Still-Life Practice

Many still-life paintings in the Chinese brush style that I’ve seen have a flat, one-dimensional quality to them. I don’t mind it if the subjects are interesting. But getting a bit closer to 2D makes those paintings even nicer.

While my attempt, above, is too “flat,” the second version that my teacher edited (below) became too fussy in my mind. But who doesn’t like the cool treatment of narcissus bulbs! That’s the best part.

How do you balance classic CBP style with realism?