In this second part, we'll look at using layer styles and blending modes to add interest and compose entire skies:

Layer styles have a bit of a bad name as they are often over-used, especially with text & logos. But I still find them really useful - the key is experimenting and not necessarily using them as Adobe intended. So here is one layer style “recipe” for clouds. Be sure to experiment with all of the settings as well as the layer blending modes & opacities to get different effects.

With our last example, change the cloud layer’s blending mode to Color Dodge and set the opacity to 60%.  Click on the “Add a Layer Style” button at the bottom of the Layers panel.  In the pop-up menu, check the box next to Gradient Overlay.  This sets up the overall lighting for the cloud.  Drop the opacity somewhat and experiment with the angle and scale options to the right look.  The cloud brush we created has some built-in highlights coming from the upper right so rotate the angle slightly right of straight up to reinforce the effect.

Now add a mild Satin effect, which in the case adds a little bit of the sky color in the middle of the cloud.  I’ve changed the color from full black to a medium blue and dropped the opacity way down.  Experiment with the angle, distance and size settings to get a good balance.

Now add a pale orange color to the bottom of the cloud with a Color Overlay.  This simulates reflected light from the ground and gives the cloud more depth.  Using a complimentary orange color against the blue Satin effect adds some punch, but don’t overdo it!

With the Layer Style done, you can then start randomizing the clouds - experiment with rotating, scaling and mirroring the clouds on different layers.  Copy and paste the style from one layer to another to save time.  Also try lowering the cloud layers’ opacities and overlap two or more shapes / brushes to get interesting effects.  Both of these examples use the custom Layer Style we just created.

Add foreground-to-transparent Gradients to the mix, and you can build up very complex sky backdrops in just a few minutes.  Just experiment with different combinations paying careful attention to the lighting and balance of the overall scene.  This example is made up of three gradients and two cloud brushes.  All of the layers in this “Clouds” group are set to Overlay blending mode. I hope you found this exercise useful, and hopefully will inspire you to try them out. Thanks!