Still life ---Pears

[NHC50]

Details

  I did this painting in acrylics of some pears. {I am not done with it} I am having some problems with it. I am not sure of the background. Also does my highlights look right. The light is coming from the right side. I probably should of left it all white. But that is to late now. I just am not sure what to do with it now. I think I painted myself in a corner.  Any suggestion.
Nina

[Lillian]

I don't have any advice for you Nina, but I sure like your pears and the background!   

[Tony (ASM)]

Nina, this is a tough one. I've studied it for a while now and, come up with a few suggestions but, I perhaps this is where we need Dennis & Nolan to help out.
What I'd suggest is, either blur out the background more because, it is taking the focus away from the main characters in this scene or, turn the table a different colour as well as blurring the background. Perhaps a dark brown.
The Pears are all competing for attention and so, I'd look to get the focus on the one that's nearly on the rule of third line on the right. Make its highlight even lighter and slightly extend it to the left and, then darken the others. Perhaps even consider another fruit in the bunch to break the repeat? If so, make sure you direct it in a way that keep the viewer in the picture. And lastly, consider a vignette effect on the corners of the back ground.
I hope these suggestions give you some pointers.

[GailBrown]

Nina I think I agree with topdog-the pears are lovely, but the background is demanding a lot of attention.  Decide what you want the viewer to focus on-(Dennis says that the viewer can only focus on one thing).  You can have a second or third focal point, but it needs to be inferior to the main one.  Hope this helps

[pnewcomer1]

Nina,
I think you did an awesome job on the pears, congratulations.

my suggestion is to paint the bottom like a wooden table just a little detail not much and then darken the bottom and all the corners should be darker then the pears will pop, you could add alittle highlight to the pears or pear you want to spotlight. Just my thoughts but the pears look awesome.

Penny

[NHC50]

Thanks guys for your input. Yes I agree Tony the background is competing with the pears. but I was not sure what to do with it. I thought of darkening it. Then I also thought of the wood look for the table. With the same background, then I thought that would be to much.  The focal point is the pears. Oh well it is acrylics. If I make a mistake I can always start over. Maybe Nolan and Dennis have an idea.
Nina 

[C.Bodine]

Nina your pears look very realistic! I love the colors you have used. Can't add anything to what the others have already suggested.  It's always nive to see someone stepping out and doing something on their own!

[NHC50]

Well so far I toned down the background by using a brown glaze over it. It makes the pears stand out more. I will post it after I do some more work on the pears.
Nina 

[Kelley]

I like the painting of the pears Nina.  You've done an excellent job on the detail.  I don't see anything wrong with the background colour. 

[Martina]

Just wanted to say that the pears are wonderful!     
I agree about the background though I'm absolutely not the expert - and I'm really looking forward to see your next step 

[nolan]

It's looking great Nina. What I would suggest is to reflect a little of the background colour on the table cloth. This will create a harmony between the two

[Kelley]

Hmm.  That's clever Nolan.

[Leana]

Nina... love your pears... they are awesome!  Really beautifully done.

Nolan - what a clever suggestion...must keep that in mind. 

[Lillian]

Nolan, you're always so right on with your suggestions!

You gave me another ah-ha moment and asked myself, "Now why couldn't I have thought of that?"

[NHC50]

Details

Ok here is my second attempt. Need input. Does this look better? Does the pears and the shadow look right? Thanks guys for your help. Nolan I had already toned down my background before your suggestion.
Nina