This is my first attempt at painting an insect. I didn't use reference so there's probably some things wrong with it.

Not bad, dad. Looks like you spent a lot more time detailing the head and body than the wings and legs. I like the transparent wings but I think you should make the segmented legs in detail to match the rest. Whole lot better than I could do. You see how many "art" posts I've been makin'.

I don't have the faintest clue about insect legs and I was too scared to attempt wing detail. The legs are probably the wrong angles as well. I forgot antennae. With reference I might have done a better job. Thanks for commenting Drac.

well the expression is nice as the general impact
the legs are quite weird, the first couple join the body a bit too up but that is not too disturbing may fit nicely with the insect weirdness,
are the other 2 couples of legs the more problematic because seem spring from behind the back instead , the last seems have the joins close to the center of the lower back behind the wings

i believe you may no worry much for references you may thing to leg as cylinders and use spheres for the joining , there is not a real problem for the legs except the points where apparently join the body

Thanks Photocomix. I really need to stop being lazy and start looking for reference to work from. Without knowing what something looks like it's impossible to paint it properly. I posted this because I was pleased with the overall effect but the details need a lot of work.

Whether or not it's realistic, it still looks pretty cool. Looks like it has stirred up quite a buzz.

There are no flys on you Merrak. Thank you very much.

I think it looks quite right for your own idea.
At first glance it is sort of an optical illusion and looks as if there is an extra leg.But at further study you can see there are only 6.And they all look like they are in the correct place to me.

I would hate to get stung by that bugger though!

Thank you Rod. I must admit, I'm my own worst critic.