In this tutorial, you will learn how to paint different kinds of watercolor butterfly. We are going to start with 2 super easy watercolor butterflies for beginners. Then, we’ll do a little bit more complicated galaxy butterfly but still very simple if you just started watercolor painting. Thanks, Charu and TutoDraw, for those step-by-step guides!
2 Super Easy Watercolor Butterflies
Watercolor Supplies Used in the Two First Butterflies:
- Watercolor Paper
- Watercolor Palette Prima
- Basic Round Brushes size 4 or 6
- 1 Jar of Clean Water
- 1 Piece of Tissue Paper
- 1 Pencil and Eraser to Sketch
Step 1: Sketch the butterflies
Let’s start by sketching two basic butterflies.
Step 2: Add colors to the wings
Next, we’ll start adding colors by filling in the wings with light blue color. The first layer is the light wash.
Then start adding a little darker blue at random places. Make sure when you’re dropping this second layer of dark blue color that the paper is still wet, otherwise, it will not blend smoothly and you’ll have some harsh edges.
Now take a light wash purple color and lay down here and there at random places. Then, take the darker shade of purple and add a darker border. Blend it well until you are happy with it.
Step 3: Paint the head and body and add some details
Mix an even darker purple blend by adding a hint of black to it and trace the head and antennas. Then, add the rest of the body.
The last step is to add some thin lines of blue color and it’s done!
Step 4: Add colors to the wings
For the second butterfly, I chose some brighter shades like orange and red. For the first layer, I use a very light wash of orange color and fill it up on the wings.
Then add some brighter shades like orange and red here and there.
Repeat the same on the left side of the wings.
Step 5: Paint the head and body and add some Details
When the paper is dry, add some fine lines on the edges and any other details you feel necessary. Then, paint the antennas and the body.
That’s it, you now know how to make beautiful watercolor butterflies super easily!
Easy Watercolor Galaxy Butterfly Tutorial
Watercolor Supplies Used for this Galaxy Butterfly:
- 12-color palette by Winsor & Newton
- Watercolor Brush Pen by Rougier&Plé
- Rubber Cement by Rougier&Plé
- Paper Stack by Hahnemühle Harmony
Step 1: Draw the sketch of the butterfly
I start by making a butterfly silhouette with a few strokes of the pencil.
Step 2: Draw stars with rubber cement
I use some rubber cement to protect the border of my butterfly and dot the inside of the butterfly that will form the stars of my galaxy. I also add some little cross here and there.
Step 3: Color the butterfly with galaxy colors
Once it’s dry, we’ll paint our butterfly. A galaxy-like space is often composed of blue, pinkish-red, and a little turquoise green. It is by mixing these colors that we obtain beautiful shades.
Step 4: Cover it with black & adsorb it
Then, use black to darken the whole thing. After that, I use an absorption technique that allows me to lighten the center by removing darker pigment.
You can use a watercolor brush pen that allows me to absorb the paint still wet in its pigment. But, it’s possible to just use a paper towel to blot the area to be lightened.
Step 5: Remove the rubber cement
Once dry, I remove the rubber cement. Afterword, you’ll need to clean the paint residue with clean water.
Step 6: Add a dripping effect
Finally, add a little fade effect. We leave the tip of the brush wet and we’ll smooth the edges of the butterfly. Pull down and leave a streak to create a movement effect.
And that’s it! You have your watercolor galaxy butterfly.
If you would like to share your watercolor art in the comment section below, we would love to see it! And if you have any questions, feel free to ask and we’ll try to answer them before your paint dries 🙂
