I stand corrected!
...will discuss beak with you tonight!

Lauren, you almost (almost) make me want to take up the wacom and digital drawing again! Love this progress (but sticking to my pencils).

I think this is a female satin bower bird, as the male is glossy black, the female has this mottled greeny brown look you have portrayed. I think you need to brighten up all the blues. Especially the eyes - as with this bird the eyes are a startling blue and they collect and are attracted to items ...

depends...
I am sure Mike will put in his two cents, but I feel that if you wait to 'perfect' a technique you may get bored and stuck. If you have understood the basics and think you need to move forward than do so.
Always remember, to master any technique requires practice. Practice. and then more ...

Illustration work can be tough if you are working freelance or on contract. You need to set the terms at the start.
For many years I worked in print (magazines, periodicals, etc) as a graphic artist/illustrator. I illustrated as directed by the editor - although I was given some leeway in my 'style ...

oh I did!
And if you ever consider going to one of MIke's workshops/tutoring sessions, you would have a fabulous time there. Great studio, and the the lovely 'Burrows' to rent for the weekend.

Yes, ditto to what Mike just said. I recently did a commission that was a headache, but we got there in the end because the author eventually realised that he couldn't dictate every step, he needed to let me draw my interpretation of his words. Luckily he loved the final, but it was a struggle and ...

The first one is hiding in the trash.
NOOOOOOOOOOOO! :o :shock:
Please never through out your old stuff!!! Don't trash it. Hide it away if you must, but I guarantee in a year or so when you pull it out you will say one of two things:
'Hmmmm, that wasn't as awful as I thought it was,...'
or you ...

Don't 'learn'...
Doodle. Grab any old bit of paper or sketch book and pencil and pen and just twiddle about while thinking of your lost ones. Relax and enjoy good memories and ideas and don't worry about it being 'right' or 'correct' or even 'art'.
take the time for your heart to heal.

Thank you Laurene. I am a Rackham fan as well!
Will be doing 'boats' in ink in my classes over the next two weeks. Looking forward to seeing what my students (and me) come up with.