Shrouded In Darkness

So, I was completely without power for about two or three days. Which is why I haven't posted anything. I took advantage of the lighting situation and focused on light. I did a sketch instead on one day for two reasons. First I find it super hard to paint in a moderately dark setting, and it was much quicker to do a sketching which I needed because the light would diminish so quickly and painting it would have taken way longer. It also got me more focused on the lighting and shadowing than I would with painting, and it helped me understand light a bit better which I hope will show in my future paintings.
I also did a painting on the first day before light went out, it was no good whatsoever.
At all.
At least I think so.
The apple in this painting was in complete darkness and was right beside a small candle.
I was rushing, like really bad, throughout the whole thing which is why i didn't finish the background, and partially why its no good.
Regardless I know I had to work on the lighting.
I also did a quick small crappy sketching of a pencil.
It's no good, but just so you know I did this too.
Critique it all as you'd like, regardless of my conditions and stuff I still want 100% honest critique.
So I will continue to do this.
Thanks for reading and checking this out.
:]

Confused Apple #1

So I don't know, this could possibly be the most confusing painting i've ever attempted.
I was horribly dissatisfied with it at first. And I just don't see how the light shades actually look like they work on here, but when i was looking at it at first they looked like just blotches.
I guess it' s a perspective thing.
Well I kinda rushed on it, i started late, and i know that's stupid, but yeah.
I couldn't figure out how to get the shades and lighter hues down.
It was incredibly frustrating.
The light blotches in the middle and stuff, the barely noticeable ones, i didn't even mean to make.
The paint was just a bit more transluscent in those areas than others, and it came out nice.
So this apple has me pinned down.
And actually tomorrow, I will give it another try.
yes, thats right, a series of apples, with different lighting.
DUN DUN DUN
Tomorrow.
Tell me what you all think, I really want critique, i'm not getting as much.
Please?
Thanks.

First Painting; First blog: Complimentary Orange

I am beginning this new resolution for the new year i guess, apart from losing weight and being a nicer person. I am going to do what has become known as the daily painting. There are artists that create about four paintings a week, and some everyday, and sell them. Well, i'm in this for the experience and the passion. I do not expect to sell any, but if you really want any of them, ask.
I am really excited to learn and progress and find the beauty in objects that I do when I paint them. I only recently took up painting in about November/October with my wonderful partner in life, Angelica. I am going to be taking a class soon as well at the Louisville Metro Arts Center this Thursday, the 29th. I am beyond excited.
I would love to hear any critique possible from any set of eyes. Also, the background in this painting was created because I had no interesting one at hand, so I used a complimentary color and sketchy lighting. Although it isn't exactly the best it is much better than nothing or what I had at the moment. This is my first painting for the year in my daily painting. I've done a monochromatic self portrait in class as well, and a couple of random paintings that have been lost. haha.
Thank You for any critique, I'll be back tomorrow with some updates and maybe a little life blogging.
Thanks. Wish me luck on my painting. :]