Default alt text
    How to Draw a Butterfly: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

    How to Draw a Butterfly: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

    If you want to learn how to draw a butterfly, there are several steps you can take to get started. The first step is to start with a light and simple line drawing. Next, you should outline the colors and shapes of the butterfly's wings. After that, you can lighten them up and fill in the marks at the bottom of the wing.

    Default alt text
    Repaper
    The simplicity of pencil and paper, the power of a graphic tablet

    Sketching out the shapes of the wings

    Default alt text

    Photo by @carolina_zuniga_artworks with the Repaper graphic tablet

    Butterfly wings have two main parts: upper and lower wings. The upper wings are usually triangular and the lower wings are rounded. The shapes of these parts will vary depending on the species. When sketching a butterfly, start by sketching out the shapes of the butterfly's wings and the spaces between them. Then, add lines to create the details you want.

    Once you have the basic shapes of the wings of a butterfly, you can then start drawing the veins and other details. Start with a large oval for each wing, then add smaller ovals inside the ovals. The bottom edge of each wing should be curved, while the top edge should be straight. Once you've completed the main shapes, you can add details to the wing, such as veins running through the center and small dots along the edges.

    Outlining the butterfly colors

    Default alt text

    Drawing made by @carolina_zuniga_artworks on the Repaper graphic tablet

    Outlining the colors of a butterfly can be done by using a pencil and a piece of paper. A #1 or #2 pencil is used to make the outline of the butterfly. Then, with a tan or orange pencil, fill in the wing color in the center and edges. The rest of the space on the wings should be white.

    Note that the optix gene is responsible for the colors on a butterfly's wings. It also controls the vein outline. When it's absent, the veins turn white.

    Lightening the butterfly wings

    Default alt text

    Animated gif by @carolina_zuniga_artworks on the Repaper graphic tablet

    Butterfly wings are composed of a colorless membrane covered with scales. The scales are flattened outgrowths about 50 um wide and 100 um long that overlap like roof tiles. Light that strikes the butterfly's wings interacts with the light reflected off its scales, creating the iridescent appearance.

    Filling in the marks on the bottom of butterfly wings

    Default alt text

    The process of filling in the marks on the bottom wing is the same as that used for coloring butterflies. The process involves making marks, connecting dots, and adding folds. This method will give your butterfly the appearance of veining patterns. You will also notice that the veining on butterflies varies according to species.

    The veins on the butterfly's wing can be created by drawing lines or curved lines. Once you have the basic shapes of veins, you can add extra lines to create folds. The bottom wing is divided into three sections. The middle section has six lines and four points.

    Default alt text

    Discover more

    Default alt text

    How to draw a Dog? Easy techniques and tips.

    If you want to learn how to draw a dog, you must start by drawing the dog's face.

    Default alt text

    How to draw a cat: tips for realistic drawing

    If you're wondering how to draw a cat, you have come to the right place.

    Default alt text

    How to draw animals: Tips for realistic, successful drawing.

    Feathers, scales or fur...Draw animals in all shapes and sizes by following this tutorial that will give you the right reflexes!

    £10 discount

    when subscribing to our Newsletter, for purchases over £100.

    Default alt text

    Free standard delivery
    for purchase over £80

    Default alt text

    30-day returns
    on all products

    Default alt text

    Secure payment
    with Stripe & PayPal

    Default alt text

    Pay in 4
    with PayPal

    Default alt text

    Customer service
    chat with us