Clouds: Sky’s Mood Makers
My paintings are influenced by what I like to call ‘mood clouds’. These are not just objects that are moving around in the sky, but they are the mood of the entire canvas. Each cloud in my paintings has its character and mood which in turn determines the mood and the feeling of the scene.
When I am drawing happy clouds, I see them hovering around slowly in a clear blue sky. The clouds are stewed up into fluffy, white forms that give the impression of stillness and happiness. These clouds seem to dance in the sunlight, making soft, playful shadows on the land below. They give the viewer a feeling of peace and satisfaction standing before a perfect day’s painting.
On the other hand, there are angry clouds, which are completely different. These dark, threatening clouds fill the sky and dim everything that is under them. They are turbulent in their forms and ominous in their colors signifying the approaching storm. The mood they bring is one of expectancy, as if one can feel the tension in the air. These clouds provide the painting with a sense of stage and drama, and the viewer can almost feel the adrenaline rushing through their body based on the artist’s depiction.
The mood of each cloud is very intentional, and they are painted with a lot of detail. I observe their structure, color and motion, and use their personalities as my reference when painting. A cloud can change the whole atmosphere of the painting, making it peaceful to gloomy, or joyful to sad. It is through the characterization of clouds with moods that I develop a rich narrative that explores the relationship between the different elements in the painting, making the sky an essential part of the story.
I have an art goal, and that is to portray the fluidity of the sky and the feelings that can be attached to it. Whether it is the light and playful flight of happy clouds or the royal and fierce presence of angry clouds, every piece of painting describes a story based on the cloud’s personalities. This is because, when the audience is given a chance to look at the sky in a more animated way, then they will be able to appreciate the sky and other natural phenomena in a more detail.
Finally, mood clouds are not just some artistic tool. They are the soul of my paintings, the soul that gives each picture its mood. They teach us that the sky is not some still picture, but a lively open window, which can mirror and enhance the feelings that we experience in our lives.
