A few more refinements. Interesting pointer regarding using reference photos. The water in the photo was too bright (high value) due to...

Taking notes while studying a work in progress are an important component of a successful painting. View your painting from a distant...

Here's the first cut of initial pastel to the "tree" painting. I like it; perhaps it stands alone as an abstract landscape.

When you remove all of the green foliage, the ground is essentially shades of brown (to state the obvious). If I were to redo this...