Life

I'm not usually one for the sentimental quotes. But this is gorgeous, and beautifully executed. The rose in particular is absolutely stunning - the shading makes it look so soft, almost tangible (which is exactly the effect you should be going for). It also contrasts wonderfully with the bold contrast in colour that's shown on the butterfly's wings. If that's your real handwriting, by the way, then good on you - it's perfect for this. If not, then you chose a perfect style to try for this. It works fabulously well with the mood of the picture.

I love that this is in black and white as well. It gives an extra sense of minimalism which works very well with the overall simplicity of the message you're giving.

Things that could be worked on include the shading on the bottom two petals of the rose - you lose some of the realism here as they look somewhat rushed. Whilst I entirely understand that drawing a rose would be absolute hell (and never something I'd attempt, um...*cough* if I could draw), if you're going to commit to it then really commit to it. Also, the butterfly's abdomen looks a little narrow, and perhaps a bit skewed as well, although I appreciate that my anatomical knowledge of lepidopterans is less than exemplary. XD

Overall though I really like this. Now to run you through my star ratings:

Vision: Alright, so I'll be honest. I don't generally know what this section of the critique star rating actually means. I take it to mean impact, but in a more...long-term sense. (Incidentally if you could tell me what it's actually meant to mean, I'd appreciate it so much <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/b/b…" width="15" height="15" alt="" title=" (Big Grin)"/>). At any rate I gave this four stars - this one sticks with me, and it's a gorgeous image.

Originality: Three stars. Stunning as it is, it's not particularly original. However, in the words of Dakin (do you know the play History Boys? If not, you simply must look it up), "Cliches can be fun. It's how they got to be cliches." A butterfly on a flower can be ridiculously sugar-sweet and cliched, but you executed this beautifully. That makes it fun, as well as touching. But three stars, nevertheless.

Technique: Another four stars. Your shading is gorgeous, and the amount of detail you put in is lovely. As I said though, it could use a bit of editing in certain areas, which is why you fall short of the whole five stars though. I'm also including your use of pen(cil)manship in this, which was lovely.

Maybe that's just because I'm ridiculously pernickety though (which is entirely possible).

Impact: Four stars again. ^^ As I mentioned before this one sticks with me, and it made me smile. So, of course, high star ratings. <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/b/b…" width="15" height="15" alt="" title=" (Big Grin)"/>

Well done indeed for this! Definitely one of my favourites, and you used your materials very well. <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/s/s…" width="15" height="15" alt="" title=" (Smile)"/>

Hope my comments were helpful,

~Elsie. <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/h/h…" width="15" height="13" alt="" title="Heart"/>