Overall

Vision Vision

Originality Originality

Technique Technique

Impact Impact

It is one thing to glimpse at a work of fanart and claim to have seen it over and over as an unoriginal portrait. It is another to look a little harder and realize that I was quite wrong.With a title like "Wavy Hair Celestia," it would be very simple to draw conclusions of simplicity and commonplace features. But I have to remind myself that sometimes art doesn't need any deep metaphorical title that allows for the possibilities of different perspectives for an art piece. Sometimes the artwork, just needs a title. Plain and simple.The first thing I do when I see something like this is say, "oh, its Celestia," and I think of all the other portraits done from a similar perspective. I have seen the profile of Celestia with the mane blowing in the wind before and before again. Now I sit and wonder, because this one stands out greatly from the others. First, the detail given to the mane is nothing short of amazing, especially since it would appear to be strictly watercolor. The horn has this distinct, but not overpowering glow to it, as though it holds the holds the power of her sun and her compassion to raise it for all of her subjects countless times. But what I like about this portrait the best is her eye. The black eyeliner appears to stand out against the soft white texture of her face, and the bright glare on her ruby eye suggests that she is gazing far across something. But only the viewer knows what that is.As I said one of the things I like is how this is bold and charismatic while calm and somewhat soothing. Just as the horn has that bright glow to it, the sheer size and scale of the portrait is all brought back by that sweet, gentle smile. A smile that may have many viewers wondering what she is so happy about, and should make everyone recall what brings joy and light in their lives.It would not be fair to say that this portrait surpassed my expectations. It is nothing less than the greatest artwork I've seen in a very long time.With utmost sincerity--Michael