Hi, I've recently decided to try my hand at pixel art. So far I have only created two pieces, and would love some feedback on them!
This is Dan The Flying Man:

My main concern with this is that the shadowing seems kind of awkward, I couldn't really figure out how to get it right.
My second one is... Well, I don't really know to be honest.

At the moment I am just using MS Paint and a mouse for this, and already it is becoming a strain on my wrist (yeah, it's pretty pathetic); does anyone have any advice on how to make life easier until I get a graphics tablet? Also, each of those took around 1-2 hours, is that an excessive amount of time for pictures that simple? How long should they take?
Thanks!