Ladybug watercolor painting [3D and shiny]
Can an insect get any cuter than a ladybug (or ladybird, depending on where you live)? As a child, I always used to get excited when I spotted one in the garden. Even as an adult, they still bring a smile to my face. But these days, I get even more enjoyment from painting them! So in this mini class, I’m going to show you how to make your own ladybug watercolor painting.
At first look, we might view ladybugs as being red, black and white. But when we observe them really closely, we can see smaller shapes of colour and value within those different areas. Paying attention to these areas, and trying to replicate the way they transition into one another, will help us to achieve a smooth, shiny 3D effect.
Join me in this mini class and I’ll talk you through all the steps I followed when I created this realistic watercolour ladybird painting:
I hope you’ll give this watercolor ladybug a try! If you’d prefer to paint it with me step-by-step, and start with a traceable outline drawing, you can access the full length version of this ladybug watercolor tutorial in the library of watercolor classes available to members.
If you enjoy this mini class and would like to paint some insect friends for your ladybug, check out my free classes on how to paint a realistic watercolor caterpillar, blue butterfly, small honey bee and a big, detailed honey bee.
Please do leave me a comment below if you’ve felt inspired by this mini class. Hearing from you inspires me to keep creating new videos!
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Thank you! What a treat to have this ???? mini class. I look forward to giving it a go soon!
I just started to teach myself watercolor painting. Your video was helpful. thank you
I love the realism of this painting , the.shiny surface of the ladybird bug is very clever and it certainly looks 3D. I look forwards to having a go myself .
This is beautiful. The instructions are so clear
As always Anna, I love your art. I must dust off your book and strive yet again to achieve your level of artistry.
Thank you for sharing your techniques.
Anna, you are truly amazing! You have such a beautiful talent! I enjoy your videos so much, and hope to paint some of the subjects you have shown us how to paint in the not too far off future.
The lady bug, rose, and daisy flower each hold special meaning to me. I would love to paint them each beautifully.
Thank you for sharing your talents and painting techniques!
Carolyn Pettie. ????
Thanks so much Carolyn, I really appreciate your comment.
thank you I so enjoyed your mini class.
I do love your videos and have subscribed before. However, having also subscribed to Domestika and others such as Draw Awesome and Skillshare where you can keep the videos you bought I am disappointed that you cannot do the same. Is there any hope you will in future?
You’re right Brenda – I don’t sell the classes separately, you need to subscribe to take them. This way you get access to nearly 200+ tutorials rather than having to buy them all individually.
Félicitations, vos dessins sont magnifiques et réalistes.
Your teaching is so easy to follow and this inspires me to paint. Thanks
That’s lovely to hear, thank you!
Thankyou so much for this mini class. The ladybird is beautiful.
You’re welcome Hilda!
Mais uma vez uma mini aula com muito interesse. Muito breve irei aplicar os ensinamentos desta aula e espero conseguir uma « Joaninha »o mais parecida possível com esta que aqui nos deixa.muito obrigada????????????????
Thank you so much!! Sweet surprise to find today!
Muchas gracias! Espero hacerla pronto, y volver a coger la rutina, me encanta tu libro, aunque con la dificultad del idioma me es más difícil.
Thank you I enjoyed learning how to make a ladybug and building up the colors. I am joy the details you go into. I will enjoy seeing your other free classes. Thank you.
[…] realistic watercolor butterfly in a blue colour, and other realistic minibeasts including a shiny watercolor ladybug, squishy caterpillar and a cute, small watercolor […]
Loved this bite sized mini class. Such a clever process. Thank you ????
[…] If you paint the beautiful metallic beetle from this class and then want to paint a friend for him, check out the ladybug mini class. […]