Light or Dark Background? - How to Paint a Butterfly in Watercolour

[@rebeccap.simmons4244]

You are simply the best. I can’t believe the effort you put into your videos , from your shirt, to your drink, to your jokes, to the layout of your paint to coordinate with your subject. You’ve really help me up my game. Thank you!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Wow, thank you! ... happy to help!

[@paulaburian7067]

Right? It is pure joy watching Paul create his masterpieces. He makes it look easy, but it certainly is not! I subscribe to many artists' tutorials. So many brilliant artists, but, hands down, Paul is my absolute favorite in his presentation and personality. 😊

[@mimi8352]

For a year or so, I have been watching your beautiful painting tutorials just to relax. I haven’t done one yet but I’ve been feeling the draw back to my brushes. Thank you for your inspiration. I’m going to get back to it.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much! - happy to help!

[@Draw_together]

Very beautiful art work!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much 😀

[@MsMoniqueWilson]

Really beautiful!!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jerryeby3386]

backgrounds make or break the painting. I'm finally getting that and much happier with my work. Thanks Paul for lovely butterfly. Sherry

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome Sherry!

[@renitalopez9100]

Watching you paint in real time is so helpful. Your brush strokes are much more deliberate than they appear otherwise. Thank you for that, beautiful painting.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you like them!

[@deborahbarbaccia6813]

Beautiful as always Paul. And you make it look sooooo easy!! 😀😁.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@pamelakempseyy9345]

A beautiful butterfly Paul, thank you for showing how to bring it to life.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are very welcome

[@julieandrews730]

So much fun to see a painting emerge from blank paper. It's magic!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

many thanks Julie!

[@jilliandane3737]

Good day Paul. Your butterfly painting is gorgeous. You've drawn and painted it in a simple yet wonderful way. It is so amazing. Thank you.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much 😀

[@savithriragavan549]

A quintessential spring motif - the butterfly is so gorgeous. And the background brings out its beauty even more. Thank you for sharing your talent!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much!

[@carriepolster399]

Love this butterfly. The darker background is wonderful.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Great to hear!

[@CaroleWest-gn2te]

Thank you I really like how you explain things.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

So nice of you

[@Cyndi-qi3qi]

Thank you for sharing your skill and sketches! And at no charge! I appreciate it all! Inspiring!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks for watching!

[@debpaolucciojanomethreadar2357]

What a treat! I can't wait to give it a go!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

have fun!

[@dessyedeeclark1144]

Great inspiration. I just visited a new butterfly house here in Missoula, Montana. I took many photos. This tutorial is giving me the courage to paint them. Thanks

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome!

[@AnglimK1]

How appropriate…a butterfly at Eastertide. Thank you Paul for the lesson in backgrounds. Your butterfly is exquisite, especially the softness of his body and the wing fading into the background. It‘s another Wow Wednesday.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are very welcome - thanks!

[@catherinejoy9298]

Really beautiful, Paul - the butterfly is so alive! Thank You for another brilliant lesson! 😁🤩😍

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@debwarren608]

I loved your first background. Am going to try both ways. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much!

[@ChrisEbbage]

Mr Clark, you never fail to inspire me. Thank you!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Cheers, Chris!

[@charlottemccartney9076]

Love butterflies,❤ loved your T shirt but really enjoyed the freedom of colours in the background... Actually, great freedom overall! My mum says you should be a Shakespearean actor.....very expressive and emotive!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! 😊 Lol .... ‘Alas poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio’

[@Michael-lq5di]

Wednesday is always my time to enjoy your painting great stuff!!🎉

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much 😀

[@gloriawachel917]

This time: It is so very beaautiful, amazing, and informative. tTanks so very much.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rachelkimball312]

You're a delight to watch. One of my favorite WC painters.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Great to hear, thanks 😊

[@annenglish2935]

I love that you showed this with 2 different backgrounds!!! Truly appreciate all your work to bring us beautiful art to brighten our Wednesdays!🎉😂❤ With love and gratitude from a California Gramma ❤

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much 😀 CG!!!

[@denisejg1763]

I look forward to your videos every week. This is lovely! Thank you

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Yay, thank you!

[@lisegagne3716]

Insert all the I Love this emojis!❣️🌹✔️🍷😍🥰😘🦋🎀💙🤎🧡💜💓💗💞💕❣️!!! This is the one I will try on my holidays! Love these vids Paul!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Love it!! - thanks so much Lise!

[@suemciver636]

Thank you again Paul. You are just amazing. Such a talented artist. I love this tutorial and can't wait to have a go at it. I pick up clever little hints from every one of your tutorials. Thank you so much for your tutorials. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome... happy to help!

[@heatherthomas2145]

A fun tutorial. Using pastels towards the end to brighten the background was brilliant. 👍 I'm looking forward to trying this with a lighter background too. Thank you for another enjoyable Wednesday. 🦋

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Have fun Heather!

[@HAIS-hr3lz]

The smudged left wing edge is dead clever, that little "trick" works very well.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Great to hear - thanks!

[@christinebentley6466]

Simply stunning, I definitely feel inspired to try it. And it’s very relaxing watching you paint. Looking forward to your next video.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks so much 😊

[@parthapratimghosh3166]

Marvellous marvellous marvellous painting

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Very kind - thanks!

[@margaretpollard5507]

Simply gorgeous, beautifully painted as always. Thank you so much. You add joy to Wednesdays.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! Cheers! Great to hear

[@suevowles1523]

Oh that’s just lovely, thank you Paul!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@samerawhalen7293]

The darker background is my favourite. You chose one of UK’s most beautiful butterflies. Thank you so much for the detailed tutorial. 🌾🦋

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You’re welcome 😊 ... yes, I prefer the darker version too!

[@sandybush1661]

I love painting butterflies! Thank you for this 😍. Can't wait to give it a try.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@conniemesce4093]

Very beautiful, love butterflies they're so colorful and graceful! ❤ great job. Thank you!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@donnamorganfromthewell]

I"m new to your videos and I love them. I'm learning a lot as i learn about loosening up and having fun with the process. Thank you for the time you put into every video.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome!

[@eirenmist12]

Lovely Flutterby, the name we children used to call it, which when you think about it makes a lot more sense. You don't really want it landing on your butter no matter how beautiful it is. 😊

[@marytesta3003]

Thank you for this wonderful painting. It's snowing here in Lake Villa, Illinois, US, so this butterfly reminds me that someday spring and summer will show up. My great niece is all about butterflies. It was unicorns, but she's on to new things. She's 4. I'm giving this a go. If I get 1 to be good, it will be a great gift for her. Thank you, Paul. You light up my mid-week ❤

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

That's great to hear Mary, hope she enjoys it!

[@pattycyr8662]

I really love this, and thanks for explaining everything so well. Your butterfly shirt is a riot!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you liked it!!

[@maryjones3369]

Fantastic! You never disappoint! Thank you❤️

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you too!

[@soniachahal139]

Oh My Paul, butterflies are my most favourite. 💓.. when I reconnected with drawing , I painted a lot of butterflies. But not with watercolor. But with watercolor pencils. ! Love your tee shirt. And your tutorial with such great techniques explained in detail. Love the dark background. And the way you made it so wistful and magical. It's beautiful. Just like these pretty fairy like creatures. Thankyou so so much. Motivated to paint watercolor butterflies.. Have a wonderful day. Tc till next Wednesday. 🎉🎉🎉 💕💕💕💯

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Lovely comment - thanks Sonia!

[@soniachahal139]

@@ArtbyPaulClark 💖

[@teresaluna1936]

Good morning Paul! I love your butterfly Tshirt! Thanks again for a wonderful tutorial.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome

[@christinehodge3608]

What alovely painting, lm still plodding along with the colours,had sometime out from practicing, as health reasons, 😊

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Hope you are feeling better soon!

[@shaash5236]

You’re such a good painter and teacher.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks so much!

[@diangansen8482]

The movement effect is genius!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you like it cheers!

[@zeyneperkan6200]

Today is Wednesday and we are running to this excellent KZbin Channel. Thank you Mr. Clark! 😍

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Wonderful! ... many thanks!

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Paul. Hope you are doing well. Dark background is stunning. ❤

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you too!

[@MissKats13]

Magical! A butterfly was missing very much!❤

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@beatmessify]

What's that? No video of the artist chasing paper butterflies armed only with a saucepan or a motorbike helmet … as a net ha ha ha??? A butterfly! What a butterfly! I can't even paint it: I'm not (yet) comfortable enough to let the paint do the work. So I watch your video, several times. Like a film. My favourite scene is when you apply the dark colour to the wings. 😍 I'm going to watch that sequence a lot: life appears! Thank you, Mr Clark 😉

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Lovely comment ... Lol! ... thanks for sharing!

[@samanthabye-russell9641]

Love it 🦋🦋🦋 thank you 😊

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You’re welcome 😊

[@steventoy6095]

really really good , please never stop doing these wonderful demos

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks ... I won't!

[@petergates7962]

Watching this one again to try and get myself to loosen up a bit. Loving your work sir.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@SH-eb9hg]

This one is lovely, and really clever. It's such a difficult balance of delicate, vibrant and subtle. My attempt was a total failure, but I'm going to try to learn from my mistakes and give it another go. Thanks so much for your inspiration. Greetings from italy!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much!

[@dearbh1736]

There is so much technique and natural talent gone into this wonderful painting. It was a pure joy to watch this from start to finish. Every tiny detail that came together to create a stunning and accurate portrayal of this beautiful butterfly. They are getting scarce but we still get a few around the Buddleia Bush every summer. Thanks so much for this Paul. I really loved it as you can tell! Dearbhla.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it - many thanks Dearbhla!

[@ohjolala98]

I always love the way you match the theme of your tutorial with your t shirt. 😄💓

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@theresaanderson4081]

Thank you, Paul, for a lovely video. I appreciate it immensely!!!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@GretchenBender-zl8nw]

Thank you Paul ! What a beautiful tutorial to wake up to on Watercolor Wednesday ! I always love the bit of education you always bring to the table ! I can’t wait to get started on this one ! Thank you for all you’ve taught me and all you do for this group ! 😊

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much Gretchen 😀

[@kristingoethals4330]

With movement ! Amazing !

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

many thanks!

[@joannscott5838]

❤️your watercolor Wednesday!!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Yay, thank you!

[@TresCherie]

I love how you pair your libation to the subject matter. Always gives me a smile. I’m eager to paint this. Thanks!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are so welcome! - thanks!

[@nanettecolbourne7595]

Really look forward to Wednesday to watch you paint Paul, always inspiring and always different subject matter. I can imagine there is a lot of hidden work behind the tutorials as well ! thank you as always

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Many thanks - glad you enjoy them!

[@judyfranklin5891]

Another super demonstration , you have such a good way of explaining every detail clearly to the viewer . Thank you Paul I love the beautiful butterfly , I am going to try it out myself , with your help of course ! Many Many thanks !

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are very welcome ... have fun Judy!

[@vee35233]

Thank you Paul, for this beauty. I love the illusion of the flowers in the corner, and adore the dark background. Stunning as usual - you are the best!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it - many thanks!

[@borleyboo5613]

Very pretty painting, Paul. I like the dark background as well. It helps your beautiful flutterby stand out a treat. Thank you. 😊👍🦋

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are very welcome - thanks!

[@terricogbill3802]

Luv this … although my butterfly looks nothing like your lovely creature . But I did relax , create ampnd did my own thangggg 🌷🥰❣

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Wonderful! Hope you enjoy it 😆

[@evaeppinger9749]

Dear Paul, I have been a member of the group since November 2021. I started watercolor 1 year before. I've been learning from you ever since. I always skipped such difficult training materials because I didn't have the practice yet. That's why, after your current weekly material, I always paint an old missed tutorial, because I always learn from it. Unfortunately, this is why I'm taking a break from Margot's challenges. But now I feel that after all this time I might be able to paint. But I see you taught the group a hard lesson with this background painting. But that's good because it shows what level we are at. Of course, I couldn't fit in the 3 hours. Thank you, Paul.🏆💜

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Delighted to help in anyway!

[@evaeppinger9749]

@@ArtbyPaulClark Thank you very much.

[@m.encarnacionibaneztejedor1437]

Precioso un gran artista . Me inspira mucho ver tus videos y aprendo mucho gracias....

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

mucho gracias too!!!!

[@marciawalker3527]

Love how you make things so clear. And by the way if the art thing doesn’t work out you could always do voice overs. 😂You sound like David Attenborough!! That’s a complement. Love your voice!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much 😀 Lol! .... love David Attenborough!

[@violetamethyst1186]

I love Paul's voice too!! He is the only person on KZbin who I don't have to use subtitles for. He speaks clearly, and it's so easy for me to understand him. I have such a hard time understanding anyone else without subtitles on, so I just can't help but really appreciate his voice, accent, and clear speech. 🙏

[@victoriamcenerney3109]

Thank you Paul for making these line and wash so easy to understand. Love the derelict barn and I’m quite happy with my finished painting. 😊

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Great to hear! thanks

[@meeraahuja1594]

An amazing painting. The butterfly is beautiful. Thank you for another wonderful watercolor Wednesday tutorial.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much 😀

[@marythompson9003]

Went with the light background, the pastels really helped me get the texture in the wings. Nothing like this in Michigan. Thank you for another lovely afternoon Paul.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Happy to help Mary!

[@KITTYSASYA]

I lost my painting mojo because I got busy and then tired. Your videos are my wind-down therapy at night. Thank you for making them. The editing is stellar. You make watercolor so approachable and the music in the video is relaxing. Thanks Paul (and Margo). I can't wait to share a beer with both of you one day;)

[@SharonNolfi]

Thank you for this wonderful tutorial! Wonderful music, shirt, and beverage, too.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mrredithhall7115]

Gratefully,admiring your talent & gift 🖌🎨 cheers🎉

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much 😀

[@ceruleana10009]

Gorgeous!! I cannot wait to paint this Paul. I too prefer the darker background. I must say your recent tutorials are some of my favorites.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you like them! - big thanks!

[@CynthiaTrombley-jz9dh]

Thanks Paul. I often painstakingly paint a subject and then stress over how to go about painting.in a nice background. You have addressed this issue very nicely with this painting. This will help me greatly. Many of the instructors on KZbin demonstrate how to paint a subject and fail to paint in a background leaving the student to struggle. Well done!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You are very welcome, happy to help!

[@vickiarn]

Really love this painting. When I look at it all I see is a cat with blue eyes wearing a bow on its head and once I see it, I always see it. She's a very well-accessorized cat. Either way, it's beautiful, cat or butterfly.😂

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much Vicki 😀 ... oh gosh, ...I see the cat too now!

[@BeatricePaccard]

@@ArtbyPaulClark ah moi aussi je le vois ! comme dans les nuages ont laisse notre esprit vagabonder ! grand merci ; énorme merci !

[@CynthiaTrombley-jz9dh]

Your butterfly looks as though it could fly right off the paper!!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Lol! - thanks for that!

[@pappibhatti1429]

Enjoyed watching yet another wonderful techniques.👌

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@KginVT]

I love this- especially when you added the pastel. It reminded me that we can use other media. 😊

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Yes you can! ... no rules in art! 🦋

[@elizabethexley5190]

This is beautiful, and good tip on sometimes dark first

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juliadean2473]

Thank you, that was so concisely informative and so very well presented- music perfect. I've allowed as much stinging nettles as possible to grow for the Peacock butterfly and others to lay their eggs and the caterpillars to feed. These last few years their numbers are greatly reduced.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad it was helpful! thanks

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

You're very welcome! thanks!

[@christinerolf9348]

Thankyou Paul that was wonderful,Butterflies have a strong significance in our family, really enjoyed it and learned how to create movement in the wings,cant wait to have a go.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Great to hear ... have fun!

[@tisholiver5626]

Fabulous! Excellent work! Thank you Paul! 🇨🇦

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@pokey3010]

Gorgeous butterfly, I loved how you painted the wings first with the gray looks so real and fluttery, then adding more color such a beautiful painting. Thank you so much

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

My pleasure - thanks!

[@justmejhbmed9778]

Pretty pretty! I prefer a dark background too. It really shows vivid colour on the “flutter-by” 😊 jim.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Cheers Jim!

[@WolfmanWoody]

Glad you added the extra colour the morning after. The first photo looks a bit like it's an old butterfly and losing it's colour a little bit. Most I see are strongly coloured as you corrected. Well spotted.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@belladora8328]

I love watching your content. Your narration is so on point and you give the" why" that others leave out. I'm learning how to not expect a one and done attitude with my work but rather, walk away and return to reassess. Thank you for all the detail and explanation.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Happy to help - cheers!

[@dhags5]

Thank you once again for your Watercolor Wednesday for all of us! Enjoyed learning about the Peacock Butterfly and looking up more details about it online! The edge of the wing is wonderful blurred into the background! It made the butterfly becone "one" with the background and not just "stuck" onto the painting! Will also give this a try!! :0)

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Great to hear Janell - and BIG thanks for the tip too!!!

[@elainewood2947]

Another beautiful tutorial Paul. Thank you.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sharonc7031]

Well done and I haven’t even watched yet. I hadn’t taken my backgrounds this far, so what a suggestion! Thanks.

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Great to hear - have fun!

[@patriciamckeon8530]

Gorgeous butterfly tutorial Paul ! Thanks as always for making Wednesdays so special :)

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thank you so much 😀

[@ChantelleArts]

This is so brilliant, what a wonderful tutorial ☺☺

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks so much 😊

[@WorldWideWebObserver]

Hello from Texas Mr. Clark! I photographed a very similar butterfly on my front porch two weeks ago. Was wondering what it was. Looks like a very close cousin to yours. Happy spring! Cheers!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Very cool! ... hi to you in Texas!

[@martine7497]

Thank you so much for this very interesting tutorial !

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lizhopewell0507]

I like the dark background too. So lovely. By the way, love the T-shirt! Liz

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Thanks so much!

[@sheilamariaeyles9358]

Pure magic! The way you created the butterfly's wonderful colours with your brush strokes and smudging the paint to obtain the wonderful final effect is absolutely magnificent! 😍 You did succeed in creating that effect of movement also thanks to the very loose background. I'll dare give it a go sooner or later, too curious to experiment and see what my outcome will be.☺ Thanks for this tutorial. 💖

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Great stuff ... you can do it!

[@NaturalHealthAngel]

You never cease to amaze me! Thank you so much for all you do for us!

[@ArtbyPaulClark]

Wow, thank you!