Overall

Vision Vision

Originality Originality

Technique Technique

Impact Impact

I could say that this piece is stunning, but that doesn't really seem adequate for an artistic work of this caliper. The color scheme incorporates the most well represented hues in the beauty of the ocean. The shades of blue, green and purple descend in the piece to give a clear sense of the depth of the sea for the setting, while also providing a visually stimulating backdrop. The crimson detailing catches the eye and adds a fire to the piece that would otherwise be lacking.The texturing is so diverse and carefully implemented that it adds a living polish to the wonderful composition.The lighting is bright enough to show beauty, but the shadows are dark enough to leave mystery both for the sea as a whole, and for the creature that the piece focuses on (I assume that she is a mermaid).I honestly can't say enough about the details. The coral hair piece is exquisite, and when combined with the shell bracelets, adds a sense of humanity to our creature in question. Yet, the other features, the gill-like slits on the cheeks, the fins that span the head and the antennae (I think inspired by shrimp) mark her as clearly not human. The fish scales on the left side of her face are another cool detail. All in all, between the sea urchins, the 10 fish and the 2 whales in this piece, it is clear that a great deal of thought went into embellishing this picture.The companion-like fish is a perfect addition I think, complimenting the mermaid seamlessly and tying her into the environment that they're a part of.Last but certainly not least, let's address her face. It is without a doubt the focal point of the piece, and it's beautiful, strange, enticing, but there's also something about it that hints at danger. If you stare into those eyes for long enough you'll know what I mean.To me, this picture perfectly represents the essence of the ocean. It is enchantingly beautiful, teeming with life, deep and powerful, and while it's not openly hostile, nor is it safe. It is a sparkling gem that we can never grasp for long.