[Kimberly Dow]

Michele,

Thank you, that may be just the answer..one thing at a time. The hard part is now that I am more aware of more, how can I concentrate on say, value...and then step back, notice the edges and not try to nail those as well? I wiped out that face mentioned above today and will start over. I need to be more patient. I guess I'm just suprised at hard it seems. I've usually learned things quickly. The point Peter makes is valid - there is so much information here, but it isn't a video so it may be harder to ingest and apply. Seeing someone actually make the brush stroke is clearer than seeing a before and after photo.

Cynthia, thank you. The biggest thing I have learned here so far is how to see problems I did not notice before. I guess my standards are higher. Which means I expect more from myself - which is the source of this present frustration.

There is a certain amount of, not exactly 'competitive spirit', but at least a desire not to be humiliated here. This is a good thing for me personally. I like it because I can feel that pushing me towards improvement.