Nature · A drawing idea for little artists
How to Draw dark clouds: Layered Cloud Banks over Grass
Explore dark clouds through four selected drawing stages. Focus on layered cloud banks over grass and a textured crayon finish.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 4 pictures show selected moments from the drawing. For every step in between and a guide on your canvas, get the full lesson in LittlePaper.
What you will learn
Practice dark clouds with attention to layered cloud banks over grass.
Shapes and proportions
Overlap rounded cloud banks above a narrow grass strip while preserving gaps between the layers.
A common mistake
Equal outlines touching everywhere make the sky look like one solid block.
How to fix it
Vary the cloud sizes and stop hidden edges behind the front cloud bank.
This dark clouds study focuses on layered cloud banks over grass. Overlap rounded cloud banks above a narrow grass strip while preserving gaps between the layers. The exercise is about keeping these visible shapes readable before adding small marks or color.
These are four selected stages, not a complete stroke-by-stroke sequence. Blue guide lines mark additions in the source images. Compare the pictures for the overall shape changes; use the complete LittlePaper lesson for the smaller steps between them.
A few things to start with
Paper, a pencil and crayons matching the example. Leave room around the drawing for proportion checks before making the outlines darker.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 4
Selected stages · The complete drawing sequence is in the app.
Shapes, character & color
A look at the drawing stages.
Try the shape tips below on paper. When you’re ready to draw along with each small step, continue in LittlePaper.
- 01Selected stage
Selected stage 2: early shapes
This picture shows source stage 2 of 5 for dark clouds, not the next single stroke. Overlap rounded cloud banks above a narrow grass strip while preserving gaps between the layers. Compare its unfinished edges with the complete outline shown later.
Selected stage 2: early shapes · Preview image 1 of 4 - 02Selected stage
Selected stage 3: building the outline
This picture shows source stage 3 of 5 for dark clouds, not the next single stroke. Vary the cloud sizes and stop hidden edges behind the front cloud bank. Compare its unfinished edges with the complete outline shown later.
Selected stage 3: building the outline · Preview image 2 of 4 - 03Selected stage
Complete outline: layered cloud banks over grass
Compare the finished dark clouds outline with the earlier selected stages. Equal outlines touching everywhere make the sky look like one solid block. Vary the cloud sizes and stop hidden edges behind the front cloud bank.
Complete outline: layered cloud banks over grass · Preview image 3 of 4 - 04Selected stage
Crayon color: blue-gray, soft gray, green
Use the colored dark clouds example to compare the palette after checking the outline. The visible palette includes blue-gray, soft gray, green. Keep repeated parts consistent and let small light flecks preserve the crayon texture.
Crayon color: blue-gray, soft gray, green · Preview image 4 of 4
A little practice goes a long way
Make room for your own ideas.
The example uses blue-gray, soft gray, green. Keep matching limbs and repeated parts in a consistent palette. Use light overlapping crayon strokes so the inner outlines stay visible. Vary the cloud sizes and stop hidden edges behind the front cloud bank.
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “Dark Clouds Drawing” drawing idea in LittlePaper for the complete sequence. Follow a guide, pause when you need, and add your own colors.
Download LittlePaper from the App Store, then open the drawing idea inside the app.
Every step, at your pace.
See the full drawing sequence. Pause, replay, and take another look whenever a shape needs practice.
A guide where you draw.
Trace on the canvas, then try your own lines with a finger or Apple Pencil on a compatible iPad.
Make it yours. Keep the making.
Add crayon color, replay your creation, and give your picture a home in a digital 3D book.
