Hi all:

This is my first attempt at still life. I set up oranges from my orange trees and a silk rose in the vase my daughter in-law gave me. It's my first for both the fruits and the glass painting combined. I waited for three days for the morning light to be perfect. But when I painted the landscape background outside the window, the light comes in from opposite direction from my photo, so I had to change the shadows direction in my painting. I know I should have darkened or obscured the background in order to draw attention to the still life but- 1) I can't decide how to obscure it and also show that the light is coming from 10.00 a.m. direction to create the shadows like in the photo. 2) I need to practice doing landscape.

Therefore, please excuse my landscape outside the window for now, it's still evolving. Please comment and suggest better ways to complete this painting. I am self taught and having the "hit and miss" all the time. Trying to find some accomplished artists in my area to adopt me as an apprentice. I live in Clearwater, Florida. Anyone is interested or can suggest someone? 

Thanks for stopping. Your comments/critigues/suggestions will be much appreciated.

Sandi-artist- wonna-be

Thanks so much, Heather and Jim. This is what I really need-a constructive criticism! I am smiling. I now have fuel in my heart to keep on painting. I still consider myself a painter, not an artist yet. Artist to me is someone who can paint the tree trunks pink or Birds of Paradise petal in blue and have people believe you and oohs and ahhs.. over it. I long to be able to be that creative some days.

Thanks again

Sandi

Dear Spunkin-z:

I agreed wholeheartedly with you that Heather and Jim gave awesome critigue. I can't thank them enough. I wish I can get this kind of friendly critique every time I paint something. I also think this forum is great that people of same interest can get together and spend time talking with each other. Awesome site indeed!-Sandi