I have been gazing at this image for several minutes and there's something about it that I find so very soothing. I love the subtle, earthy colors and tones...just beautiful! The avocado adds the perfect little pop without in any way detracting from the overall sense of calm. Adding to my favorites!
I've no idea if the shadows, at least in the literal sense, are critical to the success of this image. And I don't much care, either; it's a beautiful celebration of light and texture. Plus the avocado injects a nice allusion to life and death, too, or at least to the cyclical nature of life. 8.