Festival of the Arts 2012

This picture is called the Buds.  It is the second of two pictures that have gained entrance into the Festival of the Arts 2012.  I had two rejects for the Competition.  The other one than won and entry was Eye of the Iris.

These two paintings are the rejects.  Who knows how the entries are chosen.  Since as an artist I pay to enter I think it only fair that I get some feedback on this.  Things such as crappy lighting or looks like you messed up the lighting.  I would actually appreciate this as I still have know idea of what makes a good painting.  My mentor seems to always like my work as does her husband.  Others who have seen my work also seem to like it.  But I just don't know.  I like my work but then again it doesn't seem to sell and I am not in any galleries.  I have chosen not to get into Art Prize so that is an attempt to just paint for painting sake.  I think I am still messed up in the brain when it comes to the art world.  I think I am a slow learner.  Again I work with Watercolors on Canvas as well as the Watercolor Pencil.  I have been doing this for the last 4 1/2  years.