'Ready'

Wow, very nice to see a value piece again. And with, as you described it, a more minimal look, is very interesting.
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VALUES: Values are handled wonderfully. Overall, looks correct with the light source apparently coming from above and partly from the upper left corner. And there's still plenty of information in the character to see expression in the body and face.

COMPOSITION: Composition is overall pretty good. Nice balance between foreground and background elements, good foreshortening, nice filling of empty space in the lower right corner of the canvas. Simple and effective.

CHARACTERS/ANATOMY: Character is well positioned, shows a n interesting expression in the body and face. Overall anatomy is a bit difficult to see due to the values but overall arm anatomy, although thin, looks correct. The highlight for the spinal line is a bit off but shoulder work and overall curvature looks good.

BACKGROUND: Background is rather detailed but it adds a nice visual element to the piece and gives a good contrast of texture. The use of atmospheric perspective is pulled off with the slight change in the color used for the values.

IN COMPARISON OF OTHERS WORKS BY THE ARTIST: It's nice to see a different sort of style and more minimalist style. Shows that the artist has a good handle on values.

POSSIBLE MEANS OF IMPROVEMENT: Nothing that hasn't been mentioned in the above sections. Although there are some value lines on the quills that are a bit shaky. Otherwise very nice.

OVERALL IMPACT: Very strong piece and good handle of values. Good use of perspective in terms of foreshortening and atmospheric. Nicely done.