Paisley and Apples

As I mentioned in my last post,  I had decided to paint this orange paisley pashmina a second time.
The difference this time is that I think I treated it too literally.  What I like about the last one is that it is only loosely interpreted.  It was necessary however to mute it a bit in order for the tiny florets of the phlox to pop against the background.

A New Old Start

Two posts back, I showed a work-in-progress photo of this painting.  As much as I was happy with it, the little pewter bird bothered me and I have since painted in out.  Because of the placement, I think it still needs something; maybe a fallen leaf or petal would be enough.  But for now, I am busy creating a few new paintings for a Spring art show next week.  I did like the paisley background, although I favour the left side more than the busier right side.

I thought it would be a good idea to use that paisley background again and now I'm wondering why!?
I think it will work out in the end but because of the lighting of the current painting, the paisley pattern is darker and I still have the problem of the dominance of the pattern asserting itself in the wrong places.  Since I have artistic license, you would think that I could solve the problem, but most likely not until I finish it as it is and then decide.

Backgrounds have taken up more importance lately in my painting.  I love the fact that there is still so much more to learn.