/ic/ - Artwork/Critique

I want to be able to get smooth gradients over large background areas, but I always end up with mad brush strokes whether I'm using acrylic, gouache, or watercolor and it's most obvious when I am painting around an object or figure

I'm used to using markers, so I start with pencil drawing, then ink, then color, but I'm starting to think this is not how paint should be done.

Can't seem to get sharp edges or details in anything either. Did I not put enough gesso on the canvas?