This image was inspired by my mother, whose birthday is in December and who this image was a gift for. I tried to conjure the feel of many December and Christmas traditions, specifically the less traditional, such as the festival of Saint Lucia, the saint of light, whose candle crown gave inspiration to this image.

The Turquoise which her wings represent is the birthstone of December and is helpful for communication and cleansing. Just as the flowers for December, white narcissus, holly, and poinsettia represent innocence, everlasting life, and hope. I was also inspired by the lovely birthstone series of Brenda Lyons and Jessica Douglas.

Check out my latest sketches for this series of angels in my Birthstone Angels sketchbook.