Great painting for your first!
I too am in Warner Robins; I wish I had seen this in October. I took a workshop in Macon with John De la Vega. What a treat and major knowledge! I know they are going to try and get him to come back this year; you should try to get in on the workshop if he does. Look him up on this website.
Watch all the videos and read everything you can get your hands on, and remember that painting is the most frustrating form of relaxation you'll ever enjoy
Happy painting!!