How to Draw Clouds

Last Updated: June 29, 2021

Clouds are visible mass of water that look like a collection of white smoke floating in the sky. This is a tutorial on how to draw a cartoon cloud and a realistic cloud. Check them out!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Cartoon Cloud

1
Start an elongated oval for the outline sketch.
2
Draw line arches on the oval outline sketch.

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3
Erase the outline sketches.
4
Color the draft. You can fill in a light gray color to put the shade of the cloud.
5
Color the background with blue.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Realistic Clouds

1
Get any blue colored paper. You can use this technique in drawing a realistic cloud.
2
Take one of your oil pastels for the shade of the cloud. Choose light gray for the shade of the clouds. The shades of the clouds are usually located at the bottom part of the clouds. However, shades always depend on where the light source is coming from.
3
Add white. Using white oil pastels make circular strokes of the medium to the colored paper.
4
Smudge the colors. Use your thumb or index finger in smudging the colors. Carefully wipe the colors with your finger, according to the shape of the cloud, to show the smudge effect.
5
Put on the white oil pastel strokes. Repeat the same circular strokes that you have done earlier. Only this time do not put too much pressure on the pastel strokes. Do it enough to show the actual shape of the clouds.
6
Add the shade. Add light and few strokes of lavender on the bottom areas to show the shade of the clouds.

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Community Q&A

Question

How can I not use my finger, but have the same effect?

Community Answer

There are erasers that either don't erase well or are specifically designed for smudging. They will produce similar results to smudging with a finger. Smudging erasers are found in art shops.
Question

What color do I need to use for the cloud to be more realistic?

Community Answer

Use different shades of grey and white to make your cloud more realistic.
Question

How do I draw realistically with a pencil?

Community Answer

Shade very lightly, and constantly erase and redo.
Question

What if my cloud does not look good?

Community Answer

Compare your drawing with the model and see how you can improve. Keep practicing.
Question

Can I use gray pencil crayon?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. As long as you don't press too hard as you shade around, it would be fine.
Question

How can I draw a cloud with a flat bottom?

Community Answer

You just do the same as above, but instead of drawing the curve, you draw a straight line.
Question

Is there an easier way to do this?

Community Answer

Yes, I suppose you could draw a camel hump, then one slightly sideways, touching that one, and around in an oval shape. Or, you could do humps in an oval shape as if you were doing an oval flower.
Question

How do I draw clouds without drawing oval shapes?

Community Answer

With practice, you should be able to draw clouds without making ovals. Instead of actually drawing the oval, you could visualize it.

Warnings

Have your clouds be a color the sky could logically turn, not neon green or something like that. (Unless alien sky is what you're aiming for, in which case carry on.)

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Do not add too many curvy lines.

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