Painting Practice

My professor recommended that I practice painting photos with values as well as getting use to digitally painting in general. (I've used a tablet for years but never really thought about values etc.)
So he said to take a photo for now, and do it exactly as I see it, and that way build my photo memory so eventually the things I make up in my head will not be so difficult to make look realistic.

I give credit to the photographer of the original photo and do not claim it as my own. 

Also the floral brush is not mine and belong to