Is it Art or Illustration?

I am trying to participate in a small show whose theme is "family".

I've always admired the Tibetan culture.  Even though their country has been taken over and their cultural  traditions and architecture are in danger of being destroyed, they seem to be a happy  and content when they are with family.  The nomadic people probably have the harshest life but seem to be optimistic and live in the moment.

I think this oil on 8x8 hardboard turned out to be more of an illustration than a painting to submit to a show.  What do you think?  

Young Tibetan Monk

I was just browsing the net one night when I saw an image of a young monk standing in the doorway of his monastery. Even with the turbulent events in his country because of their conflict with China he appeared calm and serene. I thought I would try and capture his image but also put a impressionistic tweak to it.


24x24 oil on canvas

FYI I know there is a cloudy glare because of the dark back ground. I've already sent a request to R. Garriott who is currently taking the time to give us a lesson on the best way to fix photos as suggested by Karin Jurick.