Good 1st attempt, Mike, especially with that tool. If you learn to use a bowl gouge, or alternatively get one of the Hunter carbide tools (with small round cutters that work like a gouge), you game will quickly be on. You'll easily be able to get a nice continuous curve on the bottom and tearout on the outside will be banished forever. What is the wood? - looks kind of walnutty at first glance.
Are you a member of a turning club? Most clubs have people experienced in turning all kinds of things and willing to provide one-on-one assistance. Mentoring programs are one of the best ways to learn - both which tools are good and how to sharpen and use them.
Note the Hunter carbide tools have replaceable razor-sharp cutters that never need sharpening. The cutters can last a long time - I used one for over a year and they almost always last for months unless I do something dumb, like bump the edge into steel and chip it! I don't turn a lot of bowls but a friend wanted to make one so I made some to make sure I would teach him the right way. I used the small Hunter Hercules tool to turn both the inside and outside of three bowls.
JKJ
