My name is Ivy Rutzky, and I'm a scientific assistant at the Museum. I also write and illustrate science books and Web sites for kids. I'm going to show you how to do a scientific illustration of a monarch butterfly in a few easy steps.
Scientists prefer to use drawings of their specimens rather than photographs. Why? When you draw you can:
What You'll Need
What to Do
Follow these steps to find out how to draw a scientific illustration!
Step 1: Research
Look in books and magazines like Natural History and National Geographic for beautiful photographs or illustrations of monarchs. You can do your research online or at a library.
TIP: A mix of scientific illustrations and photographs gives the most accurate idea of colors. Looking at images of monarchs from different angles and in different poses will make your drawing more lifelike.
Here is a photo to get you started.
Step 2: Developing Observational Skills
To develop good observation skills and understanding of monarchs, look closely at the references you have.
Notice the details of the butterfly:
Lightbulbs go off when you draw. You notice things that you might never have noticed otherwise!
Step 3: Tracing
TIP: Tape both the outline and your paper to the window. This will keep both pieces of paper firmly in place as you draw.
Step 4: Filling in the Illustration
TIP: Put a piece of plain white paper under your drawing hand to avoid smearing the drawing. Turn the drawing around as you work—don't forget to turn the white paper also to keep it under your drawing hand!
Step 5: Doing the Background
TIP: You can draw short, zigzagging lines to make it look as if the butterfly had just landed on some grass. Keep the lines soft and fuzzy, and your butterfly will stand out beautifully!
Want to draw more butterflies?
Download this PDF for pictures of butterflies from Taiwan. Find out more about them in the Butterfly Kingdom.
Plant a Butterfly Garden
See lots of butterflies by planting a garden that will attract them. You can add plants to your yard if you have one, and plant a window box if you don't.
Photos: AMNH; Illustrations: Ivy Rutsky