I agree with Suuper's idea there, but how would we determine what level we are all at like, right now?? Or would that be its own thread under workshops??
Anyway, it's certainly nice to see a newcomer, and hey, there's nothing wrong with fanart/fanfiction--it's a powerful learning tool and I'm glad to see you using it to experiment with a variety techniques and brushes. It's especially excellent that you used your own hand as a reference after noticing that you didn't like the direction your hands were going. It shows a high level of awareness as an artist, and drawing from life cannot be overstated or overhyped in its value to us artists, no matter what style we use.
I suppose your level of professional problem-solving/maturity makes sense, considering you've been at this for so long. It really shows.