Every Artist Knows the frustration of clouds unless you're that naturally gifted.

I am not

For a long time painting clouds were very frustrating and stress inducing experience.  I think most non-artists envision most of us painters in a state of zen and relaxation while working. While this may be true for some. I can only speak for myself that it is not always the case or a calming activity.  Quite the opposite. 

Not everyone will get my extremely dark sense of humor except those who know & actually like me, so excuse this. There is a comedian I love, Eddie Izzard in his very funny stand up routine, Dressed To Kill.  He does a bit about Hitler and his paintings. 

"I can't get the trees right...Kill everyone in the world!!" 

I often think of that bit when trying to make clouds look real and not like puffs of cotton balls or not the same repetative shapes.  Luckily painting clouds for me now, no longer makes me want to kill everyone in the world anymore or as much.  I joke!  -sometimes. 

With certain paintings I really love to push myself to making the clouds look as realistic & 3D as I can, but I still have a lot to learn and a long ways to go.  I study clouds constantly.  If you notice, the shape of clouds and tops of desideous trees when in full foliage are quite similar.  

When I get compliments on my clouds from way better artists than myself,  I feel extremely proud as a self-taught artist compared to the cotton balls of my earlier works. 

The technique I have found I love the most when painting clouds is mostly lightly dry brushing. Due to the fast drying of acrylics I have to work fast and in small sections.  Sometimes I put multiple tones or shades or the same colors on the brush.  Also TRANSPARENT WHITE PAINT.  Game changing.  

Most importantly when attempting to paint clould just remember they are just clouds and not worth killing everyone in the world over. Though you may want to, dry brush with transparent white instead. You'll be less deadly with a paint brush and more zen instead. 

Namesty