I couldn't resist writing a critique when I saw this on my watch box.

First off, I think the vision for this is simply phenomenal. You chose an excellent quote, one that I think deepens the work as a whole. I can tell where you wanted to go with it, and I think for a large part you made it.

Now, as for originality I went ahead and gave three and a half stars. I've seen a lot of drowning horses lately (which makes me jealous, since I haven't tried one yet!). I do give credit where credit is due, though, and I think you took this in a different direction than most. It seems like you went for more of a struggling to survive and succeeding aspect, and usually I get the whole 'life sucks I'll drown now' vibe. I admire this image much, much more. You also did a phenomenal job finding stock.

Three and a half stars for technique because (at least on my screen) the lighting is a little off, especially on the horse. The stars are also a little sharp for my taste, but again that might be in regards to my screen settings. I think that the front hoof and the front strands of mane (all the stuff hanging onto the shadowed side of the rock) needs to be darkened. Overall the mane isn't bad, but I feel like if it was darker it might show that it was wet a bit better. Also, it is a tad long for my tastes, but that's all in the eye of the beholder, right? ^_^ I also feel like there should be some spray on the horse, more than just the rivulets. The lighting on the water in comparison to the sky and horse is also a tad off, but overall not bothering. The composition is very, very strong (I like that you used a vertical layout a lot).

For impact I went with four stars because the piece gave my heart a little bit of a tug, which I think it an essential part of art and one that isn't recognized enough. If art doesn't touch something in you, then why have it at all? And you've definitely touched something here, something that I think most of us can relate to, whether we realize the theme for ourselves or just in general.

As a side note, I rather enjoy your photography love. You've got an eye for it, and I look forward to them almost as much as manipulations.

I've never left a critique before so here goes.

First I'll talk about the things that need work. The mane, though well drawn, is a little weird with how long it is on the his left side and short on his right. You should either extend the one side, shorten the other, or both, so they're even length with each other. Personally, I'd do both and lengthen the side laying over his neck and stick it to his face a little so it looks like it's being all wet and clingy like hair tends to do, and I'd shorten the other side a bit. It looks good with the shadows under his leg and following the contours of the rock, but I'm not a huge fan of too unnaturally long manes, even though that seems to be the style lately with horse manips. That's only my opinion though, so do what you like with it. :]

The lighting is another thing that needs a little help. There doesn't seem to be a consistent light source. The sky makes it look like the light source is back near the horizon. The light on the waves and the horse seems to be under a light source relatively straight up. What I would do, is darken the horizon. Leave the waves the way they are, and maybe darken the horse a bit. He's only a tad bit too bright. It's an easy fix.

I think I should let you know why I only gave you 4 stars for originality and impact. That's just because I've seen this horse used in a similar manner in other deviations before, though it is pretty damn cool, so I don't blame you for wanting to try it.

Now I'll move on to things that you should keep up. The colours work very nicely together. The horse is blended very well into the background. He actually looks like he's clinging to the rock and not just cut and pasted there. The water drips are a nice touch. A lot of people forget those but you're on the ball. XD I love the way the mane is drawn. It looks very much like real hair. Kudos for that, because that's hard to do. And I know it's a small touch, but it can make a world of difference; the text, the way it's placed on the horizon with a little reflection, is very visually appealing. The composition is also well balanced. I like where the wave comes up behind the horse's shoulder. The stock is very well put together.

Overall, great job! I love your work, and it just keeps getting better!

Also I'd like to say that your photography, is NOT non-interesting. I enjoy looking at it very much. ^^