Scumble

I love learning new words, and scumble is a new one for me. I'm finding it hard to put into my own words, but I think the phrase "a scumble of storm clouds" makes most sense to me.

Scumbling is an art technique that can be used to highlight layering, achieved through applying paint thinly on top of the underlying layer so that the colors of the preceding layer can show through. Layers of clouds is a perfect example.

Merriam-Webster defines it thus:

transitive verb

1

a

: to make (something, such as color or a painting) less brilliant by covering with a thin coat of opaque or semiopaque color applied with a nearly dry brush

b

: to apply (a color) in this manner

2

: to soften the lines or colors of (a drawing) by rubbing lightly

I hope by including it here, I will remember it ... we shall see ...