Hello~! I just wanted to quickly tell you that you can't enter both the open and the beginners. You should quickly pick one, because if you don't, I think it might disqualify you? I'm pretty sure that's it. And I think you should have a good fighting chance in the COTM \o/

(Also I really like the blue. It's definitely the focal point)

You said you're still trying to understand digital art, and I think looking to other peoples' works are a great way to practice! However, I personally wouldn't upload something like this. I know you're referencing LavanderTowne but this is REALLY heavily referenced. It's great for practice. But this would be a bit unfair to say you only "referenced" the image. It's so heavily "referenced" it gives off a traced feel.

Good on you to practice, but I would not have uploaded this on the pretense of just a reference.
Keep practicing though! It's always good to practice!