My favorite element of this composition is the manipulation of technique required to switch between capturing the sharp edges and exact curves of the metal can, and the soft, fine bodies of the plants above, while retaining depth and diversity in both areas. Portraying this still life with only black charcoal, demanded the use of observed shadows and reflections to create a concrete image. I filled the background in with a medium shade of gray to allow for practical contrast and a horizontal surface shadow that gives this object appropriate gravity.