Autumn Stream

Ok not going to lie, this is my least favorite one I’ve done to date.

There’s actually a lot of positive in this painting. You’ve created good depth with the stream. The water is for the most part is level so looks realistic and colors are very good. Overall a nice job. I’m my own worst critic and always have to remember it’s a learning process.

Thanks dan. I seem to have a problem with highlights. It's like, either they look like blobs or pompoms, or both. May just look at taking a canvas and just try painting different types of trees and bushes and grassy things and "doers" as Bob says.

Now that I look at the rocks, I don't hate 'em completely. They just gut poo-pooed by the rest of the debacle around it.

I agree with Dan, there's a lot of good stuff here. I see 5 trees that are far better than mine were on my fourth painting. My feeling is that if I can improve something each time I paint, then it's a win. The practice canvas is a great idea. I keep a handful around that I will cover with whatever I want to work on then scrape and wipe everything off so I can use them for practice again some other day.

Absolutely! You are doing great! We all continue to grow and learn, mostly by trying new things which don't always turn out as intended. I personally have a pad of canvas sheets next to my table palette that I use to quickly test out ideas, often just before I put them in my real painting. Several sheets are covered with trees, another with bushes, one has four different mountains on it, others have trials of other new elements like animals that maybe made it into whatever painting I'm working on. That lets me find the best brush or stroke or color combination just before I commit in a scene. Most are recycled, tho I keep a few sheets in a binder to remind me. ;>)