Hobgoblins Stole My Toothbrush - Traditional life study + illustration, 18" x 24" charcoal on paper

So as our final project in class the instructor had us collect 7 objects that were inter-related (with one being a container) and create a visual narrative by inserting 2 imaginary objects. I chose to collect an overnight bag and toiletries (bag, deodorant, small shampoo bottle, hand cream, small toothpaste, a washcloth, and cologne bottle). The initial idea was the bag would be open, the hand cream sort of spilled with footprints leading off-page and the cropped form of both a toothbrush (imaginary) being dragged away by a small critter (hobgoblin - imaginary). After composing the piece, I felt that it was lacking. The narrative was there, but like a sentence, its structure was sort of incomplete and the exiting hobgoblin not entirely noticeable. Not to mention a massive amount of white space at the top. I then decided to add a second hobgoblin caught in the act! This helped, but to punch it to the limit and complete the story, I added the larger shadow on the wall. Busted!