This time I cheated a little. I used Paint.net's glow effect to do what I don't know how to do in Inkscape.

I think you can definitely create those effects in Inkscape, but I doubt you could do it as quickly and easily No harm in using multiple-tools to get the job done. Nice work.

Wow that is fantastic! It really gives that feeling of the very end of a nice summer day at the beach.. I agree, there's nothing wrong with using different tools, as long as you get the job done!

But wont using tools other than Inkscape lead to a compromise between image size and quality, which wouldn't be necessary if you used only Inkscape?

That's exactly why I try to keep my drawings purely svg when possible. But when I tried the effects in Paint.NET I just couldn't resist to use them. XD However I can always export with higher dpi then apply the same effects.

seans_potato_biz wrote:But wont using tools other than Inkscape lead to a compromise between image size and quality, which wouldn't be necessary if you used only Inkscape?

Very true, but not all of us use Inkscape because of its ability to produce resolution independent images.

I'm using Paint.NET very frequently too. BUT! Creating similar effects in inkscape is not so complicated; moreover it gives pure satisfaction and pure SVG resolution!
The atmosphere of the picture is very pleasant.

I liked your creation, but for my opinion the castle is too blurred (it is closer than the horizon) and the demon/angel is too sharp …
Actually it would be nice to add some reddish clouds or birds silhouettes in the sky.

It is only my opinion…