The Way It Was

Almost everything about this painting was just "the way it really was," a statement I often hear from my students.  But I made one crucial change.  The right side of the building was white, but the front of the building was a lime green with white trim.  It looks odd in person, so I felt little obligation to paint it as it really was. 

So this is just a reminder:  If something looks odd or unnatural, do not feel compelled to paint it "accurately".  Color harmony demands repetition and some contrast, but an odd color that doesn't repeat elsewhere in the composition will strike the viewer as unbelievable, as well as being out of harmony with the rest of painting.  Keep it simple, and keep it harmonious.