Colour & Composition week 8

Over the week we were to take photos that could be used for our next painting project.  They were to have contrast in lighting and some attention to composition.  I took some photos of my hall.  The teacher wondered what was the subject/where was the interest.  To remedy this lack, and seeing the box of cat -- dog! -- toys, she suggested I add the dog looking expectantly toward the far room.  This gives some action to the piece.  First I tried the composition in a line painting on paper.  Then I began again on canvas.  This canvas is bigger than I've done before -- 18 inches square -- which actually has made it fun.  We'll be painting again next week in class.  The palette is realistic colours but it's all about shape and value at first.