This painting was inspired by an iridescent beetle I observed among the hydrangeas at my family home. I was mesmerised by the contrast between the insect’s shimmering exoskeleton and the soft blooms surrounding it. I was surprised to learn that everybody else was so used to these bugs that nobody else paid much attention to this stunning scene.Through close observation, the work explores the colour, texture and presence of a small creature that might otherwise pass unnoticed.