Originally Posted by athenagwis

I think the first works because you don't have a deep blue in the plate. The 2nd two kind of pull in the pieces that are similar colors and wash them out. I think you'd get the same thing with white or red since those are predominant in your plate. The background in the first is a bit busy, but the color is perfect. Perhaps you could find a more tone on tone deep blue?

Beautiful plate BTW!!

Rachel