How to Make 3D Images of Clouds

Three-dimensional clouds painted against a sky-blue background are an elegant touch to any bedroom or high ceiling. The steps below are specific to decorating with cloud motifs. Painting clouds on canvas or wood may require a slight modification of drying times.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Begin with a light-blue background wash on the walls. A sky blue is preferable but the actual tone of the blue is up to the individual. Regular wall paint is best but acrylic can substitute for smaller areas.
2. Use a flat end stencil brush with a small amount of white paint to create the first layer. By dabbing the brush straight against the wall in short burst, you can create a haze of white over the blue. Try to vary the intensity of the white paint by mixing dense and sparse coverage across the surface being sure to leave some areas completely blue for as more realistic look.
3. Allow the first layer of white paint to dry before applying a second layer. This time use your stencil brush more sparingly, picking a select few areas to create more distinct cloud shapes. Be sure to hold the brush straight against the wall to avoid unlikely swish or swirls from an over relaxed paintbrush.
4. Create a stormy look to clouds by adding a small amount of gray acrylic paint to the bottom edge of a few clouds to give depth and shadow. Take care not to overuse the gray and ruin the effect. If storm clouds are not desired, skip this step and go on to Step 5.
5. Add a final layer of white paint to the free form clouds being sure to leave a few in the Step 3 shading stage to create diversity. The final look should consist of at least three layers of white. Create clouds that look fragile by shifting the form slightly with each layer.
6. Let the paint dry completely before adding any additional effects such as birds or hot air balloons to your completed cloudy sky.

Tips & Warnings

• A sea or natural sponge creates a more aerated look to clouds and is a viable alternative to the stencil brush.
• Consider white spray paint for a slightly different paint finish.

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