extra notes: i was asked to be the engagement photographer for my close friends, proposal. that’s a separate story, but i did use that photo as reference for here. this was also my first real painting. i had practiced with some quick studies, but nothing real before this. it’s sink or swim, i suppose. for the most part, i think, i learned to swim. looking back now i’m impressed at the contrast of upright, solid trees as muted and earthy monuments. in contrast to the wild and expressive sky backdrop. it balances the painting very well. whenever i come back to this i always think i’ll feel a pang of ineptitude shown clearly after years away from painting it. amazingly, that’s not the case. i’m happy with a lot done here. most of all i learned that if you can’t recreate it faithfully, you might as well have some fun with it. i think the piece has terrific ambiance.