Painting clouds, wood or canvas?

Three Beach Poles, oil on panel, 120 x 160 cm

As you can see in the video 'Painting Clouds by Layering' I paint on wood, 6 mil. MDF to be exact. I used to paint on canvas, but some ten years ago I switched to panel. I need a solid ground for the stippling technique that I use to make gradual transitions. This technique is a simple and effective way to get the gradual changes from one shade of blue into another you'll see in the sky. I buy the stippling brushes at the construction market.

Had some lovely comments on the video, and some questions too, like 'what can I learn from your video?". Here's a list:
- how to paint clouds by painting transparent layers on top of each other
- how to paint gradual transitions
- how to paint the edges of a cloud
- how to mix colored greys
- how to use transparent white
- how to use different types of brushes

More on some of these subjects in in my next post. In the meantime, you could watch  the trailer for the video or visit my website. Please let me know what you think!

How to paint Clouds

                                                       Beach With Cumulus Clouds
                                                                 75 in x 100 cm
                                                                   oil on panel 

How to paint clouds? Ever since I graduated from Fine Art College Minerva (The Netherlands) in 1973, I tried to find an answer to that question.On the one hand clouds are fluffy and light, but on the other hand they often have a very defined shape, especially the Cumulus clouds.  Over the years I developed an approach that consists of a mix of painting in layers and how you handle the edges of your clouds. In my video 'Painting Clouds By Layering' I demonstrate how I do it. I posted a trailer on YouTube to give you an impression of the video.

I'd really like to hear your response. Please feel free to post any questions or comments you might have!