"Ladybirds, to me, are both a symbol of childhood wonder and a reassuring presence in the garden. We are all familiar with ladybirds and they have lots of different, positive interpretations associated with them. Having spent more time observing them this Spring, with my young daughter, I have noticed how different they are from each other. They vary enormously in colour and pattern but they all appear like shiny little jewels hidden amongst the leaves. I wanted to create a series of ladybird paintings that were just as perfectly small and decorative as the insects themselves. These tiny paintings are designed specifically to add a flash of red to a wall, just like the ladybirds do in the garden. I wanted them to be small enough that the viewer must lean in and observe the ladybird closely, just as we do outdoors" - Ollie Tuck.

Ladybird No. 14 distinguishes itself within the collection through its unusually dark colouring; a rich, near-black crimson. Resting centrally against the luminous gold leaf ground, the ladybird feels less in motion than in repose, as though absorbed into the warmth of the surface itself. Her markings are sparse and weighty, painted with a confident looseness that gives the miniature depth and character.