friendly spirits

Wow, can I first start off by saying that I love the world you've created here? It reminds me of hundreds of years ago when explorers would report back on their findings with illustrations. The illustrations would seem fantastical to those who viewed them, but were created so clearly that few questions were raised whether or not they existed. To be honest, I can't remember the last time a fantasy piece has struck me in such a way! I'm really hoping to see more of this world you've created. It's tough not giving you all 5 stars!

Vision: This is the hardest section to critique, I've found. What was your vision? Well, I can guess that it was to share with us a world you've created, and if that's true you've succeeded. It would ave helped to share with us some of your thoughts on the piece in the description, so without clearly knowing what direction you wanted this to go in, I can't spare you 5 stars. However, I will say that if I were your mother I'd be pleasantly surprised, and I hope that was indeed the case.

Originality: While this piece is certainly original, I've seen pictures with similar characters, the most famous which comes to mind is no-face from Spirited away, who bore the same type of 'mask' for a face. Likewise, the wavy alien-esque bodies are something I've noticed pop up frequently in watercolor, for some reason. However, I really wouldn't advise you to change their design, unless you felt confident you had one which would keep the same feeling but add dimension to the creatures here. You've done a great job creating here.

Technique: Your technique here is superb. I'll point out a few things which distracted me while I was scouring your picture for faults (I couldn't just hand you five stars on each category!) and then shower you with praise that this piece deserves.
The two faces of the main characters here share the same color of the background, where I think it would've stood out had they been the color of the original paper - white. Also the two red growths from the tree looking out at them bleeds into the paper whereas most of the other growths/trees have some form of definite outline, so it kind of breaks of the cohesiveness of the laws of nature in this world.
Now I'll point out all the stupendous things here. The first thing which struck me was the color. You've certainly mastered the coloring technique as evidence in the trees and the green/yellow creature. The colors are strong, but not necessarily overwhelming. The different hues blending together adds a realistic element to the life here. Another thing I'd like to point out here is the fantastic detail within the legs/arms of the two creatures walking. Excellent.
The creatures themselves show your skill and innovation for creating new life. Likewise, even though the trees are unusual to us, they're recognizable and drawn well. Great job.

Impact:Like I said before, this piece for some reason struck with me. Perhaps it's because of the calmness of the scene yet the dynamic colors which strike me. I also feel it's the lack of other creatures you could've fit into the piece that leave the audience dreaming of their own fantasy beings to join the center two for a troll. It's a fantasy piece which is not overdone, a great accomplishment. Thanks for haring this with us.
(Also, sorry if there are any typos. I'm on an old laptop and some of the keys need to be pressed down with additional pressure, especially the 's' key. I tried looking through to correct but may not have gotten everything. Congratulations one last time on your art!)