Step 1

First of all, create a new document. I decided to use a 500px by 500px canvas.

Step 2

Now fill the blank canvas with a "skyish" colour. I used #94B6E1.

Step 3

Then, using the Circle tool, and whilst holding shift, draw as many circles as you wish, in order to gain the full cloud layout. One done, fill this shape with a slightly darker colour than the background.

Step 4

Now go to Layer > Duplicate Layer. And then change the colour of the duplicated shape to a lighter colour. This will be the primary colour of the cloud.

Step 5

Now, with the lighter shape selected, use the upward arrow key yo Nudge the shape 3 to 4 pixels up. Then create a new layer. You should have something like this.

Step 6

With the new layer selected, hold Ctrl and click on the lighter shape layer. You should see that the area becomes selected. Now go to Select > Modify > Contract and enter 2 pixels. You will see the selection become 2 pixels smaller. Now, using the gradient tool, apply a downwards gradient to the new layer.

Step 7

You should now have something that looks like this.

Step 8

Once again, with the circle tool, draw the sun. Fill this shape a dark orange, and position the layer below the cloud layers.

Step 9

Once again, duplicate this layer, change the colour to a slightly lighter orange, and nudge it upwards a few pixels. Create a new layer.

Step 10

Now as before, with the new layer selected, hold Ctrl and click on the lighter circle layer. A selection should become visible. Go to Select > Modify > Contract and set it to 2 pixels. And then once again, using the gradient tool, apply a gradient from the bottom right to the top left. After the gradient has been added, deselect the selection by using Ctrl + D.

Step 11

We will now add a glow to the sun. With the darker sun circle selected, go to Layer > Layer Style > Outer Glow, and duplicate these settings.

Step 12

And that's it! You have now completed the cartoon sky tutorial, and you should have something that looks like this. If you are experiencing any problems with this tutorial, please contact us via the Contact page.