Insects

Image

Like birds (shown here), insects can add vitality and movement to a painting. You might use them to extend your composition by placing a few bugs at the tip of a flower, or you can create a focal point in an area of open space. Some schools of Asian painting create exquisitely detailed insects, while others, like sumi-e, emphasize the idea and gesture, rather than realistic accuracy. I recommend studying photos of insects so that you understand how they are formed while thinking of the dance of the brush as you paint them.

Butterflies

You can paint butterflies in two different styles: boneless quick-stroke and outline.

BONELESS STYLE ...

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