I decided I didn't like the last jug painting with the dark background so I painted

over it and think it is better - not great - but better.  I have trouble with dark backgrounds. Almost every time I try to paint one it just doesn't work for me.  I study the old masters and some contemporary painters too, who seem to have a special flair for utilizing darks. They manage to impart life to the dark atmosphere whereas I just achieve dead space.  Something to work on in future.