Since I said I comment on the discussionp age…here I am.
That right shoulder needs just a bit of a color difference. I’ve NEVER seen a shirt the blended in with the sky so well.
Next up…Uhm…well…maybe I just don’t see it. But what is “Spectacular” about this image? Is there something comming that I don’t see? This is not a negative about your art or anything. It’s more of a "Where the ‘umph!!’ that’s the target of this challenge?
>>Your challenge is to conceive and create an image that could potentially become part of future history as one of those iconic spectacular images that grasps viewers by the throat; that quickens the pulse; that excites and scares at the same time.<<
I’ll admit the circus might quicken the pulse. It might excite or scare a small child. But what’s grabbing my by my throat? Let me give you an example of a historic spectacular disaster scene - gory - but spectacular. Think Hindenburg. Even today if you were to put that picture on a newpaper people would shudder at what happened. It grabbed you, it scared you, your pulse was certainly quickened.
Take that circus concept and say “How can I make this grab someone attention?”
Hope this helps,
Sil
P.S. I think your painting skills are very nice. I wish I could do so well 





and like you’ve said not to worry about the detail for now