I don't know if it's the new art studio, my new flat brushes, different lighting, or a new book on oil painting I skimmed last night, but today was the first day in a long time when painting for me felt has purely enjoyable.
I just plopped these plums on top of the paper bag they came in, and suddenly realized I loved how they looked all nestled in there. The brown bag itself was a great opportunity to try for planes and structure. It looked a little plain, though, so I added the red strawberry for balance and color interest. Then the painting itself just happened. I wish every painting day was this easy.