Drawing : Better Backgrounds

Backgrounds have always been a challenge for me, so I've been practicing a bit!

I'm finally out of school and stuff which means that I have time to practice more complex paintings and stuff.  So the other day I decided to practice texturing rain and rocks and stuff! 

I dunno, I'm pretty pleased with how most of this came out. I really don't like the cat's face but oh well, can't win every artistic battle at the same time.

Gosh, I really feel like I'm just spinning my wheels artistic wise. I need something to kick my butt and make me like try new things and force me to improve because I just don't know what to do to by myself. I hate this feeling, I need a challenge to improve myself! Maybe it's time for me to start working on a webcomic or something where I have a deadline for myself... I just need to get out of this rut.