Tysha, this is the first picture of Jon sans Ghost that I've seen. I think showing Jon without Ghost is brilliant.
Once again, you've gone straight for the humanity of the character.
In this picture I see a boy (let's not forget his extreme youth) wrestling with a decision. More than any other character, Jon has to make many tough decisions without major input from external forces... except for being returned to Castle Black by his young brothers. Dany, Tyrion, Catelyn, Theon, Eddard, Jaime, and almost every other character make their decisions amid the omnipresent and intrusive whirlwind of social expectations, family, religion, and peer pressure. Jon is removed from most of these. He does not have parents, sycophants, maesters, priests, friends, and bosses telling him what he must do. The Old Bear, Maester Aemon, Sam, Benjen, and Donal all share their wisdom, but ultimately leave him to his own decisions. Only Qhorin, Alliser, Janos, and now Stannis try to heavily influence his actions. By contrast, Dany is constantly being manipulated and pushed by Viserys, Illyrio, Drogo's bloodriders, the Dothraki, the Dosh Khaleen, Mirri, Pyat Pree, Xharo, Quaithe, the Good Masters, Jorah, the Titan's *******, Daario, and now her dragons. Only Brown Ben, Grey Worm, and mayhaps Arstan will prove to not unduly try to influence her.
I can imagine this picture coming from a number of scenes. He could be pondering Tyrion's words on their way to the Wall. He could be going to say his words to the heart tree. He could be listening to the near impreceptible cry of that albino pup. He could be walking back to Qhorin after not slaying Ygritte. He could be thinking of running off to join Robb. He could be on his way to treat/assassinate Mance. He could be watching Aemon, Sam, Gilly, and Mance's son leave. He could be pondering Stannis' offer of Winterfell.
He looks too young to be forced to make decisions like these... especially at his age.
Of course knowing the story allows me to bring an interpretation to the picture. But after reading and seeing your art, I must say that it is a more appropriate depiction of Jon than the original cover art. (The original US cover is
here on the left side... the picture continues around to the back and it shows Ghost loping along behind Jon.) That cover art depicts the passion, ruggedness, majesty, and hope of the overall story, but not the struggles in Jon's heart. You've captured that.
Thanks again for sharing with us. Once again you've made me reflect upon the heart of one of Martin's characters. Well done.
