I saw it in the Beginner's gallery Gryph, but wasn't quite sure what comment to leave. I looked at it because the thumbnail caught my eye, so that's a good point. At full size, it's difficult to respond to as a picture because it lacks a context. Within a pattern, or an impressionist image, it would have surroundings to play against, and I suspect it would come alive. Viewing it technically, the layered effect works well; it gives a good sense of the richness and ruffles of a chrysanthemum (sp?). The different shades are beautifully blended too, although the lower/outer layers remind me more of a damask rose - they would be perfect for that. You haven't said whether you were aiming for 'photographic' realism or a more illustrative style, so it's hard to say anything meaningful on that aspect. I get a sense of impressionistic flow from it though, if that's any help. The main improvement I would say, though, is lose the bright pink frame. Going from that to the background to the flower is hard on the eye. It's also more prominent than your flower so it drags the viewer's attention away. Without it, I think the flower would look quite iconic. Let me know if you develop this further, I'd love to see it used in a scene. I can imagine it used to good effect in sensual scenes of decadent luxury - it has that sort of feel to it. Hope this helps, cam