After Fiona Phipps, (after Alan Owen).

Lionel, I think you're being a bit harsh on yourself. This is an attractive painting and personally I don't think the foliage on the big tree is awful at all. I have found that when I try to recreate something that I've seen somewhere, in an attempt to learn something, the original is too far to the front of my head and the finished painting looks nothing like the original which can be offputting. But that's where your own individual style and perception comes in - of course there should be differences, and you've produced than. Well done!

I agree with Jane, Lionel. I can't see anything at all wrong with your painting. Everything that you've picked out that you don't like, I do like especially the tree and the foliage. In fact I think yours has greater depth than mine and it shows that you have your own style and I haven't, I copy picture for picture rather than using my imagination. It's well painted. I'm still tempted to have a go at it in oils....but I've got one on the go at the moment and can't seem to find the time to get on wit it. Watch this space.

Thank you very much, Ladies. You have both helped me to move on to the next painting. (But I still don't like this one).

Lionel, we painters are our own worst critics and have a difficult time saying finished. This is a really nice setting, your trees are fine, the depth is excellent and the curve of the river or canal, pulls one in. It is a lovely pastoral scene. Keep painting, it gets easier with everyone you complete, and of course you get better at it. When you please the viewers as you obviously have here, you are on the right track.