How is this going to work?

In a word: miniatures.  I'll be working with canvasses that are 3x3 inches and some 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches big.  That is just a little smaller than the size of my hand.  Painting miniatures is a long tradition (especially in India), and I have a little bit of help.  I found a book called Big Art, Small Canvas, and though it is technically geared toward oil painting, and I paint in acrylics, a lot of the advice is sound regardless of medium.

In addition to the small format, I'll also be dealing with some time constraints, so I picked up a book on doing acrylic paintings in 30 minutes.  It is called (logically enough) 30 Minute Art: Acrylics.  Even though acrylics' fast drying time will be useful to completing paintings quickly, learning some speed techniques strikes me as a good idea.

While many miniatures are painstakingly detailed, I intend to use this chance to improve my overall composition and "big picture thinking".  I have no illusions about being "great", but since that isn't what this is about, that is a good thing.  I'll admit to being intimidated, but I'm also excited.