No Third Time Lucky

My lady in blue - Peace in War - didn't make it! I am disappointed, but so are many others, and in any way this is not the kind of competition that Renoir would have won. We had to write out the concept, which I am going to post here in just a moment and I am also now going to show you my painting. The painting is 600 x 800mm, boxed canvas so it doesn't need framing. You are welcome to make me an offer for her. After two weeks, if I didn't get a good offer, I will price her and add her to my website.
Please tell me what you think. Here is the concept:

Peace in War
This painting is about peace in the midst of war and joy in the midst of misery. Since the beginning of time there have always been people who are able to find peace and joy in the midst of war, anger and rage. In the South Africa of today it is no different. There are people unable to get past their feelings of anger and bitterness, while there are those who fill their lives with joy and contentment. Their circumstances are the same, but they do not allow them to control their emotions and their lives. They have a higher life; they rise above their circumstances. They have an inner peace that surpasses all understanding. The artist aims to show that no matter what the circumstances, it is what is in the heart that allows a person to dance with joy. Peace and joy should and can only come from within. The background is dark where the people in anger find themselves, weapons lifted high, ready for war. Crimson, which symbolises anger, is used in the background figures. They have turned their backs towards the light showing their decision to be angry and at war. A black woman has been chosen as the focal point, as her hardships in life would give her many reasons to be angry and bitter. Yet even amongst the most under-privileged, we find individuals at peace with themselves living a joyous life.

Make sure to have a look at previous winners of the Sasol New Signatures competition and later this year of this year's winners.