Painting done for Advanced Photoshop issue 66 - on sale from 28th January. Full five page tutorial plus lots of goodies on CD so get it when it's out!

A little background: I was asked to paint character with background, really free theme and I ended up with this image. I really miss sunny, warm days. Why "messenger"? A bird brings the message of life. Snake on the pendant is a symbol of Great Snake from Aegean myths, that wrapped itself seven times around Egg of the World until Heaven and Earth were born. I hope this will make spring come sooner (no chance here but it's good to dream ^_^).

I didn't count time, from certain moment it was pointless.
Painted entirely in Photoshop with graphics tablet naturally.

Critique not desired as it is finished and accepted by publisher, thanks.