When I brought some of my paintings up from my studio and lined them up against the wall, I realized that I have gone too far. My paintings are way too dark. Occasionally people tell me that I use too many dark colors, and I usually say that I like dark paintings. But now, I see that I have to add some color variation to my work. Once I finish my current painting, which also has a dark background, I will make a point to lighten up my paintings.