First, I would like to say bravo for practicing a new technique and even posting the result for all to see. That takes the skill and confidence of a talented artist, and for that alone I commend you.

We'll start with the downs and end with the ups being I feel it is always nicer to finish with success. To be honest, I really have to nitpick here when it comes to technique, and it mostly has to do with the shading (that was expected I suppose ). Cell shading is difficult because you not only have to shade just the right areas, but you have to watch how you do it too. Overall you did extremely well, but there are some areas you might have over done the shading, like the snout and foot (its left). As for originality and impact, I really can't notch this up as having anything that sets it way apart from other pieces, but the design and style was original enough to keep it in the threes. I like to rate based on people's abilities, and to me you seem extremely capable of doing some extraordinary work, which is why I'm being so... strict. Lastly, the drop shadow just seemed off to me being the dragon seems to be in a standing pose (the shadow is as if it were flying or floating). Now that isn't really something to fuss over, and could easily just be me being, well, me.

Now for positives. This deviation is pretty well done, especially considering it was you practicing a new technique. There's some nice, vibrant colors, a subtle background that keeps you focused on the character, and a unique pose. The muscle tone is extremely visible and image is well balanced. Having an ability to distribute colors so that the entire image is "interesting" is a priceless talent that should never be overlooked. A well balanced image always catches someone's eye, and it caught mine, otherwise I wouldn't be writing this. Though normally one would argue this lacked unity, I personally feel it does have it. I think it was brilliant to have a contrasting color as the background because it made the main subject of the image, the dragon, clearly visible. If you did incorporate unity to a textbook degree, I don't think the image would have been as noticeable, so bravo on breaking the norm! Finally, the combination of different dragon features from different cultures (you've got some Asian features mixed with European styles like the Wyvern and even Western features like fins and frills) were brilliantly executed. Not only is this a cool looking dragon, but a believable one, and that is another difficult thing to do.

To finish off, all I have to say is well done! It was a great piece overall, and I hope you master this style, because you are already showing great potential. You are definitely a talented artist!