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LEARN THE ART OF PAINTING REALISTIC

CLOUDS & CLOUDSCAPES

Are you ready to elevate your skies?

From flat to realistic

From fluffy to dramatic

From bland to awe-inspiring

From formless to three-dimensional

If you’ve ever struggled with painting clouds, you’re not alone.


Most of us were never actually taught how to paint them. Which is why, for so many painters, clouds end up as an afterthought — quick blue-and-white fluffies for the top of the canvas.

But here’s the thing: clouds are far more than background filler.

They set the mood of your painting. They establish depth, light, and atmosphere. And they can even guide the eye through your composition.

The problem is, without the right approach, clouds often fall flat.

They don’t capture the drama you intended. They lack depth, or they compete with the landscape instead of working in harmony with it.

That’s where this course comes in.

Introducing:

Painting Dramatic Clouds 2.0

Painting Dramatic Clouds 2.0 is designed to help you elevate your skies and capture the magic of luminous, dramatic clouds.

If you’re a landscape painter, then you already know: skies aren’t optional. They’re integral to your paintings.

Clouds can set the mood, add drama, and even change the entire feel of your scene.

I’ll take you step-by-step through everything I’ve learned about painting clouds. From the foundational concepts that’ll help you really understand them, to the layered painting techniques I use to bring compelling depth, luminous light, and dramatic atmosphere into the sky.

By the end of this course, you’ll understand how to paint clouds that work in harmony with the land—adding depth, light, and atmosphere so your entire landscape feels alive.

And you’ll have the tools and techniques to paint cloudscapes with more confidence, so your skies feel more realistic and enhance the mood of your paintings.

Ready to get started?

What’s different about PDC 2.0 vs. PDC 1.0?

If you enrolled in my first cloud course, Painting Dramatic Clouds 1.0,
you might be wondering: What’s new here?

The short answer: everything.

  • PDC 1.0 was a starting point. With just 4 hours of painting lessons, it gave you an introduction to painting clouds — but it left out foundational lessons and you couldn't always see what I was doing on my palette.

  • PDC 2.0 goes much deeper. With more than 19 hours of video painting sessions plus a full Foundational Concepts module, you’ll finally see clouds from the inside out. And for the first time, I’ll show you every bit of my color mixing on camera — so you’ll never have to guess what’s on my palette.

  • Think of it like this: PDC 1.0 was a freshman-level intro. PDC 2.0 is the more advanced course that gives you the depth, practice, and confidence you need to truly paint clouds that elevate your paintings.

You can find even more about what’s new in the FAQ section below.

What you'll learn in this new course

  • How to handle light, values, blending, and edges to give your clouds form and dimension.

  • How to treat clouds not as an afterthought, but as a powerful design element that can lead the eye and set the mood.

  • The role clouds play in landscape paintings — and how to balance them with the land for a harmonious composition.

  • How to mix a full range of colors for more realistic skies and luminous clouds.

  • How to paint in layers, using my 4-stage framework: the Modern Approach to Classical Painting.

How the course is structured

PDC 2.0 has five core modules: Orientation, Supplies & Resources, Foundational Concepts, Getting Ready to Paint, and the heart of the course — Studio Time (which includes the 4 painting stages).

  • The lessons are primarily video, with additional lesson notes and downloadable PDF resources. Plus, each lesson includes a student discussion forum where you can share your progress or ask me questions.  

  • I’ll guide you through every stage of my process, from pencil to final details. Just like being here in the studio, you’ll watch over my shoulder as I paint — and you’ll see everything I’m mixing on the palette.

  • Applying what you’ve learned in the Foundational Concepts module, we’ll complete a rich, realistic cloudscape painting, step-by-step.

This is a go-at-your-own-pace course. Enrollment includes lifetime access to all the lessons.

LEARN

the important foundational concepts and techniques for painting realistic, luminous clouds

WATCH

over my shoulder as I demonstrate each stage and technique in step-by-step video lessons

PAINT

along with me using the concepts and techniques and a proven, repeatable process

New "Life-Happens Bonuses!

🎁

  • I’ve added even more photos to the Clouds+ Photo Reference Collection — now with a total of 99 brand-new photos you can use for your own paintings.

  • I’m also throwing in one more live Q&A with me (for a total of three).

🎉 Special Bonuses 🎉

Enroll during launch week and you’ll receive exclusive access to these limited-time bonuses:

BONUS #1: EXPANDED FROM 2 TO 3!

Live Q&A Sessions
Since this is a brand-new course, I’ll be hosting live Q&A sessions to help ensure you get off on the right foot.

The first session will be on “opening day,” where I’ll answer questions about the course, supplies, and more. A second session will be held later to give you a chance to ask follow-up questions once you’ve had time to start painting. (And yes, replays will be available if you can’t attend live.)

BONUS #2: EXPANDED FROM 66 TO 99!

Clouds+ Photo Reference Collection
Sometimes inspiration starts with the right reference. So in this bonus you’ll receive a curated set of high-quality cloud and sky reference photos from my own personal library.

These images are copyright-free, so you can use them for study, practice, or even to inspire your own paintings.

Exclusive Alumni Bonus —

A Personal Critique from Layne

🎁

  • When you finish the course, you’ll have the opportunity to submit your course painting for a personal critique from me.

  • I’ll review your work and share personalized feedback to help you continue growing — just like we’d do in a workshop setting.

This bonus is available only to Alumni enrolling during this special early-access period, Oct 10-12.

Trusted by Students Since 2018

While this is a brand-new course, the methods I teach aren’t. Since 2018, students have been achieving breakthroughs with my painting courses—here’s what a few of them had to say.

“This is an excellent course... I have struggled with clouds since the beginning of trying to paint. I truly recommend this course as it finally helped me understand where I was missing out. I found it to be paced at my pace and was easy to navigate and repeat sections over and over that I needed to. It's so worth it!”

Becky B.

“I got exactly what I wanted out of this course and more. I learned techniques and tips on how I can improve and bring more drama to my own paintings — all from the comfort of my own home. The course is like learning how to cast a spell, astoundingly magical and insanely awesome… Layne's delightfully encouraging demeanor throughout kept me motivated and excited to keep going and like he says, to 'trust the process!'"

Jennifer W.

“Enrolling in this course was the best investment in myself.

Layne, your style of teaching and your approach (structure of the course, explanation of every step, the feedback possibility) are unique. I have enrolled in other 2 courses. Can’t wait to start them!”

Olena W.K.

Here's what you get when you enroll

  • Lifetime access to Painting Dramatic Clouds 2.0 — so you can learn at your own pace and revisit the lessons anytime.

  • Step-by-step guided painting sessions — more than 19 hours of video lessons, plus bonus demos to take your skills even further.

  • A full foundational concepts module — helping you understand clouds before you ever pick up a brush.

  • Downloadable resources and lesson notes — handy tools you can keep by your side as you paint.

  • Access to Layne in the student discussion forum — direct support when you need answers or encouragement.

  • Exclusive launch bonuses — 3 Live Q&A Sessions and the expanded Clouds+ Photo Reference Collection for added guidance and inspiration. (A $222 value)

A weekend workshop can easily cost $400–600 plus travel — and once it’s over, it’s over.

With Painting Dramatic Clouds 2.0, you’ll keep lifetime access — plus our best launch price and bonuses when you enroll now.

Only $249.00

ENROLLMENT IS CURRENTLY CLOSED – BUT WILL RE-OPEN FEBRUARY 1st!

🎉 Alumni-Only Sale — Save $80! 🎉

Private alumni enrollment: Oct 10–12

Includes your Exclusive Alumni Bonus: a Personal Critique from Layne

Choose your payment option

ONE TIME PAYMENT — best value

$249 $169

Save $80 today

2 MONTHLY PAYMENTS

$129 $89

We accept Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, and PayPal

Enrollment closes October 17 at 8pm CT

🎨 Early-Bird Sale — Save $60! 🎨

Early-bird enrollment: Oct 13–15

Choose your payment option

ONE TIME PAYMENT — best value

$249 $189

Save $60 today

2 MONTHLY PAYMENTS

$129 $99

We accept Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, and PayPal

Enrollment closes October 17 at 8pm CT

✨Choose your payment option and enroll today✨

Enrollment closes October 17 at 8pm CT

ONE TIME PAYMENT — best value

$249 $199

Save $50 today

2 MONTHLY PAYMENTS

$129 $105

We accept Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, and PayPal

💫 One More Chance to Join — Enrollment Extended! 💫

Doors close Sunday, October 19 at 7pm CT

Choose your payment option

ONE TIME PAYMENT — best value

$249 $199

Save $50 today

2 MONTHLY PAYMENTS

$129 $105

We accept Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, and PayPal

My 30-Day “You’re Going to Love It” Guarantee


I'm pretty positive you are going to love this course. To put your mind completely at ease, though, this course comes with a 100% risk-free guarantee.

If at any time within the first 30 days you decide the course isn't what you're looking for, simply ask for a refund and we'll give you 100% of your money back. Remember, getting better as a painter takes time, patience and most importantly, lots and lots of practice.

This course will help you get there. Guaranteed.

Still wondering if this course is for you?

Whether you’ve just started painting landscapes or you’ve been painting for years — if clouds leave you frustrated — this course is for you.

If you’ve ever stepped back from a painting and thought, “Something about the sky just doesn’t feel right" — but you just don't know why — then this course is for you.

Advanced Beginners will gain the foundations they’ve been missing.

Experienced artists will learn how to add depth and drama that elevates their skies.

If you've only been painting for a short time, or you really want to get a handle on the painting fundamentals first, I recommend starting with Mastering the Fundamentals of Landscape Painting.

Hey there, I'm Layne Johnson

I’ve been a painter most of my life. I understand how hard it is—and how much time it takes—when you're figuring it all out on your own. Not knowing if you’re doing things “right”.

The truth is, most of us are self-taught. Despite my own BFA, many years spent as an illustrator and graphic designer, and many more years as a children’s book artist – it took me a long time to learn what works. Figuring out a process that helps me create rich, realistic landscapes. A repeatable, enjoyable process.

Yes, I believe anyone can learn to paint realistic landscapes. Sometimes, it just takes someone who’s been where you want to go to show you the way.

Since 2018 I’ve helped more than 3,000 students from around the world improve their painting skills. And I've shared the secrets I've learned over my 40+ years as a professional artist.

I hope you'll join me, too.

Questions you might be asking

How long do I have access to the course?

You’ll have lifetime access! Once you enroll, the course is yours for good—as long as it exists online (and we plan to be around for a very long time). There’s no rush, no deadlines, and you can revisit the lessons anytime you want.

Do I have to paint in oils for this course?

Not at all! Everything I teach works for oils, water-mixable oils, and acrylics. The techniques are the same — you’ll just adapt your drying times a bit depending on your medium.

Is the course available as soon as I enroll?

Yes, you’ll get instant access to the Orientation and Supplies & Resources modules so you can get set up and ready to paint. The full course lessons unlock right after enrollment closes—so everything will be waiting for you when we officially begin.

Do I need to be online at a specific time to watch the lessons?

Nope! All of the lessons are pre-recorded and completely self-paced, so you can watch whenever it fits your schedule. The only sessions held at specific times are the live Q&As—but don’t worry, replays will be available if you can’t make it.

What if I fall behind or get busy?

That’s the beauty of an online course—you can go entirely at your own pace. There’s no deadline, and you can pause, rewind, and rewatch lessons anytime. Whether you paint a little each week or take a longer break, the course will always be here waiting for you.

Are there any live sessions?

Yes! When you join during this first enrollment, you’ll get access to two special live Q&A sessions where you can ask questions and get extra guidance. Can’t make it live? No problem—replays will be available so you can watch anytime.

Will I get personal feedback on my work?

You’ll get guidance through the course lessons and live Q&A sessions, where I answer student questions in detail. While I can’t offer one-on-one critiques, the lessons are designed to help you troubleshoot and improve your results step-by-step.

How much time will the course take?

That really depends on your pace and how you like to learn. The lessons are broken into bite-sized painting sessions—usually about 40–50 minutes each—so you can make steady progress even if you only paint a few hours a week. Altogether, there’s over 19 hours of step-by-step painting videos, plus 5 hours of foundational lessons and bonus demos.

💡Tip: Many students like to watch each lesson once before they start painting, especially if this approach is new to them. It helps you see the big picture before diving in.

Do the videos include subtitles?

Yes! Every video includes subtitles in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Need another language? Just let us know—we’ll do our best to make it available.

Can I watch the course on my phone or tablet?

Absolutely! You can watch all the lessons on your computer, tablet, or phone—whatever’s most convenient for you. The free Teachable app for iOS and Android makes it easy to stream lessons on the go, and it automatically syncs your progress so you can pick up right where you left off. (You’ll find it in the App Store or Google Play.)

Can I download the lessons?

All of the resource materials—like reference photos, supply lists, and worksheets—are downloadable and printable. The video lessons are streamable but not downloadable to your computer.

Headed somewhere without Wi-Fi? No problem! You can download lessons for offline viewing using the free Teachable app. (Offline viewing is currently available on iOS, coming soon to Android). And of course, you’ll always have lifetime access to stream the course anytime you like.

How much painting experience do I need?

This course is best for experienced painters—around the advanced beginner to intermediate level. If you’re newer to painting or still working on the basics,

I recommend starting with Mastering the Fundamentals of Landscape Painting. It’ll give you a solid foundation so you can feel confident and ready to dive into cloud painting later on.

What if I'm not sure this course is right for me?

Not sure if it’s a good fit? No worries. If you’re excited to paint more realistic, luminous clouds—and you’re comfortable with the basics of landscape painting—you’ll be right at home here. And remember, you’re protected by a 30-day, no-risk guarantee.

Do I have to have completed Painting Dramatic Clouds 1.0 to enroll in this course?

Nope! You can jump right into Painting Dramatic Clouds 2.0. This course is completely self-contained, with all the foundational lessons built in — so you’ll have everything you need, even if you never took PDC 1.0.

Am I going to learn anything new if I’ve already taken Painting Dramatic Clouds 1.0?

Yes! PDC 2.0 is a more advanced course. It'll give you the depth, practice, and confidence you need to truly paint clouds that elevate your paintings. Here’s what’s different:

Size: In 1.0 we painted a small 9x11 canvas, but many students wanted to paint something bigger. In PDC 2.0, we’re working on a larger 16x20 canvas—giving you more room to explore and apply techniques.

Color Mixing: In 1.0, you couldn’t always see what I was mixing. In 2.0, you’ll clearly see my palette in every painting session, so you’ll know exactly how to mix the colors you need. No more guessing what colors to use or how to mix them.

Scope: PDC 1.0 focused on a single cumulonimbus cloud with a simple landscape. PDC 2.0 goes even further and deeper. In the foundational concepts we’ll focus on what you need to know about clouds so you can paint them more effectively.  Then you’ll learn to paint multiple types of clouds and a full cloudscape formation, plus a full landscape. You’ll learn to apply those foundational concepts using classical painting techniques.

Length & Depth: PDC 1.0 had just 4 hours of painting lessons. PDC 2.0 includes 19+ hours of guided painting sessions plus a full Foundational Concepts module and 4+ hours of additional bonus demos.

Level: PDC 1.0 was like a freshman-level intro. PDC 2.0 takes it to the next level — teaching you more advanced skills and techniques. You’ll learn how to give your clouds real depth. And you’ll build confidence for creating your own dramatic cloudscapes.

Do you offer a guarantee or refund policy?

Yes, this course comes with a 100% risk-free, 30-day money-back guarantee. If you dive in and realize it’s not the right fit, just reach out within 30 days and we’ll refund your tuition—no hard feelings.

What students are saying

Painting Dramatic Clouds 2.0 is a brand new course, but I've been helping my students with their painting skills since 2018. These student comments are from various other courses.

“After feeling stuck on a plateau with my landscape paintings, this course helped me refocus on a practical process that I can use as a guide. I appreciated the comprehensive structure of the course that allowed me to see the entire process from choosing colors through final art. I'm inspired by a fresh look at technique and process. And I'm studying the clouds everywhere I go.”
Melody S.

“This course is so helpful in giving very fundamental (and foundational) help for a painter, even beginners! It has built my confidence as an artist to apply time-tested techniques to my painting, and given me a great hunger to keep honing my artistic skills. Thank you Layne. You are the best teacher I've learned with.”

Linda B.

“I’m so glad that I enrolled in Layne's course because I learnt so much and can now confidently paint gorgeous landscapes. You can spend years figuring things out by yourself or just learn from a great teacher and catapult your skills and abilities in a short space of time!”

Bonnie S.

“This was an AMAZING experience. It shined a whole new light on painting for me not just on painting clouds but painting entirely.”

N.N.

“I struggled a lot with painting clouds so I took an online class with @laynejohnsonstudio to get help! And to my delight, I was able to understand clouds and their rainbow colors so much better.”

Bailey D.

“I was like ‘Oh my gosh! The cloud is becoming 3-dimensional!!!’ … Then I stepped back and suddenly it POPPED and I saw depth and dimension that wasn't there before. Very exciting!”

@softwindstudio

Still have questions? Email us at [email protected]

Prices in USD. Local currency and applicable taxes calculated at checkout.

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"I can't believe how quickly I found success!"

Before I even finished the introduction lesson, I found so much clarity and motivation!

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