How to draw a butterfly.

The butterfly effect.

With bright colours, delicate wings and whimsical movements, butterflies capture the imagination. In both detailed naturalist drawings and bright and bold Lisa Frank stickers, butterflies are everywhere. “But typically, simple ‘clip art’ butterflies are not what butterflies actually look like. That’s what they look like when pinned to a board,” explains illustrator Kevin Jay Stanton. 

There’s more to the recognisable butterfly shape than two big wings. They can be a challenge to draw, but with reference photos and the right tools, you can transform simple curved lines into dynamic butterfly wings.

Start with the wings.

Sketch in the general shapes of the butterfly’s wings. Closely observe the foreshortened effects in the photos you reference. While it might not be immediately evident, butterflies actually have two sets of wings, with the top wings overlapping the bottom ones. The upper wings are often more triangular in shape while the lower wings are more rounded, but this varies between species. Block in the basic shapes of the wings and use this layer as an underdrawing to help you refine the details as you work.

Sketch the butterfly’s body.

When you have the wings drawn in, sketch out the shapes of the butterfly’s head and body. “Compared to the wings, the body is very small,” notes Stanton. Observe your photos again to get the shapes and angles of the thorax and abdomen just right. This is also the time to sketch in the antennae and any facial features you want to include. “Unlike moths, butterflies generally have very thin antennae. And they have a really thin proboscis that curls out from their mouths,” adds Stanton.

Butterflies also have six legs, with three on each side of their bodies. Consider the positioning of the butterfly against its landscape or background. If it’s perched on a flower, you probably need to draw its legs. But if it’s fluttering through the air, legs might not be necessary for a stlylised sketch.

Add detail to the wings.

“Now we get to the really fun part, which is adding the marks on the butterfly’s wings,” says Case. “Most people fudge this part because it’s challenging to get the geometry of the butterfly exactly right.” If you’re drawing a real species of butterfly instead of an imagined species you’ve dreamt up, take a moment to analyse the patterns on its wings.

If your butterfly appears more polka-dotted, sketch in small circles to help you to plan the pattern you want to create. If your butterfly has differently coloured sections across its wings, count those areas first. Monarch butterflies, for example, have about ten veined sections on their lower wings that fit together like pieces of a stained glass window. To make sure you don’t leave anything out, use your references to guide you while you sketch out the shapes of each section. 

Refine your lines.

When you’re satisfied with your sketch, go back in and refine your drawing. Adjust the thickness of the veins and the dots around the edges of the wings and add texture to the body, head and antennae. If something feels off in your sketch, don’t be afraid to use your eraser and draw it again. Or, if you’re using digital tools like Adobe Fresco, just create a new layer in your file and turn off the layer underneath. This lets you redraw certain sections without losing any previous work.

Layer in some different colours.

Now’s the time to get colourful. Butterflies are known for their bright, distinctive shades, so don’t be afraid to add bold hues to your drawing. Take your time with this step and add colour to your butterfly and your background thoughtfully. Remember, you can always go back and rework your digital paints if you’re not totally satisfied.