Beautiful Butterflies

Discuss symmetry with nature.

Recently, I was able to observe some butterflies at a local nature center.  On a bench, the butterfly opened and closed its wings like it was fanning itself with the morning sun.  So slowly its wings moved from the middle out and back. Resulting in a display that exhibits nature’s perfect symmetrical balance.  Here is a go to subject to discuss symmetry with nature.

Every art teacher is familiar with the butterfly as the perfect subject for symmetry.  Alike, I too have taught my share of big beautiful butterflies. One year I used paper towel tubes for bodies.  Another year, I focused on secondary orange for the monarch. Many times I use primary colors for color mixing exploration.  

Boisterous Butterflies

But one year, I decided instead of making one butterfly, we should make several boisterous butterflies.  Each child made three different sizes. Because we used the primary colors a range of combinations were created. They were introduced to symmetry.  Nature exhibits symmetry well.

Space and Grounds

Here is what we did. The butterflies are arranged smallest to largest. The largest butterfly at the bottom of the paper depicts the foreground. It is close to the viewer. The smallest butterfly at the top of the paper is in the background. Correct size and location develop the perception of space and distance.

Free the Butterflies

The Beautiful Brave Butterflies

Back fold the butterflies and cut them out. It is tricky to have kids cut a folded paper. Many times they slide the scissors between the papers. When they do this they cut one side out. It is best to double-check that they are cutting correctly or tape along the open sides to keep it closed for cutting.

Finishing Touches

Before arranging and gluing the butterflies down, decorate the edge of the paper. By doing so, the finished product looks more complete. I experimented with printing dots from the back of the marker to make flowers. Then I played around with the location and position of the papers. The final artwork indicates that the smallest butterfly is higher in the sky. Henceforth, it is further away from the viewer.