Thanks all for the compliments!
The subjects aren't my choice either. The skull i did because thats whats popular, and i needed the practice.
Right now, what i do, is lay down a large mask, draw whatever it is i am painting, then cut it out. The internal detail of the eagle was all freehand, no masks, just a sheild.
Cleaning up isnt a big deal, i just run some reducer through until all the color is out. And after a big job, i take it apart, and clean every part.