12x12 Paintings/ "Not a Great Hiding Place"

The mandarin orange was trying to hide behind the apple, but didn't realize that the reflection in the bowl would give his secret away. There's even a bit of his shadow peeking out, but he might have gotten away with that.

12x12 Paintings

                                  
A few months ago, I sold several paintings to a local hospital. Now they have asked for some small paintings to place in exam rooms- preferably with a "botanical" theme. I painted 6 new paintings for this project; this one and one other are based on existing 6x6 paintings- the others are entirely new. The blue under painting gives this a decidedly cool look, and the orange doesn't pop as much as if the under painting were warm, but there is a moodiness that intrigues me with these mostly cool paintings.

Lately I have been mushing all my leftover paint at the end of a session into a big pile of "neutral" that I use in my next painting session. Does anybody else do this? I find the neutral is usually lovely as it is, but I can also alter it to my liking.  I also love the idea of not wasting paint...

I replaced yesterdays post, wiping out the buildings to the right. I originally placed them there to stop the eye from traveling off the picture plane, but ultimately decided they didn't add anything to the composition. I prefer the simplicity, but would love to hear responses (if you have an opinion).

From Tree to Thee

   

                                 6x6 $90
My latest obsession is with this stainless bowl. So many interesting things happen when it enters the picture.