I'm going to follow in the suit of Schin. She has a great WIP system. Started a wip thread months ago and just keeps updating the title. So that's what I'm going to do too! Thanks for the great idea Schin! 
You can see my finished works here: http://community.imaginefx.com/forums/permalink/162775/162775/ShowThread.aspx#162775
Ok, so this is obviously a very early and rough sketch! LOL!
Here's the general idea: I plan to play with some textures for the background. The bats and birds will be more suggested than actually detailed. There may or may not be moonlight in the background. I've not yet decided. The Mage himself will be a bit of a mystery, but he will need to convey something dark and evil. His cloak will eventually look a bit worn and tattered...he is quite ancient you know! ;) Also his face may end up not being a face, but I've put one there for now. There will be some kind of mist underneath his cloak....perhaps it is coming from, or is part of him. The main light source will emanate from the magic in his hands. And I already see, that the caplet portion of his cape will need to be a bit longer...
Alright, so Wip one, here it is. I've a lot of work to do. Off I go. 