Back in the saddle again

As part of my efforts to restore balance to my little universe, I have decided to TRY to do one painting exercise each day(or night).  I recently read that painting on top of ANY color is preferable to painting on a white canvas.  So, I'm experimenting with different ground colors and I have to say that I feel that the ground color adds a whole new dimension to a piece.  Photographs cannot do full justice for the most part; (mine can't at least:)) and I feel that painting over a plain white canvas leaves my finished pieces looking rather clinical.  So....this is a painting that I have now done oh four or five times.  it's from a picture from an old calendar.  It's comforting, when I'm starting up again after a long break from art, to start in a familiar place ie: the painting or drawing that I've repeated over the years.  This time I started with a violet ground, and I am pleased with the outcome.

                           Please forgive the crummy format as I am not computer savvy.  I'm sure I'll improve with practice.  This was my first nightly exercise.  It's a winter scene taken from a friend's photograph.  I was not interested in a finished piece here.  Instead I was focused on light and colors.  I've read that you always should paint in season, but oh well.        
                                      
 This is my style for sure.  This painting is so satisfying to me partly because of the balance of colors.  I have a thing for cadmium red:)  The piece is warm (even though it is also a winter scene) and cool at the same time.  It was taken from a painting by Hashim Akib.