gouache pick out technique

I do not like this. This is a technique where we have to paint large blocks of color and then pick it out again so it's lighter. I suck at it. For these pics we had to do a montage of three images. I'd say my most successful is the old dude but that one still needs work. Otherwise i have a horse with a lime and a fence, and a duck with a cupcake and balloons. I think there are elements of each one that are good but most of the stuff needs work. oy vey.