This simple ladybug with gouache exercise is all about the details. Do you ever get lost in the details?
When you are creating, I believe, that this can be a good thing. You are so focused on getting all the details on your paper, that your mind can only concentrate on that specific task. All the other worries or the day-to-day stuff, just disappear for a while. It can really be a short-term escape.
The details are what it’s all about this ladybug in gouache exercise. You can spend as much time on them as you’d like. I love to go in with a teeny-tiny brush and add small highlights or some darker colors. They can really liven up your painting.
The thing about gouache is, that it is really forgiving. If you don’t like a particular part, just go over it again. You don’t need to work from light to dark as you do with watercolor. Just choose the order that suits you.
Please let me know if this exercise helped you “escape” the day-to-day stuff for a while. I’d love to know!
You can find a small video of this exercise on my Instagram @thecreativecooldown
Supplies used:
Circular watercolor paper (Paul Rubens), paintbrushes no. 2 and 8 (da Vinci), paintbrush precision no.2 (Raphaël), paintbrush no. 0 (creaART), mechanical pencil (Pentel), gouache (Holbein artists’), palette.
Alternative supply suggestions:
For this ladybug with gouache exercise, you don’t need to use gouache if that’s not available to you. Use whatever supplies you have: watercolor, colored pencils, markers, crayons, etc.
You don’t have to use circular watercolor paper for this exercise, especially since it is very hard to find. Just use the shape that you have. You can also cut it if you’d like.
Instructions:
1. Start by lightly sketching a ladybug on a leaf or on something else. That’s up to you. You don’t need many details yet, you will add that with the gouache. You can draw a simple ladybug by drawing a small semicircle with a few legs.
2. Choose a background color and add a lot of water to it to make it less opaque. Then gently go over your sketch with this color. This will serve as your background. I’ve chosen a light blue color for this.
3. After adding your background color, you can add some basic colors to your sketch. Green for the leaf, brown for the branches, red and black for the ladybug. Or use other colors if that fits your style or mood. No need to be really precise in this phase yet, just make sure every part has a color.
4. Now it’s time for the details. Use the smallest brush you have for this. First, make a darker green color to add shadow to your leaves. Determine where the light hits the leaf and what part of it has a shadow. Use a light color or white to add highlights on the leaf and on the ladybug. Go slow. Take a step back after adding a few details and see what part of your painting still needs a bit extra. You can also use details to add texture.
Gouache is a great medium to experiment with shadows and highlights. If you’ve added too much, you can always correct it later. This medium is very forgiving. Have fun with this part of the exercise.
5. When you’re satisfied with your details, your simple ladybug with gouache is done.
If you liked this exercise, you might like my Mindful butterfly watercolor exercise as well.
