Butterfly Painting Lesson Plan

Day One:

1. Talk about BUTTERFLIES and LEAVES.
   • Using examples show different kinds of butterflies.
   • Emphasize the symmetry of the wings and the different shapes within both the butterflies and the leaves. 
2. Show shape sampler.
   • Have students draw their own ideas of shapes for the butterfly and leaves. 
3. Discuss the art materials.
   • Show how crayon resists watercolor paints. 
4. Start by making a pencil sketch of the butterfly and leaves.
   • The majority of the space should be filled with the butterfly. 
   • Students may practice on scrap paper. 
5. Go over the pencil lines with a black crayon.
   • Press down firmly. 
   • Make sure to erase or cover all pencil lines. 
6. Add shapes on the wings and body.
   • Refer to the pattern sampler. 
7. Add the leaves.
   • Use examples and books as reference.

Day Two:

1. Students can begin using watercolors when drawings are done.
   • Start with the background, use ONLY green. 
   • Yellow and blue may be mixed with the green to achieve some variation.
2. Use bright colors for the butterfly.
   • Avoid using green
   • Fill in the shapes with different colors
   • Each side should be symmetrical.
3. Add finishing touches such as butterfly detail (facial features & antennae)
   • Make sure that pictures are complete.
   • Students name should be printed on the front, 1″ away from the paper edge.
   • Record the student name, grade/teacher and school, in pencil, on the back of the artwork.

Special thanks to Nancy Murphy, Art Educator @ Alpharetta, GA for this lesson plan!