I always loved the Grimm story "The False Bride". In the story, while on her way to wed a neighboring prince, a princess is tricked into losing the magical protection her mother has given her. She ends up being forced to give her identity to a maid servant who takes her clothing and magical talking horse. The princess is made to serve at the castle as the goose girl (with Conrad, who is seen here clutching his hat). When the false bride beheads Falada, the princess's talking horse, the princess manages to get the head hung by the castle gate so she can talk it everyday as she passes.
It's a rather convoluted story, sorry, I can't do it justice here.
This was published in the first issue of Dante's Heart, an online journal that showcases work (written and art) related to fairytales, myth folk lore and fantasy http://www.dantesheart.com/
I loved painting the geese, honeysuckly, baskets and pears best. I was tempted to show drops of blood dripping down on the pears, but squeamishness won out.
Painter, wacom intuos, about 40 hours total.
Happy New Year