This is my first-ever fest, and I have to say, the anticipation of logging in each day to check for new posts, wondering if today would be my gift day, was such sweet torture. And way more fun than I ever imagined. So thank you for your part in that.
Now, onto the reason we're all gathered here: the art!
I have been looking at this piece off and on for a few hours now, savoring it slowly, alternately reading into it and just observing it at face value. And the longer I spend with it, the more I love it. Hopefully I can offer you a coherent review that communicates exactly how much, and why.
First off, I'm nearly a puddle just at the passion in this piece. Where Severus' face is adoring and sure, Harry's is insistent and lusty. In some ways I could say Harry looks like he was taken by surprise here, but by this point he has more than succumbed to the moment -- stolen by two lovers, somewhere in the halls of Hogwarts, slightly clandestine but only because they're both expected elsewhere by now.
In other words: HOT.
It looks like Severus is wearing a wedding band, the mere notion of which is just sexy as hell. And the buttons up his arm! I have a fetish with both his buttons and his Victorian-esque, fussy clothes. Gah. And how he's holding Harry! *sighs* The love is so obvious.
I adore Harry's hair. *I* want to wind my fingers into it. And his strong jawline; his build. No wonder Severus can't keep his mouth off him. And a naked chest with just a tie? Seriously, are you trying to kill me here?
The title of this piece is perfect, as is the implied magic therein. Clearly mistletoe is not just for decoration and friendly kisses anymore… *snorts*
The color palette is gorgeous, as is the hatching technique. It feels so "storybook." And speaking of story, I hope the muses will present me with a story to wrap around this. It deserves at least that much.
I'm so glad you were inspired by this and that it helped rejuvenate your art process. The work and care you put into it is clear -- thank you! Can't wait to meet you at the finish line of this fest.
*goes off to stare at the art again*
Hopefully a much larger version of this art awaits me? ;-)