Beetles in Watercolour Art Workshop

Learn how to illustrate beetles in watercolour with Anna Voytsekhovich.

During the workshop participants will learn about beetles, their anatomy, ecology and morphology. The facilitator will demonstrate different painting techniques and explain how to paint iridescence and various textures on beetles.

Learn how to produce an initial drawing of a beetle, how to scale it, what to include in composition, and then how to transfer these drawings onto paper to produce a beautiful scientifically accurate illustration of a beetle in watercolour.

Materials list:

• Paints: e.g. Winsor & Newton, Daniel Smith watercolour, Sennelier, Koh-I-Noor, White Nights or any other professional watercolours.
• Paper: a sketchbook for preliminary drawing and a hot pressed watercolour paper with smooth surface. Any of the following - Arches 300 gsm, Canson Moulin Dy Roy, Canson Heritage, Winsor&Newton, Fabriano or Bockingford.
• Palette or a flat white plate for mixing colours.
  Brushes: Sable or synthetic brushes with good points. Preferably no. 00, no.3 or 4 and no.6.
• Pencils: 3H, HB and 3B.
• Ink pen: Copic, Micron or any other black ink pen (no. 0,1 and 0,05) (OPTIONAL)
• Other minor things: Kneadable eraser, ruler and a clean cotton cloth to wipe your brush.

About the tutor:

Anna Voytsekhovich holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Ecology, and a PhD in Botany. She is a professional scientist, scientific illustrator, award-winning botanical artist and wildlife illustrator, and a member of the Botanical Art Society of Australia and Florilegium Society. She exhibits and takes part in the organization of Australian and international botanical exhibitions.

The Australian Nature Journaling Conference is facilitated by NatureArt Lab. Established in 2017, NatureArt Lab is the premier natural science art and illustration organisation in Australia. NatureArt Lab offers a range of art and photography courses in Brisbane including drawing foundation studies, watercolour, printmaking, wildlife and botanical art programs.

Beetle image: Anna Voytsekhovich