Lilies and grapes

by Marilyn Gray
(Calhoun, LA)

I used a wooden plate about 15" in diameter. When I first saw the design I was captured by the sheer simpicity and the fact that the black background seemed to pop the subject right off the surface.

I am not a fine art's painter, in fact I am sincerely trying to learn every technique I can find to add beauty and structure to my painting projects.

I had the most trouble with the leaves. I just can't seem to get the shadows and hi-lights to correctly express how they should look. (more realistic)

I would love to add accent colors as well as details that would allow more interest to the finished project, I just don't know what colors would apply for accents and other details.

I would love any and all comments on making this painting more beautiful and interesting without looking cluttered. I like simple, yet defined detail in a painting.
Thanks,
Marilyn