Butterfly Step-by-Step Guide

Apply CT2 on the wings. Leave areas close to the butterfly’s body white.

Add PP2 to create bright orange. If the colour looks pink, add another layer of CT2. Use PP6 to create a gradient from yellow into the red.  

Apply GY3 over the rest of the wings, leaving some parts white. Follow the image nearby as your guide.

Add HB3 on top of white areas and those covered by GY3. It’s a challenging blend, so use dots to hide any unevenness.

Add PP6 on top of some purple and dark brown areas to make them even darker. Use HB3 to mix PP6 into the purple parts of the wings. It’s a tricky blend, so use dots to hide areas where the gradient isn’t even. Alternatively, use flicking brush strokes to integrate red into purple and brown.

Use PV1 and HB3 gradient on the butterfly’s body. With brush flicks, create furry texture. Apply the same gradient to the outer contour of the wings.

Add orange to the butterfly’s antennae and yellow to its tongue. To create the eye, use BT1 for the lightest part. Cover the rest with AB3. Let it dry. Add shadows with HB3 and blend it in with AB3.

To finish the artwork, add some dots with PP6 over the orange-brown areas and GY3 over yellow-orange ones. Use a bit of PV1 over white spots in the top wing. Add dots with GY3 and HB3 over those flecks.

Pro tip: To create brown, apply GY3, let it dry and then add HB3 on top of it. You can vary the hue by adding another layer of GY3 or HB3.