Beetles are like living gemstones such a variety of shapes and colours, but how can you capture their iridescence and beauty? In this simple tutorial, I will show you how to use wet in wet watercolour to get jewel like colours, how to lift out highlights from wet or dry paint, how to layer to get depth of colour and how to add enough detail to make a convincing bug. All this from one little insect. We'll also add shadows to see if that is a look we like.

This beetle was my practice piece before starting a larger painting which featured 38 beetles. You might also like to paint ladybirds and this link will take you to a quick lesson (available 28 August 2022):   • How to paint a watercolour ladybird  

And why am I painting so many beetles? Well apart from the fact they are beautiful, it's for the monthly challenge taking place over on FaceBook. If you would like to join this friendly group of artists from around the world, do come over to: www.facebook.com/groups/watercolourstudiowithlizchaderton.

If you have enjoyed this, please consider subscribing and do give it a like, as it means it will be shown to more people. I do a weekly film about a tip or technique, released on Sunday at 2pm (GMT).

If you are interested in more in depth courses, you might want to look at www.lizchadertonstudio.co.uk or look for one of my four watercolour books (Painting watercolour on canvas, Painting Animals in watercolour, Line and Wash Painting, Painting Birds in Watercolour) All available from Crowood Press (www.crowood.com)

#lizchaderton #watercolourinsects #beginwatercolours