Only today I discovered this thread, having seen so many of these in the Gallery.
1. In teaching a child to drive it is recommended that one is better to set off on a specific drive that has a purpose rather than just drive about. Perhaps this obligatory journey has a similar benefit in your seeing.
2. Your wonderful eye in cities and towns, exploring shapes and texture and shadow, seems to have served you well in seeing these rural compositions so well.
3. You have approached something new with courage and sincerity. It has worked.