Books & Fruit by Shirley Mitchell

What a very delicate picture. The folds in the cloth are lovely. Would you mind if i make a constructive (I hope) comment? Look at your shadows....the one under the blue book has an angled shadow, which I think is from the book on top of it! That shadow should be on top of the blue book. Also the shape of the shadow from the front onion should emulate the shape of the onion. Then for sheer fun make them MUCH darker especially right up against the object . I would mix together all the colours I have used to paint the objects with and use it VERY dark for the shadows... then your lovely little picture will sing. Tell me to shut up if you feel you dont need thse comments. Sylvia.

This painting is executed in the mid tone, which is very appealing. You don't always need those 'sock it in your face' colours all the time. However, I agree with Syvia that just a touch of a darker tone, albeit tiny, in strategic places would increase the painting's impact. You may have deliberately decided against doing this - in which case ignore me! Folds on the cloth are really well done and in a loose style, which is lovely. A charming painting - well done.

I like the delicacy of this painting...perhaps the triangle of shadow should go down the table cloth (below the blue book)?

Thank you all for your comments, they are greatly appreciated. I am still very nervous of over-darkening shadows so your thoughts in this respect are invaluable. The subject had lighting from so many angles that it became confusing as to which shadows to follow Thanks again for taking the time to help a still terrified beginner.