With their gossamer wings and poetic movements, butterflies have inspired artists throughout the ages. Watercolor is the perfect medium to capture the transparency of their delicate wings. Bringing to life the alluring spirit of some of the world's most beautiful creatures, Identify and Paint Butterflies provides step-by-step instructions, templates, and color palettes for producing accurate, colorful butterflies in watercolor. The lessons begin with a basic tutorial in watercolor: selecting paints, tools and materials, color theory and mixing, and paint techniques. Then 47 projects featuring butterflies from around the world are presented, from sketch outline to completed painting. Every butterfly project is complemented by a guide to the species, including information on genus, size, conservation status, habitat, and zone of origin. A full-color photograph of each butterfly brings the "model" right to your studio. Celebrating the spectacular beauty of butterflies found around the world and within your own backyard, Identify and Paint Butterflies is a treasure for artists and nature enthusiasts alike.