Here's how I do backdrops.
I use templates to spraypaint clouds onto the blue "sky" background. It's called cloud painting for the "artistically challenged" he, heh (like me!!)
I have found I can get MUCH more realistic looking cloud shapes by using these plastic templates than I ever would by painting directly onto the backdrop with a paintbrush. I think clouds painted directly tend too look too "heavy" or "solid".
To create my templates. I just hacked away at some scrap plastic sheets with a pair of scissors, cutting rough cloud edges or complete shapes (not rocket science - random wavy lines do just fine).
These templates are held close to (but not hard up against) the backdrop. Then, using an airbrush or spray can, flat white paint is MISTED on. Less is better in this instance. Your clouds will look nebulous and hazy if you just mist it on. Too much and they start to look too solid.
Try to achieve sharper edges on the tops of clouds (where the sun shines on them) with feathered edges underneath (in the shadow). Allowing the "sky blue" colour to show through the cloud at places gives it a realistic misty look.
Here is a photo of my home-made cloud templates.
Gavin Miller
Perth, W. Australia
http://users.bigpond.net.au/miller_site/Gavin_index.html
I use templates to spraypaint clouds onto the blue "sky" background. It's called cloud painting for the "artistically challenged" he, heh (like me!!)
I have found I can get MUCH more realistic looking cloud shapes by using these plastic templates than I ever would by painting directly onto the backdrop with a paintbrush. I think clouds painted directly tend too look too "heavy" or "solid".
To create my templates. I just hacked away at some scrap plastic sheets with a pair of scissors, cutting rough cloud edges or complete shapes (not rocket science - random wavy lines do just fine).
These templates are held close to (but not hard up against) the backdrop. Then, using an airbrush or spray can, flat white paint is MISTED on. Less is better in this instance. Your clouds will look nebulous and hazy if you just mist it on. Too much and they start to look too solid.
Try to achieve sharper edges on the tops of clouds (where the sun shines on them) with feathered edges underneath (in the shadow). Allowing the "sky blue" colour to show through the cloud at places gives it a realistic misty look.
Here is a photo of my home-made cloud templates.
Gavin Miller
Perth, W. Australia
http://users.bigpond.net.au/miller_site/Gavin_index.html