Painting realistic butterflies is easy with Gouache and even easier with Acryla Gouache. I’m using Holbein Acryla Gouache in these two nature journal pages, but you can use this technique in any Gouache, Acrylic, or Acryla Gouache work flow. You can watch over my shoulder in accelerated time as I paint two butterfly demos. Each one took approximately 45 minutes but I’ve sped up the time considerably here for faster learning.
Try painting a butterfly from my photos included here, from your own photos, from specimens or from life! Try to capture the shapes and patterns on the wings and the shimmering colors and translucent areas. Remember that if you are using Acrylic or Acrylic Gouache, you can paint over any mistakes you make. Most importantly, have fun!!!
