I start with the eyes. I always start with the eyes from dogs, to my cousin Drew the concert master to bumble bees.
Regarding figurative abstract pieces- If you can’t recognize the eyes then it is hard to read an abstract piece as a living creature. Reading the eyes is important.
Checking the shadow with the fuzz and the clarity of the eyes.
Adding the armature for the abdomen and tail and checking the shadow and the eyes.
A a very fine mesh might be nice for the exoskeleton. Where are the eyes?
another view
Adding bee #1 just to see how they relate
I am hoping to be able to add some legs, wings
and dead flowers soon. I am a little worried about the eyes.