/ic/ - Artwork/Critique

trying to get better at rendering (and making better use of hard vs soft edges as well as color)

i tried to get the hard, shiny, 'iridescent look of the beetle from the ref ('ocala deep digger beetle' on google) i especially need help with that around the highlight areas on the thorax. there seem to be so many minor changes in hue to keep track of.

also, tips for improving workflow? as in, proper steps for rendering? rn i fill in dark colors and improvise from there but that doesn't feel efficient