@MikeCarrot once you learn something -especially the really cool ah ha moments, apply that to a new work. Keep creating as you proceed through the lessons. I am good with homework and struggle with implementing. So I am currently slowing down and working on a work to apply some of what I have learned (including the gesture class I took late last year).

@MikeCarrot the gesture class here really helped me. When I get stuck with my characters (very new to them), gesturing their activity helps with my foundation of how to visualise and draw them.

@MikeCarrot Hi Mike. It can be overwhelming to decide what to work on next (I always think everything, but everything doesn't get anything done). As such I looked at each of your work for a quick critique if that's alright and maybe it will help you focus on the areas you could strengthen and not feel you have to start from scratch. Here it goes 1.(first work) 2. (second work) etc:

1. Consider how you finish your edges whether with blue or white to separate or distinguish shape and space. I prefer white, I do that more in my work.
2. Background and character are roughly the same value. Think of a chess board. On a position your edges look like you made up your mind. Blue for the shadows and white for the highlights.
3. Now I've watched Harry Potter (many a time) but I am not up on the lingo for the pardon me "flying ball" lols. My advice is have Harry interact also with the "flying ball" -have it coming up closer to us ad have Harry's eyes follow it (Harry looking at it even now would help). This addition helps add further story, takes your viewer on a little eye ball trip, also helps direct traffic around or at least to another area on your page (intentionally).
4. His foot/ hand appear a bit large (I realise their coming forward). Also you have 3 references to super heroes (bud, iron and spider) and so I read kid is a fan of many of them but I find the story unclear. I have tried twice to explain what I mean and failed. So I'll leave it at play around with story.
5. Again finishing up with our lines and edges, and once again a clearer story (I realise it's only part of the image).

Thank you for reading all that, I hope it helps, it helps me as well to spot things I need to remember in my own work.
Others here have and will no doubt help you in other ways.

@demotlj I can't say that I have but I will join you in looking around, as I am working in watercolour again along with gouache and other traditional medium.

@Jenna-Jenks I think the classes are for anyone who finds value in them. The forum is full of artists and illustrators working through their own challenges and seek community with like mind peeps. Concerning the contests -they may not pick yours as a winner but you will learn a ton of applicable knowledge, from 3 different (and sometimes similar) perspectives. For the last few I have not participated in. By no means feel less if you don't join in and especially if you don't win. I hope you stay, I really like your groot/baby groot (I haven't watched the most recent one, waiting for it on cable). And if you want to explore other avenues don't feel guilty, we will support you.

@Braden-Hallett now we know who to hand off our unwanted socks to when they have holes in them as well as, one of the few who would love getting socks for Christmas (I do too by the way, I am looking for women's argyle socks if anyone knows where I can buy them........)

@Coreyartus the winter one is my favourite - with the added warmth of the moon's colour and the ornamental wind design, and the those upper clouds. good job!

@Gustavo-Ruiz oh thank you. Yes I love the colours I love lols. Colour is really important to me.

@Jeremy-Ross no I like your letters just the colour of the block behind it haha

@Adolfito-Martinez

Welcome