WIP - Stem Rose 1 - COMPLETED

COMPLETED: I think I'm pretty much done with this version. I need to make even more roses and I think I'll try a different technique. This came out OK but not as good as I had hoped. My skill just isn't there yet. The key word is "yet."

Done in Illustrator using primarily gradient mesh for the petals and main stem, and smudge stick and inner glow on the leaves. 

I've gotten myself to the point that I don't even see the rose anymore, just a bunch of mesh points that don't make sense. I could use someone to say "Oh, that needs to be lighter and you need to add some darker color over there" because I'm just not able to see it anymore.

I made a little more progress but I truly could use some critiques. Pretty please?