Angst and Aah

Is this a universal phenomenon, or is it singular to my situation: When I sit down with a serious intention to make a seriously fine, realistic and meaningful(?) portrait, it comes out like this

Ask, from yesterday's post, matured about ten years

and I beat my head against the wall.

And when I sit down with my sketchbook for a quick, 

little bit of fun, like this

Handsome at Owen's Graduation, looking like a jolly old elf

I can smile at the results?

So is there a thesis in this, somewhere? 
Artistic Intention: Self-sabotage and the Sketchbook 

Or something like that. I'm not really asking, just making an observation. I think I know the answer.

Loosen up, Woman!