This is a new piece I painted to eventually be a holiday postcard mailing. I always loved the Advent wreath my family lit every Sunday before Christmas, and I wanted to capture that feeling - all cozy in the lowlight, taking turns to light the candles.
© Jen BettonStep1: Composition and Thumbnails 
I knew I wanted a family, and a round window, but I wasn't sure how many people would be in this scene at first.
© Jen BettonStep 2: Photo reference and sketches
Because this was a more complex sc...