Connected Flutters
The brilliant blue of the morpho butterfly inspired researchers to develop screens that gave out truer colours. The structure of the butterfly wings allows certain light waves to be cancelled out and othesr to be intensified. This allows for a consistent colour shown at any angle.
Preliminary sketches and thumbnails.
Background prep on the canvas.
Sketches and background colour
I started with sketches of the butterfly and some thumbnails of the layout on the canvas. Going with a dark green background meant that the blue butterfly would stand out nicely.
Process 2 - adding the under layers.
Finished painting.
Detail 2
End result: the deep emerald green background gives hints to a forest setting. Four bright blue butterflies are connected through bubbles and strata, showing the patterns on their wings.