A Valuable Lesson

     In order to have a good painting you need an underlying pattern of value relationships that make sense. I know that and still made this mistake.
     I used the photograph of melon even though I knew the value patterns were confusing and did not connect in patterns that could support a solid painting. But I let my ego get in the way and thought I could "make it happen".
The result is a painting that is mostly mid-toned.

     Compare the melon with the photograph of cherries and step one of the process. Using this photograph I had an underlying pattern that could not be denied and was not confusing. It also connected itself to create forms immediately. That is always a good sign.

     What I have learned so far?
If the photograph does not have the patterns you need no matter how compelled you are to paint it...it will not work out. It just won't . This is a lesson I will learn and  have to repeat often because my heart sometimes convinces my eyes it sees what it does not.