From My Garden #1 ( SOLD )

I've been reading several other artists Blogs and decided I have relied too much sometimes on photo's I've taken. While they certainly are convenient and are my orginal photos I feel as though I really am not learning to see values well enough by trying to paint from them So, I've set up a still life box in my studio with lighting and hope to learn more about values. This is my first attempt with the still life box. I am going to number them as I go along and hopefully will see an improvement in my style. I'm trying to find "my voice" or painting style. So far I have been less then happy with my style of painting.