In my art training, I’m learning to see shapes, colors, relationships, and placements of one object to others. Then I select a small portion of what I see and use tricks to transfer this idea to a flat surface.
As I sketch an interesting cloud formation I use a light touch at it’s top but a heavy line at it’s bottom to show weight and shadow. I see clouds John didn’t notice but I use a line to represent them, although there is NEVER a line around anything. The heavy darker bottom line is a trick because although I’m sure a cloud has weight, the water molecules at it’s bottom are probably the same as at the top.
In my opinion, if I use tight rendering tricks and my tools (pencil or paint) exceptionally well, I making a flat surface “look like real clouds.” I have impressed the viewer with Me and my skills. I haven’t shown the viewer the clouds. If I strip away all the tricks and technique I can, and leave only the wonderful shape and essence of cloudyness, I’ve made a picture of clouds not of me impressing you with my skills. This is Raw Art or Outsider Art. Do you remember the pictures on the walls of the house you grew up in?  I can describe each of mine in great detail so make memories for your family.  nancymauerman.com