Here's an artist who's a lot harder on her self then she needs to be. But I can see her points. And as a critique it requires us to be honest with what we do as art and what we see in others.

I want to give props to the technique. Despite the claim that she took so long on a "simple work" is to say that I would have to work three days straight to match that same skill. It's beautiful in the technique. Shading is great, color tones, etc. are very well done. The arms for the man are a bit off, but otherwise it doesn't lack any technique of a pro.

What I have to wonder is what's going on here. The lack of information about what was requested makes me wonder what story the picture is supposed to tell. But I will say I know exactly what throws it off. The wings.

Twin Angel wings like you see here (male with one wing female with the other) Is an old cult religious icon. It signifies just about as many different ideas as to the relation of the two as you can think of. Are they dependent on each other? Are they two of the same? Enemies? Friends?

The artist claims to be having writer's block. And without giving one thought or the other I have to wonder if the wings were her idea or not. And either way. If the wings were not there what would you see?

I'd see members of the same family. the "semi victorian" look of their dress and matching outfits signifies they're related. But the separation of bars might mean there is a feud within the family itself and the two are split because of that. If that's the case then the only thing I could fault the artist on is that the two characters are smiling.

It's hard to critique commissions because they by default have a forced sense of appeal. You're doing it because you are expected of it. And when you have as much skill as this artist that's not hard to do. Those who are the greatest merely have the ability to bring so much technique and original content to even a simple idea. Those people are few and far between.

It does lack the impact because of the lack of conviction. But it doesn't lack any skill and originality of even the best artists. The thing that faults the artist more then anything is only her lack of faith in her ability to convey something greater then what she sees.

We must remind ourselves always of the old adage. "You are your own worst critique."