Skidding to a halt, buzzing with enthusiasm - but not everypony feels the same.

I gave up halfway because I was struggling pretty hard on this one. I looked back at some older stuff for reference, and I think I've actually gotten worse. I know people don't like the R word, but is there such a thing as Art-tardation? Because I have to wonder after all this time and effort if this is the best I can manage and I never seem to get better... I just don't know what to do. It's been such a struggle to give any time to art these days let alone when what comes out is so far from what I wanted :(

How do I get from here to THERE? And please don't say practice. I've "Practiced" for 15 years and that's how I ended up where I am. What I need are really solid tips, hacks, tricks, work-arounds, SOMETHING. Anything other than "practice". Practice isn't nearly enough.