I dunno why I felt compelled to draw the same pic of the same dog again but it was fun to see what I've learned, and what's fallen to the wayside. I ought to practice rendering and painting again, it's so satisfying to see things "pop". I've also gained a stronger sense of structure, which is very helpful.
BUT YEAH. my development hasn't been the fastest in the world and it can be kinda stilted in places but it's there, and it's encouraging.
FACT: all of these pics have been made using the same tool, OpenCanvas 1.1.

you can see full-sized pics here: http://becdecorbin.tumblr.com/post/93311189443/i-dunno-why-i-like-redrawing-that-same-pic-of-the

original meme: http://bampire.deviantart.com/art/Meme-Before-and-After-177759508