I think that you could use a little bit more vertical distance between the content sections for both layouts, and the bright blue could be shaded down in the second profile; but other than that, i like them.
none of them are good man! but if you are a beginner level designer then its awsome! you should see some of the best site and check some web2.0 layout to find out how to get more space in your design..so user can see more of your page without scrolling. I'm not talking about your graphics style..I'm just talking about your presentation style..the space you wasting is not good...try to redesign the header to see..how can you use that space for your visitors...for example you can move your login bar to there...
Ist design looks as the normal or the basic templates which many design. The second seems to be good. I would really like the way you have brought the layout in the second design. Congrats.........
The layout is ok, but the colors really don't match eachother. Also, you are using a too bright blue which is not too friendly for a user's eyes. So, for now, I would say, just experiment with changing the colors. On the orange one try replacing the blue with any kind of a darker brown, on the second I would go for adding white and red to make that black look better.