[Early Years] "Lamp & Wedge" (6x6 mini oil on panel) painting process

Greetings Steemians,
In addition to recent works, I'll also be posting paintings from the early years of my painting career.

This miniature was from 2011, but it feels like an eternity ago. The one thing that has remained relatively consistent over the years is my desire to have a strong singular focus in the composition.

Here is the beginning stage. An umber block in to show shapes of shadows:

I start in on the wedge with a direct painting approach (alla prima style, wet-into-wet):

Next stage. My strategy is to bring more drama and focus to the watermelon by pushing the greens in the background and the lamp:

Next stage. Getting my "glow" on:

And the finished still life mini painting, "Lamp & Wedge" (6x6 oil on panel, 2011):

Thanks for reading! -David