"Bird Platter with Orange"

"Bird Platter with Orange", 12 x 16" Oil

For this still life, half the fun was picking out objects to go with my bird platter I bought when redecorating our den this summer.  I never tire of aqua and love it with reds and oranges.  Recently I went to Whole Foods to make a unique floral arrangement and discovered these wonderful Eucalyptus "berries".  They added a whimsical touch to the bouquet of mixed evergreens, orange Freesia and bright lime green Spider Mums.  Before they faded away, I thought their blue-gray color and arching form would make an interesting addition to this still life.

An ultra smooth surfaced canvas allowed the details of the platter to be crisply rendered.  For the composition, I felt it most interesting to "zoom in "  and just show a portion of the platter, as I wanted the viewer to appreciate the content of the platter's artwork, rather than the platter as a whole.  The little blue bird looks as if he wants to fly off the platter for a taste of the Eucalyptus, doesn't he?