Q: I'm a beginner painter, and I'm hoping you can recommend a
technique for painting clouds that will create the illusion of
airiness. Can you help me?
A: Regardless of your
medium—watercolor, acrylic, or oil—the basic rules for edges are as
follows: A hard edge is painted on a dry surface and a soft edge is
painted on a wet surface. A wet or damp surface allows the edges to
bleed like water on blotter paper. When painting clouds that you want
to appear airy, first dampen your painting surface; use water for
watercolor and acrylic, and an alkyd or medium for oil. With thinned
paint on your brush, gently begin with circular strokes. This can also
be done with a dry brush. After the initial foundation has been placed,
you can build up the volume of the clouds, but keep the heavier paint
away from the edges.
--by Camille LaPointe-Lyons