Still over my head

I learn lessons the hard way sometimes. The long way, anyway. Yes, jellyfish on black background is too much for me, do something simple, is what I told myself. Then I went on a run and took this picture and doctored it up in Photoshop and this! simple thing is what I'm gonna try next:




Er, this is not exactly a simple shape, in retrospect. The initial sketch is ok, but sketching isn't where my (current) deficiencies lie . . .




It all sorta goes to hell when I add color . . .



I reach this point (which is really just the beginning, I was thinking I'm just trying to get some color down) and ask husband Tom for his opinion. He takes a look (keeping in mind that he has a degree from Art Center, arguably the best art/design school in the country) and basically tells me what I already know; I'm putting the cart before the horse and need to understand form and light before I put lots of focus on color.

I know he's right, I pretty much said it myself before even starting, focus on the basic skills that you need and Do Not Have!!

I don't think my painting's beginning is all that bad (I had a plan for it and think I had an idea for where it needs to go) but I also think I've got to stick with the idea of keeping things simple to start, for reals, and concentrate on learning basic skills, the lack of which have led to me to my present state.

To this end, I'll file the above aborted attempt away for a few days/week, but I'll be back to take it further!!