Paint me this way...

And I the artist can hear its words and the wisdom of its advice.

To the right, the painting asked for shade in the foreground and shade on the horses.

Then, as I looked at it, I realized that Texas Oaks in the late fall are dry and almost rattle on the limb like a Diamondback's warning. My Oak's leaves are smooth and yellow, almost like spring.

The linear work on the tree defining leaves makes them look more dry and separated (2nd image on right). I roughed the linear work in with Burnt Umber. Now the challenge is too make them more varied and colorful... less like a pattern, blended into late fall foliage.

Now I need to work the grassy area beneath the horses and the horses themselves. I need to establish the shade better and make it more believable including dancing shadows on the animals themselves.

Next step is to finish out the foreground literally, the ground under the horses and the rock road's detailing.