Farmer's Market Series, Painting #1

So I've been frequenting the local farmer's market and photographing both the produce and the people to find subjects for paintings.  I go around 9 or 10 am and the lighting is just perfect.  I arranged this still life after scoring some fresh fruits and veggies from a friend's mom who has a local farm, which was the initial inspiration for my farmer's market series.  So many of the pastels I've done recently came easy to me but I must admit I really stuggled with this one. I think it is because it's a still life which is not my strength.  It's the background that threw me off with this one.  I guess I've found something to practice. Funny though, everytime I see this on the wall I won't think about the struggle to paint it, but how delcious that cantaloupe was! For the ATL locals, this is hanging up for sale in Basil's restaurant in Buckhead for the month of October.