effect.
GOAL: To strengthen your cloud building abilities and how to render lighting passing through objects such as clouds
Having the ability to know how to shade and light a cloud is a must for those wanting to create environment concept and illustration pieces. The more practice you have, the better. So don’t stop with just this exercise, keep practicing on your own time and adding different color schemes. That is where the fun begins!