Here is my latest effort.  This is the bowl that was in work when I posted the pictures of the curtain and dust trough on my lathe.  Top and bottom are poplar, center is walnut.  I wanted to try my hand at mixing species.  I don't really like this one, the proportions look wrong to me.  My son and DIL like it, so it's theirs now.

 

 

 

I like the contrasting colors and the little lip at the top.

 

I try to make my bowls have a little more curved or rounded sides- wider at the top than the bottom- but that's just me.

I think that's what I don't like, it's too straight up and down.  That's OK, still learning, but I am getting more confident to try new things. 

I have to agree with you about the shape but I also see your creative juices flowing. If you think it's "too straight up and down". That tells you exactly what to do differently on the next one. It's how we grow.

 

Steve

I like the character..

a lot...

Thanks guys. I appreciate the encouragement.   I have a couple of ideas for future turnings.  Be awhile before I can get to them. 

Shapes are the hardest thing to get right. Don't worry about round or beads that is a natural result of turning. Just remember to make curves ogees or giant beads (). Then the shape will come to you.

Everyone goes for "acceptable " shapes.  I believe in that but also I am not afraid to venture out on my own.  Everyone has their own tastes and if it pleases you it's golden.  If I make something with straight sides it looks better to me if I make a lid for it and then it is a box.