Taking the Sherpa's blue rose one step further. Found some 4x4 canvases that I decided to put roses on. Did the blue rose so I could follow Cinnamon and have a reference in shading. Doing the yellow rose was bit more difficult with having it on a black background. The one benefit was the black gave some automatic shading, but it took several layers to completely cover where I didn't want it to show through. Like how the shades of yellow orange and yellow tinged tan help prevent the rose from being a unrealistic blinding yellow. Was very unsure when I started using these colors, but trusted Cinnamon that sometimes it looks worse before it gets good. It worked for me and I am very satisfied with the first 2 roses. Now to decided on the 3rd. Was thinking red to go with the primary, but friends & relatives have a variety of ideas. Maybe a poll is in order.

Seen this picture and knew the lady I paint with would absolutely love. This is the first time I tried to paint from a picture and not have a tutorial. Can see many areas that need practice and learning. But, she was so thrilled when I gave it to her. Also gave her son who loves crosses a picture of a gold cross in the clouds as a house-warming gift that he loved. I guess I am improving especially with water and slowly with clouds. Much to learn, but have also grown much.

This tree, I think, is my best work so far. I am very proud of how it turned out, those who have seen it, love it. I have decided to hang it in my office at work. I live in a small community and am the only office at city hall. I have used it to start displaying local artist paintings. One has given me a "Seasons of a Barn" set that I have in my office. It was inspired when we painted the Shepa's "Winter Barn" tutorial. Thanks Cinnamon & John for the beauty that is hanging in my office. It sure brightens my day.

I really love how this painting turned out. Took the background from the double canvas painting Cinnamon did on the Heart Dolphins. Just did the one side and added some personal things I like to do/practice. Decided to give it to my niece whose boyfriend swiped her sunrise painting for his place. Is a real boost to my ego and encourages me to grow in my painting skills. A great big Thanks to Cinnamon & John for not only improving my painting skills, but also fueling my creative fire and giving me the courage to venture into making each painting my own style.

Am so thankful for Cinnamon's tutorials on technique. Took a class from another instructor and tried their techniques for clouds and water. Was not happy with the end result as it looked like beginner mistakes that the Sherpa uses in tutorials as a "No" look. When I was noticing the results I was getting with their techniques, I quick grabbed my sponge & brush I used with the Sherpa tutorial. Love the improved results and got several compliments on the finished piece. 

Cinnamon & John--You are my favorite instructors by a landslide. So happy to be a patron and have joined your youtube site to contribute to your continued efforts to helping us beginners bring out our artistic nature. Feeling so blessed in finding you.