Paint Study for St. Lucy Project

I painted this a few months ago, as part of the portfolio I was preparing for my application to the course in Sacred Art and Craft in Florence I am currently enrolled in.  I consider it a "rough draft" for a more finished painting I hope to do sometime.  This study gives me a better idea about how the colors (and other elements) I was thinking about work together as a whole. 

 

 

The photo quality is pretty blurry, but seeing as how it's not a finished painting and is painted pretty crudely I suppose that's acceptable. Any constructive feedback?

Update from Florence

I have only a few minutes to write this but I need to post an update that I am currently in Florence, Italy and will be starting a course on Sacred Art and Craft in a few days.  I came here about week ago to join the selection from which they chose who will be participating in the course, and from which they chose who will recieve a scholarship through the Florence Chamber of Commerce.  I am happy to say that I did receive the scholarhsip (and am much relieved seeing as how I came over here not knowing for sure whether I would get it and be able to participate in the course).  For more information on the program I am involved in, refer to this website.

http://sas-f.com/

(Google translate is always helpful if you don't read Italian).

Please pray for me that things continue to work about and also because the course is in Italian, which I have only been studying for a month-- but there are teachers that are native English speakers).  My internet access is limited here but I will update as I am able.