Winter Storm Craziness and more painting!

Sorry that i have been away. I have been in Virginia helping out my parents. Unfortunately, the storm caught me by surprise and dumped 24 inches of snow in a 24 hour period in a place that is void of snow supplies. My wrist was strained by snow shoveling, but luckily that was the only casualty from the event. I have submitted 3 works into the conrad scholarship for the SCBWI conference. It is a long shot as this award is for three states, but someone will win. It could be me. I fear that I will not be able to afford to go to this event if I don't win. Scholastic will be there and I am vying for the opportunity to show them my work. I like to think it is age appropriate for their target audience. The next award that i am applying for is the Don Freeman "work in progress" award that is a national illustrative award for an unpublished illustrator through SCBWI. I submitted last year, but I believe my work is now far superior to the humbling beginnings of last year. I will need to submit 10 works (at least 8 color) to enter. Time to create and choose my favorites. I am only as good as my worst piece in my portfolio, so make it the best I can present! Here is a creation that i am working on now. I have sketched out a few faery pieces to add to my portfolio. This is all watercolor right now.