Here's P-A again, with another critique to a work which deserves a critique (Mostly because my zodiac is a water dog automatically makes Vaporeon my favorite Eeveelution). But all bias aside, how does this piece of art compare with all the other Vaporeons out there?

The visual appeal is nice and frilly, and the background features a generic underwater view, as to match the Vaporeon's ideal habitat. That's not to say that it gets a little too cliched, but it is hard to find an alternative environment that does not have water somewhere to complement its beauty. However, despite the effort put in, it can be noted that at the very first glance, one might recognise that it's a Vaporeon and go "wow", but then the interest drops almost as quickly because it lacks a properly matching technique, which I will explain in more detail later.

Can't give too many points in originality because Vaporeons are fan material to draw. However, that does not mean that they can't be modified slightly to make them unique, and Eievui's the Cookie Thief's version to make it fluffier (Don't think I didn't notice that chestfur, I think that's really cute) works well with originality.

The technique used is something I wish to explain in detail. Sure, I know some of the artwork are done in MS Paint, and some of the lines may be bent out of shape just a little. The thing is the picture does not receive any special treatment that can set it apart as a contest pic entry as opposed to a regular entry. Usually, in a picture that wishes to be critiqued in a contest, it must be worked to perfection, to the very minute details to the best of the artist's abilities. Had I not read the artist comments that it is a contest entry, I would have overlooked that, and the occasional tiny color leaks coming out from the vappy's elbows, underbelly and er... butt

The lighting style is another issue. Sure it's hard to make a Vaporeon any better, and the eye effects are just pleasant, but the entire body does not seem to match the lighting the eyes presented. The eyes look a bit lively, the body does not have that same life. It has been simply shaded according to whim that is not consistent with the lighting source (The middle headfin, for example, shows that the light is shone a little along the front as opposed to the earfins that has it shone along the back).

Last but not least is the impact. Not sure if giving "Shower" a smile will make it better, but it will make me feel better in giving a good critique, but smiling or not, it is still a nice picture to look at from time to time, but not a picture that you can stare at it all day and marvel at its beauty, or cuteness. You can really learn a lot from your past art with Sumie, and that's what is needed.

Overall it's a solid piece of work, although there is little improvement compared to your other pics, but making them any better wouldn't be so you, would it? And I hope your pic wins brownie points with Sito (But unfortunately Veekun prefers cupcakes over brownies).

Until Then... Goodnight!