My latest piece- Im not saying it is finished yet

Here is a new miniature oil painting I did. I struggled with the water quite a bit but it came out alright in the end. Reference from Tony Reid of the Umngazi River in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Just few steps from the place on my "Splash" watercolor painting and in nice calm weather. The photo differs slightly from the real painting in gamma and saturation, can't get better at the moment.

Back Beach and Paritutu rock, New Plymouth, NZ

I was wondering how often you do a study before doing a larger piece? How many do you do? I just did a couple and noticed how much I learned about both my subect and the techniques I want to use in my composition. Curious about other people's process? So often on social media we just see the final piece, even if it is in progress.