8963 Cloud Study
Jerry Yarnell – Inspiration of Painting PBS Television Series

Towering clouds drift across a bright sky above a rugged cliff edge, where cracked rock formations add contrast and structure to this simple yet striking scene. In this beginner level acrylic painting lesson, Jerry guides you step-by-step through creating this focused study in a 74 minute session on an 18x24 canvas, emphasizing the beauty of cloud formations and atmospheric depth.

You’ll learn how to build convincing cloud shapes using layered values and soft blending techniques that create volume and movement. Jerry demonstrates how to block in large sky areas first, then refine edges and highlights to achieve realistic cloud forms without overworking details.

Special focus is given to controlling light and shadow within the clouds, using subtle color shifts to create depth and separation between layers. You’ll also explore how to paint rock textures with simple strokes, allowing the cliff to support the sky without competing for attention.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll gain confidence in painting skies full of billowing white clouds, understanding cloud structure, and creating atmosphere through soft edges and value control. This is an excellent project for beginners looking to strengthen their skills while focusing on one of the most important elements in landscape painting.