Please! I need your help!!! C+C

[Y2Jenn]

These are some pics that I'll probably never finish unless I get some crits or comments that inspire me to pick up the pencil and give it another shot.
The first one is of the main character in the book I'm workin on. I'm having a hard time makin her look pretty but still tough. I think I'm pullin it off in this one but there's just something about it that bothers me. That and I'm having a hard time makin her hands right for holding a sword. There's some anatomy problems but I can't seem to figure it out. *sigh* What do you think?
Tough Cookie (http://images.deviantart.com/large/indyart/female/Great_hair.jpg)
This one I know has its share of problems... I've had my share of friggin TROUBLES drawing this! This is of the same girl and her brother when he dies at the end of the book. I can't seem to make it less stiff looking and more natural. I've corrected a few problems due to the comments I got in another forum. But it just doesn't seem to be enough to make it right. Go on, be brutal! :eek:
Her brother's death (http://images.deviantart.com/large/indyart/female/Death.jpg)

[daarken]

the first thing i notice right away is that her head and neck are too far over to her right. also her right breast looks to be significantly larger than her left.
for the second one i think her right arm is off. it doesnt look like it is connected to her body. i think that if you had your arm around someone it would be much more foreshortened. as for the stiffness..just try and think about the rhythm of each part of the body. the body is composed of a lot of beautiful s curves. and maybe just try acting it out. just think of how you would feel if you saw your brother dead. just drop to your knees, dont think about how you are supposed to look or feel, just do it. easier said than done i know. i hope this helped out some!

[Y2Jenn]

Yes! Helped out tremendously. Thank you very much. I do see whatcha mean. :p