It's weird growing up Catholic (5 years and 2743 days ago)
I like the stark landscape with some odd elements and an enigmatic title. (I wish there were an SBS [especially with the use of brushes], but I really appreciate that your source list at least identifies all the separate elements you chopped together because I'm too lazy to check out each source.) I do find this 'flatish' with just a foreground and a background with nothing in between. The nearly-centered foreground elements reduce the drama IMO.
I think going less on the textures in the face and shirt will enhance your entry a lot.
I kind of like both of them now, can't decide (but I put your suggestion up in the contest piece and the original with the comparison in the sbs)
Howdie stranger!
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