Hercules beetle — Colored Example

How to Color the Beautiful Yellow-Brown Shell and Blended Shades

The big shell on the back is the coolest part of the Hercules beetle. Try to give it a deep, rich color!

• Choosing base colors: Do not color it all bright yellow. First, lightly color a base with light yellow or ochre. Then softly add layers of olive green or light brown on top.

• Blending shades: Blend the colors toward the edges and back of the wings so they turn into a darker greenish-brown. This recreates its unique, beautiful look!

• Drawing spots: Sharpen a dark brown or black pencil. Add random black spots here and there to make it look just like a real one!

Making the Body and Huge Horns Shiny Black

The head, back, and long, proud horn look great in shiny, deep black to contrast with the shell.

• Leaving highlights: Leave thin white lines uncolored on the smooth curves of the horn and raised parts of the head. This makes them look shiny in the light!

• Layering colors: Instead of just using black, lightly color dark blue or dark brown first. Then put a strong layer of black over it. This gives it a glossy, fancy black shine!

Drawing the Special Hair Under the Top Horn

The Hercules beetle has thick orange hair inside its top horn. This is a very special feature!

• Coloring for a 3D look: Color the black part of the horn first. Then put fine layers of orange or light brown along the inner line.

• Making a furry texture: Sharpen your pencil really well. Draw lots of short, quick lines. This will make it look soft and fluffy like velvet!

Giving the Fallen Tree Texture and Shadows

Draw the thick fallen tree that the Hercules beetle crawls on with strong, diagonal strokes!

• Wood texture: Follow the lines of the wood. Layer brown, dark brown, and gray to make the rough texture of an old tree.

• Adding strong shadows: Use the darkest black or dark brown to draw clear shadows right under its body and legs. This makes the giant Hercules beetle look heavy and strong on the wood!

Creating Depth in the Dense Rainforest

Softly color the background plants to make the jungle feel deep and help your Hercules beetle stand out!

• Blending colors: Tilt your colored pencils sideways for the ferns and trees in the back. Softly mix yellow-green, dark green, and yellow together.

• Using contrast: A soft, bright green background makes the dark black and yellow-brown Hercules beetle in front pop out even more!