Weekly Casein Painting - Tea Still Life

It's been quite a while since I did anything transparently--or with a still-life!

I picked this particular subject as they are the things that are close at-hand during my usual work days. Plus, I somewhat enjoy the juxtaposition between the analog nature of the cup and tea bag coaster and the digital tablet pen. 

Painting this was more difficult as it's been a while since I've painted transparently, and I've found that casein isn't the most ideal when it comes to transparent painting. It's great as an underpainting but it's not a replacement for watercolors. 

The piece was muddy for a long time but once I exaggerated the colors a bit and knocked the shadows down with some ultramarine, it came together a bit better.