Pokemon Mystic Circe

This is truly a work of art that has caught my attention from the very moment I laid eyes upon it. Here, Ravenide has managed to create a half-body portrait that emulates the likeness of the art style from Pokemon and yet, has managed to add his flair and style to it. Even as challenge and commission, the artist has truly managed to stand out from the crowd with his efficiency and ease in which he has created this sprite.

Perhaps as an added challenge, the commission asked for Ravenide to emulate the likeness of Circe Bell, a character created by the commissioner, and he has managed to not only capture the colors and poise but also her distinct personality. With her over-shoulder look, this sprite manages to convey the very essence of the character and evokes an endearing look of scorn, fitting if one believes the sprite to be a gym leader or part of the Elite Four. An added touch was the grimoire that Circe carries and the levitating Pokeball with further defines her character as one of great power.

If one has played Pokemon before, they will undoubtedly relate to this piece as it evokes a battle of epic proportions or a battle against the universal rival. When one looks at this sprite, they can feel their weight as a trainer being measured and their very ego, put on the line of life and death. This is one trainer you will not want to mess with. I believe there is also a mystery to be felt when one takes a look at the sprite - for what secrets lie within her book and why would she not face you directly? Are you too lowly to face her or does she already know you will lose in the trainer battle against here.

While this critique may not explore the very nature of artistic talent/technique, it does however, explore and explain the feelings of the commissioner who is utterly elated by this work. As such, all five stars must be given for how else can one commend such splendid work? But perhaps if one does need an explanation for all five stars, here they are :

Vision is 5, because it has matched that of the commissioner's own vision

Originality is 5, because it has already been defined by the unique character given as a reference but also because the artist has managed to throughly evoke the personality of the character

Technique is 5, I believe his style is pleasing to the eyes and his use of color and harmony is true to that of the original Pokemon style. However, as we must always look towards improvement, I believe her shadows and highlights could be improved, though they are already on par with the Original Style Standard.

Impact is 5, because when one takes a brief look at the character, they are already drawn in, especially by her confident and mysterious pose. The red that forms the majority of the color is also another attractive focal point. Her eyes, the Pokeball and the book also contribute to the focal points by creating three unique points that capture attention and rotate evenly.

If you are thinking of commissioning a sprite, do so immediately for Ravenide's work truly deserves every point and praise.