@Richard_P I don't know if you remember the black and white value study you made from my photo of some of my flowers:

I tried to paint it - I started with a basic block-in with the intention of refining it. My girlfriend saw it, and said for me to please not do anymore - she offered to pay me for it (which was kind but unnecessary) - this was a linen panel so she had to cram it in a glass frame (it is dry and obviously not varnished).
She thought it was the most beautiful ballerina dress:

Isn't that crazy??!!! I actually think it is a nice little painting (8x10) -
Sometimes, it takes fresh eyes to find the beauty in something unseen.
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Lovely story, thanks for sharing.