Painting A Panoramic Cloud Painting
Panoramic Cloud Painting

14 x 54 "Canyon Dreams" Oil on Linen Canvas

Painting a Panoramic Cloud Painting can be fun and challenging. There is some serious planning to take on before you actually hit the canvas with paint. 

Lets take a look at what goes into the formatting and How To Paint A Panoramic Cloud Painting.

I also included some videos of creating this painting for you to enjoy and learn from. Turn on Close Captioning when you watch these videos!  

 How to paint a Panoramic Cloud Painting 

When you have made the decision to tackle a panoramic Cloud Painting here are some things to think about. First, what is your subject matter? Are you truly inspired by this scene and does it lend itself to the panoramic format. Think about these criteria's. 

What are you painting a skyscape or landscape.
Does your scene fit the proportions of a panoramic painting.
What kind of surface will you be working on? Board or Stretched canvas.
Do you have enough reference material to support the work ahead of you.

That last bullet point is a very important one. Make sure you have the proper amount of reference material to get you through the project. I've seen students take on a painting with very little reference material. you are setting yourself up for a tough journey by doing so. 


Not all scenes lend themselves to the idea of a panoramic format. This is where making sketches and a study become your best friend and a great asset. 

This painting was a commissioned job for collectors. They shared their vision with me and I was able to use my own photographs and build the painting with my creative freedom. This made my job of creating this Panoramic Cloud painting so much more enjoyable plus fulfilling their request would definitely be coming from my heart and creative spirit. 

My first job was to find the images and begin to piece together what would make a great panoramic cloud painting of the Grand Canyon with clouds dominating. This type of work can take days. It's not uncommon for my preparations time to take three days, this is time well spent.

Studies showing you my approach of How to Paint a Panoramic Cloud Painting

First step is my pen and ink drawing of the scene. I would never take on a project without giving myself all the tool needed. By doing these sketches and studies it sets my mind in the right direction and gives me great confidence. 

Panoramic Cloud Painting
Panoramic Cloud Painting

Next is the oil study done prior to Painting the Panoramic Cloud painting in the larger scale. This is 4"x16" painted on a Centurion canvas Panel.

Some Great Creative Resources for You!

If you'd like to see more videos of this Panoramic Cloud Painting in progress, I've added the links below. Don't forget to grab my free outline on the Top Five key elements to painting clouds with the big yellow button above. Enjoy the videos and remember do your homework before you start any big project. It will be worth it in the end. Alright my Friend... stay at the easel and be encouraged! 


Linda Glover Gooch
Linda Glover Gooch

I hope you enjoyed this post. Besides being a Professional Painter, my Creative Journey has taken on a life of teaching, inspiring and helping others find their voice, grow and become skillful with their craft. Watching others gain the knowledge through practice and detailed instruction is a great reward. For the Collectors: My goal is to capture their vision, their imagination and take them to a place, a moment in time that touches their heart and soul.

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