I think I might try them again today. Not sure.
Other news: About that new book - "How Photography Can Make You a Better Painter," - I can't stop comparing the photos to the paintings long enough to really read it!
But the few bits I have read - the writing is good and clear making it easy to follow and every 8.5" x 11" (ish) page portrays a gorgeous photo or painting to illustrate his point.
Here's the cover from Amazon which is one of his paintings.
I really enjoy how loosely and expressively he paints from a photo and how he is able to capture a feeling. Also how he changes colors and makes them personal, no matter what the photo tells him.