While I've Been Gone

Hello everyone

I've been gone for a long time, around 5 months... I took a break for a while for several reasons. And this is a bit of an "apology" piece for my lack of.... activeness.

Foremost that my mom has been very weary of me talking lots with people I don't know, she has good intentions but it leaves me at a crossroad. You see, dA is a place to share your thoughts and comments with others, not always faving and running (Which I still do often ) And I hate to not leave any of my thoughts with others on their piece that they posted obviously to get some feedback and such. So my feelings are that I'd hate to "expect" comments and feedback from you guys on my art if I can't dish some out, know what I'm saying?
I've thought about disabling comments, or letting you know that I may not reply to every comment I get in some sort of a disclaimer on my pieces. Or better yet, just not posting anything at all. I can't decide what to do, so I wanted to get some input from you guys Help me out here?

The other reason I stopped was because with a lack of motivation to post anything for mixed emotions, I stopped drawing. For months, so I'm quite out of touch with my artistic hand So forgive me for the transition back into all of it Oh, and the taking my gallery down, sorry about that I was having a REALLY bad day, and just wanted to wipe the slate clean I guess. Think I should put some of them back up? I really warred with myself about it for a good while because I felt that I owed it to you all to keep them up, being that many were trades and gifts. But alas, my impulsiveness took over for a moment and I acted. I really regret it now, but oh well, if only we could change the past eh?

So, about the art. I stumbled upon it the other day just casually browsing and it really inspired me. The first piece to really make me want to attempt to do a person that I could do half decent. Prolly cause there's no face, but you gotta start somewhere! She actually ended up being the easiest part! The dress was... hard. IDK, I think I did a decent job for a first try, but there is still a bluntness in the color transitions that bugs me :/ It was fun none the less.

The wonderful reff:
[link]

Thanks for looking and any advice you care to share with me!

Oh, and the llama badges, LOL!