Dear Mystery Artist, thank you so much for this delightful gift! Here are just some of the things I love about the piece:
- The 'nudge nudge, wink wink' title! It seems perfect for these two characters - jovial and fond and enjoying the pleasures of life.
- The refined linework, mixed with such perfect fine detail. Albus' hair and beard looks silky and strokeable (I love the little curl at the end!), contrasting with Horace's neatly-trimmed moustache.
- The langour and contentment in their pose. It's all about the afterglow ;-)
- The meaningful expressions, and sense of connection between Albus and Horace. The moment seems almost ambivalent, and that only serves to strengthen the piece. There is clear pleasure and fondness, but also a hint of sadness - perhaps as if they know that their days together are numbered?
- The details of the wine bottle and glasses. The dragon/griffin on the label is a perfect touch, as are the curly stems of the flutes.
- The contrast between Albus and Horaces' bodies - one sparse and muscular, the other soft and rounded.
- The background, cross-hatched at a variety of angles. It is plain enough not to detract from the central image, but also gives a sense of dynamism and interest - brilliant.
All in all, thank you so much for drawing this wonderful piece. Thoroughly enjoyed! :-)