But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. - Galatians 6:14
This message for this picture was a simple gospel message, detailing the fall of man, and then going on to describe Christ's sacrifice for our sins.
Not so realistic looking, but the colors were chosen to catch the attention of the audience.
I used my hand a lot to rub in the background skyscape, and thus the rough unblended look around the edges. The mountains are simply blue shadow with red and maroon/pink highlights. On the buildings, do some varying sizes and try to create a more homely picture. I had a few people say that the "graveyard was very thought-provoking." They had assumed the buildings were headstones.
Note the light blue backlight on the foreground cross and rocks. (thanks, Matt!) Also, a little hard to see here, but the cross has blood spilling down it - red with white highlights.