GixGidea: Thank you for that. I guess I'm not really stuck (except for the background, but I'm always stuck there). I guess I've spent a lot of time on learning more about Blender, and it's the whole, the more you know the less you understand. And I feel a definite limitation on my sketching and painting, which I guess is why I've been focusing more on that.
It's frustrating when you see something in your head, but you can't make your hands do it.
Gix, my man, yep i hear you about limitations and frustration and i can assure you that absolutely everyone here has them. I know you're into the 3D programs, and you're quite adept at them, then you jumped into the DS scene, now you're into blender so it has distracted you from the painting and drawing side. Relax you can't do everything at once and no one expect you to.
Your thirst for knowledge is a great thing, there must be so much to pick up in all those programs, i find that the best way to learn is definitely trial and error which is what you seem to be doing. I said it before and i'll say it again here, i love the fact that you will have ago at everything and that no challenge title is ever a barrier to you, in fact it makes me smile when you enter the challenges. I reckon you keep doing what you're doing and very soon it'll all become second nature, you'll grow in ability and in confidence. You have real drive for wanting to do this and you must be one of the most prolific artist on here. Was looking through a back issue the other day and saw one of your entry winners, not everyone get into the mag, heck you're even in the latest issue with the covers challenge, see you must be doing something right.
Back grounds. you really have to think of the Background before you start your picture, it has to be logical and integrate with the main elements of the picture. In fact when you next do a picture, stop and find some reference as to what your back ground is going to be, sometimes its only the slightest hints but it really sets the picture. If you have the whole picture worked out from the outset it will be easier and should work better than trying to come up with some filler later on.
If at all possible try and include something in the background that adds to the story.
The overall look of you picture will mostly be set by your background so it is an important element and not an afterthought.
I know its not much, but i hope it helps you.
Good luck mate.
"Sleep... those little slices of death, oh how i loathe them!"
, you know it's sad cos i really truly am this stupid!! ha ha!
and people now think i look like her, it was freaking people out, kinda like bodysnatchers.... lol and i like this one much better! 
