Finding New Dirt
Hello everyone, I'm not one for a lot social media, but I'm excited see how a more intimate and focused venue can be a way to learn from others and perhaps encourage me to find more time for painting (it's getting harder and harder lately with work!). I'm a hobbyist, based in New Mexico. As a child I remember being quite artistic, but life did not lead that way and I don't get to express that part of myself often in professional life. I discovered Olly on YouTube during the pandemic and it's a big reason why I focus primarily on watercolor when I have time to paint. Here's one I'm a bit proud of, although I'm still learning the basics. Depicted is my friend, Phil, who knows just about every dirt trail and arroyo in the Santa Fe area. It's based on a photo I took on a ride one day when we found "new dirt" on the outskirts of town near a place called "Caja del Rio."
Lovely sense of distance in your painting. I like the suggestion of houses or perhaps a village in the far background. You've done all that without being overly detailed and drawing the eye back there and away from the center of interest - your friend the cyclist. On that note, you might want to tone down the much lighter branches in the top half of the tree on the left because an area of high contrast draws our attention, again away from the cyclist.
Also you might want to put some shadow under the bike so as to ground it somewhat.
I think you have a painting to be proud of for someone who has only been painting since the pandemic. I love the colors. The sky and the coloration of the distant mountains are very pleasing.