I loved working on the variety of textures in this pastel on board. I used several brands of pastels, but primarily Sennelier and Great American Art Works. Working on a hard board enabled me to use a wet sponge on the dark undertones, and then work back into it with soft pastels for the lighter tones. The knife, balancing on the cream cheese container, directs the viewer to the bagels, which are displayed so that they force the viewer to follow them around to the curve of the plate, which leads the eye back to the balancing knife, and into the composition again.