Celebrate the season with chocolate!  That's what I often say.  And why not when the chocolate comes in delicate shiny little foil wrappers?  I think it is important to test the chocolate to make sure it is tasty.  Sure, this still life painting could have worked as two pristinely wrapped mint chocolates, but I wanted to make sure that what was inside was as good as I assumed-and I was in the mood for celebrating.  In case you're wondering, it was excellent chocolate.

New York, Old York
11" x 14"
Oil on Panel

The Musical Fruit
28" x 22"
Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Sweet Escape
18 X 24
Pastel on board

I didn't count how many pieces of candy were in the dish before I got to them but I'm pretty sure there were at least 5 more pieces when I started.  I've been known to eat my still life arrangements and this one was no exception.  

There is nothing more fun to paint than the challenges posed by glass, metal, or cellophane.  With pastel painting, it's particularly difficult to get small details like those you see on the candy wrappers above.  Patience and a steady hand are helpful but there is something to be said for having  a butterscotch or peppermint candy to keep you going until you get it right.