Why a beetle?

I’ve always loved painting insects. There’s something so fascinating about their tiny shapes, beautiful colours and incredible detail.

Beetles in particular make wonderful watercolour subjects. Their shells can have so many subtle changes in colour and tone, from deep greens and blues to warm golden highlights, and I love the challenge of trying to capture that little bit of shine and texture with watercolour.

They’re also a subject that has become quite special to Ruth Goodwin Designs. I’ve painted lots of insects over the years, and they’ve often been some of the illustrations that people respond to most when I share my work.

So when I started thinking about creating my first online workshop, a beetle felt like the perfect place to begin. 🪲

‍ ‍ Behind the scenes

Creating this workshop has been such a lovely project to work on.

There was quite a lot to think about before I even started filming — choosing the beetle, working out the colour palette, preparing the drawing, setting up my camera and lights, and planning how I wanted to explain each stage of the painting.

I wanted the workshop to feel relaxed and approachable, rather than something that you needed lots of experience to take part in.

I’ve included a printable workbook too, so you can have everything you need alongside you while you paint.

From choosing the colours to gradually building up the layers of watercolour, I take you through the painting step by step.

Here are a few little glimpses behind the scenes…