How to Draw Butterfly Outline Step by Step Guide

Are you a beginner artist looking to improve your drawing skills? Drawing a butterfly outline is a great place to start! But where do you begin? Do not worry! In this guide, we will walk you through the process, providing you with Drawing Techniques along the way to help you draw a beautiful butterfly.

Materials you will need

Before we begin, make sure you have the following materials:

Paper
Pencil
Eraser

Now let’s dive into the drawing process!

Step 1: Sketching Basic Shapes

Start by drawing a circle in the center of your paper. This circle will be the butterfly’s body. Then, draw two lines on either side of the circle, these lines will represent the butterfly’s wings.

Tips:

Draw lightly so that you can erase your marks easily if you make a mistake.
If you are struggling to draw a circle, try using a compass.

Step 2: Adding Shape to the Wings

Next, add some shapes to the wings. Butterflies come in many different shapes and sizes, so feel free to be creative. Once you have drawn the shapes, connect them to the body by drawing several small lines.

Tips:

Take inspiration from photos of real butterflies and incorporate their natural patterns.
Keep your pencil strokes light and minimal to avoid smudging your work.

Step 3: Drawing the Antennae and Legs

Draw the butterfly’s antennae at the top of the circle. Then, add in some legs at the bottom of the body.

Tips:

Draw the antennae lightly so they don’t overpower the rest of the drawing.
Butterfly legs are long and thin, so keep that in mind when you are sketching them out.

Step 4: Finalize the Outline

Now that you have all the elements drawn, finalize the butterfly’s outline by going over your pencil marks with a pen, marker, or dark pencil.

Tips:

Be careful and slow when going over your pencil marks to ensure that you maintain the right shape.
If you are scared to make a mistake, remember you can always retrace your steps with a pencil before finalizing with ink or a pen.

Step 5: Adding Details

You can add details to your butterfly by drawing in some veins in the wings or adding small dots to suggest texture.

Tips:

Remember that less can often be more. It’s easy to get carried away with adding too many details, so try to keep this simple and to the point.
Consider adding small details like curved lines or dots to the end of the antennae to give them a more realistic look.

Step 6: Shading

You can bring your butterfly to life by adding shading. This is done by adding darker or lighter tones to your drawing. To do this, identify where the light source is in your drawing and shade accordingly.

Tips:

Remember that the light source will determine where you add shadow and highlights.
You can achieve shading by using your pencil in different ways. Try using the side for shading or the tip for creating fine lines.

Step 7: Voila! Your Butterfly Drawing is Complete!

Congratulations! You have successfully drawn a butterfly outline.

FAQ

1. What is the best pencil to use for drawing a butterfly?

A simple no.2 pencil is perfect for drawing a butterfly. You can also use colored pencils to add color to your drawing.

2. Can I use a reference image to draw a butterfly?

Yes, you can. In fact, using a reference image is an excellent way to improve your drawings. You can even try to replicate the image in your drawing.

3. What are some common mistakes to avoid while drawing a butterfly?

One of the most common mistakes beginners make is overcomplicating their drawing. Keep it simple, and remember to draw lightly so you can easily erase any mistakes.

4. How do I choose the right shades for shading?

Start with a light shade and progressively work towards a darker tone. Make sure to identify the light source in your drawing and shade accordingly.

5. Can I use a butterfly outline as a tattoo design?

Absolutely! Butterflies are a popular design choice for tattoos, and you can use your drawing as inspiration for your tattoo artist.

6. Is it necessary to add shading to my butterfly drawing?

No, it is not necessary. Shading is an optional step that adds depth and dimension to your drawing. If you are happy with the outline, you can skip this step.