Realism

Yesterday I finished the first painting I've done that's actually supposed to look like something. This tree grows in East Sussex, England, on a windy hill and I took a photo last time I was over there. I like its perseverance.
I tried hard with the colours, making my own black, including some of it in the green (and vice versa), not using white but letting the canvas show through, adding a pinch of purple to the sky. These are all tips from my Dad who paints (as did his Dad). It pleases me to let the painting genes out, even if it's in a less skilled way. Still, not bad for a first attempt.

(PS Image copyrighted so no 'pinning' or otherwise copying please! As if you would.)