Art Lesson: Red Maple Leaf

So, I took my first art lesson with teacher, Debbie James.  I only did 3 lessons because I know it's my thing.  But I did learn some cool things like mixing colors, etc.

She asked us to choose a simple pic to try to paint.  I chose this Red Maple leaf from my photos. I'd taken this a couple of autumns ago while on a walk in WA State. The first photo shows it on Henry's back.

I thought that was pretty simple.  But she assured me I wasn't ready for all that shading of colors. She sees things I don't see. LOL.

This one is from the same walk, but it has asphalt as the background and she thought that was more do-able. 

 Instead of making a copy of my photo and using tracing paper to draw it, I freehanded it.  Mainly because I'm not patient enough to trace. I think it looks pretty kindergartenish. Debbie suggested I put more time into finishing up the asphalt.  But Laura Lee's sweet self wants me to send it to her just like it is. I bought a thrift store frame, and did the chippy paint technique on it. David put a hanger on the back and off it goes to WI.

Who knows, maybe I'll try lessons again someday.