Ladybird - watercolour in progress

by Daniel Mackie May 28, 2016

I knew this one was going to be tricky!

Ladybird watercolour in progress

Once I had the drawing finished I went very steady with three reds, all of which you will know if you have ever used watercolour are very unforgiving. Cadmium Red, Quinacridone Red and Alizarin Crimson. I also use Cadmium Orange in places to try and break up the red hues. I used the Crimson toward the end to bring in the deeper tones which was scary as once that stuff is one it is not coming off!

Ladybird watercolour in progress

Lastly I got the black head and legs with mixing ultramarine and burnt sienna. The shine on the wing cases I got by using white gouche, this is not something I have done before and after all that work was very scary!

Ladybird watercolour By Daniel Mackie

Phew! I think I pulled it off!

My finished Ladybird design is available as a greetings card or art print.

Take a look at all the Bugs and Butterflies collection

Images © Daniel Mackie

Daniel Mackie

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