Here is an initial set up including fresh flowers, fruit, and objects.  Although the "look" and light movement were appealing, after blocking in and completing the first painting day the composition seemed a bit crowded. 
I decided to eliminate the teacup and rearrange the flowers. 
After all the idea was about the light not the objects.
Finally, the last images show the edited placement and  framed painting. 
 "Lighten Up " 8"x10" o/b made its way to the Graton Gallery and eventually to a collector's home.  

Out and painting in Sonoma County.  Here are a few images from Healdsburg and Sonoma.

Reworking a ‘finished’ piece:

This a la prima piece seemed complete, and I signed it. But on viewing a week later, I was not happy with the shape of the glass vase or the overall shadows and highlights. The mid tone values were too close.

The reworked painting has more contrast in the shadows, looser highlights on the flowers and cloth, and a cylindrical glass vase to balance the green jar.   Quite a few changes on a small 8 x 10" piece, but I'm more satisfied now.

Painting Progress
December 2, 2012

I recently found an old frame at a thrift store.  The size and coloring of the frame screamed 19th century landscape.   Somehow Yosemite came to mind, and I was off and painting.

I started with a deep red underpainting of cadmium red medium, burnt sienna, and alizarin.  For the sketch-in I used oil sticks and a really wide brush.

After this, I blocked in the foreground and corrected the values, added details, and had an imaginary chat with Thomas Hill.  All in all, a remembrance of Half Dome initiated by a rescued pie crust frame.