The ice cubes are acrylic, but the limes are real. I love the glow of the glass on the left. In order to balance the composition I will probably have to make the knife blade and the lime wedge brighter than they appear in life.

A quick sketch with Burnt Sienna from the Royal Talens Cobra line of water miscible oils. I’ve been experimenting with these paints for the drawing in order to avoid toxic solvents. I find that I can paint a rough line and then push it around with a brush full of water.

I’m part way through finding the right values. It looks like I will have to make the lit part of the table darker in order to make the lime wedge and the knife pop. This will also make the shadows a bit less harsh.