Painting Class-negative and positive shape, among other things

Yesterdays painting class was the study of negative and positive shapes using the subject of flower.  Students brought in a flower to study and arrange in a composition.  Some brought in a flower while others worked from photos. Above is the demonstration, starting with a block in using cadmium red progressing to local color.  I found this a great subject because of the interesting shapes the forms made. 
 

This is the finished painting.

"Dance of the Cyclamen"   Oil   9x12

I used painting gel in the background to give texture. This was a fun painting...feels happy, like dancing.