What about this then?

In response to all your wonderful comments, I've moved the light source out of frame, rather than remove the rays of light completely. I thought I needed those lights to justify the shadows :)

[Babs]

Yes brilliant. fav.

[KoalaGardens🐨]

oh that is better, well done

[Issi Bannerman]

Ah, lovely!

[Beverley]

I like this very much. a top fav image! You must have such fun creating it too.

[Maggiemae]

I like the fact you are trying to improve - or maybe just be creative! I can't believe there is a magpie here being part of an artwork!

[Wylie]

@maggiemae thanks, and doesn't he fit in nicely?
@onewing @koalagardens @jamibann @beverley365 thanks so much for the vote of confidence friends!

[Joan Robillard]

Like the OOB

[Susan Wakely]

Definitely better. A great response to the comments.

[Mags]

Well done!

[Zilli~]

Yes!

[Beryl Lloyd]

Ooh ! yes! - so much better without the light source yet including the rays of lights that create shadows and uplift the still life !

[Bill Davidson]

Great outcome

[gloria jones]

Perfect.

[mittens (Marilyn)]

Looks really good.

[Agnes]

Fantastic

[haskar]

Beautiful

[Rob Z]

Yep - that's nailed it!

[Elisabeth Sæter]

Lovely

[Carole Sandford]

Fabulous, love it!

[Kathy]

This is the best one! I like the rays of light (just not the lights themselves).

[Rick Schies]

This is very nice too, I think the low light highlights the colors.

[Shutterbug]

Oh yes, this is very nice.

[leggzy]

Very nice