Rutpela maculata
Illustration of Rutpela maculata
I was recently commissioned to design a nature board for a meadow in Hampshire. I’d hoped to get Richard Lewington to do the illustrations but unfortunately he was too busy working on other projects. I tried another illustrator but sadly that didn’t work out so ended up doing them myself. There were twelve in total including a couple of beetles. The Black and Yellow Longhorn Beetle Rutpela maculata is pictured above. Previously I’ve always used designer’s gouache but after trying a variety of styles and techniques I finally opted for Faber Castell Polychromous coloured pencils and Pigma Micron archival ink on Strathmore Bristol Smooth paper. Surprising really as I’ve never used coloured pencils before.
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entomacrographic 
It is interesting that you have got a hard, shiny sheen to the wing cases – they appear to be almost illuminated. Is this the inheritor of the Lewington mantle we see? It is a beautiful illustration. You do justice to the beetle.
Jenny
Hi Jenny, Prior to its creation I corresponded with Richard Lewington via email about a number of illustration-related things. Choice of paper, paint, size of brushes etc and Richard was extremely helpful. As it turns out he uses the same brand of designer’s gouache and paintbrushes as I do and then I ended up doing them using ink and coloured pencil. Having also had the opportunity to view Richard’s originals close-up (and seen how small they are) I’ve got a long way to go before I’m in his league but thank you for your kind comment.