Overall

Vision Vision

Originality Originality

Technique Technique

Impact Impact

Looking at this, I would normally be inclined to abhor this kind of fish since it tends to be associated primarily with Japanese culture in our lands. Although I may have seen it in a temple near the remote woods, we tend to view cherry blossoms similarly and I started getting a little curious about both things. Looking at this picture, I much admire how you captured this fish's expression through its face and fluttering fins. Though the background could use a little more expressiveness, I like how you made it seem as though it's floating in the sky carefree. Though the whiskers could use a little more proportion to them, the scales are a very nice touch to it if somewhat inconsistent. The translucent fins serve to amplify the kite feel and would be a nice portrait along a wall of the sky on a clear day. All in all, this would help us to appreciate the simpler things in life however elaborate the ponds holding the fish may be. I look forward to seeing more of the koi fish in our temples.