Aurora astralis

I'm not really sure what to say.... you get the main idea.
The idea is actually not mine. It belongs to my dear friend here who shared it with me a long time ago in a galaxy far far away. I asked whether I could make a painting after her concept just when she was about to suggest that herself. A lot of water ran off since then, since for a while I was off from digital art, but now since I am back, I wanted to realize that old promise all along.
At first I wanted to include it into another scenery (it will be finished later), but then I suddenly realized the picture is getting overloaded with too much important stuff. It's the first time I manage to realize one picture can be better off without a certain cool element.... my bad. That might lead to a style change.... if I'm smart enough, which I'm probably not XD

Anyway, so I split the initial idea in two different pictures. This is the first one. The fantasy one.
After I removed the Aurora and placed it here, it was all very quick. Must have taken a couple of hours, all of it. Stars and nebulae are very easy to paint.
The scenery is random, very simple on purpose. No references. By the way, yes, I AM aware the shadow cast on the snow doesn't fit the light direction.... but I needed it there for sake of composition. (Lame excuse is lame.) Besides, I am not sure it's necessary for it to fit the light in this case, this thing is just.... strange enough. It can cast its shadow wherever it wants.


Well, Sam, had you forgotten about that? Did I manage to surprise you? I really hope so :3
Also, did I mention the idea is awesome? I wish I had came up with it myself. I hope you like my interpretation.