What a beautiful meaning. It always makes a huge difference to art. I can really see the emotion in this. The bars have been done well, they don't take away from the subject as they are light, but still have the symbolism there. The blue in the mane really adds something to it. Personality and character, something unique without looking unrealistic. You work well with colour. The proportions of the face are a bit skewed, although you have done well. The eyes in particular and the shading of the showing cheek and inbetween the eyes. Working with real life reference photos tends to help me on those things. Also anatomy books are a huge help, I would recommend taking a look in your library. You can learn so much from books. Also perhaps emphasise the eyes more for even better impact and feeling. I would love to see you keep practising, you already have great skills and im sure you could create amazing artwork in future.

Phenomenal work, first of all. I love how you worked with the negative space by filling it with his mane. It gives this piece a strong composition.

I like the exploration of textures here. Like how the texture in the nose is so distinctly different from the furrier texture in the rest of the face. It creates some stronger realism. Speaking of textures, from the looks of this I'd say you might enjoy trying this out: [link] I think it would look cool with some grungy textures here and there. But of course, it's not needed.. it looks just as well on its own.

Anyway, getting down to business. Your composition is good- it looks like you have utilized the rule of thirds here. However, this is kind of a focal point conflict. I am drawn to his eyes, but I see that there is blood on his lips which brings your theme into play. Either of these could be your focal point, and they are both in good regions of the picture if they are meant to be focal points. But there has to be one- is it his eyes or the bloody mouth? Like I said, I find myself more drawn to the eyes, mostly because they are bold and you added a high level of detail to them. But I feel like the blood is a stronger symbol in regards to the theme/meaning of the piece, so I almost feel like that is where the focal point should be...

There are a few ways I would approach this. One would be to add some blood splatters near the eyes. Doesn't have to be a whole lot. I see that you have one there, but it looks more like a blood smear and splatters are more dramatic (haha ). But if you wanted to play with the blood smear/splatter some more, I would suggest making it more of a deep crimson color. After all, blood is.. blood red. haha. I think that would create strong imagery with two aspects of your theme: the strong will and the symbol of blood.

Or, if you wanted to pull the focal point to the mouth, then a bloody mess is in order! Think about what lions' mouths probably look like after they eat their kill.. yugh. D: I'd play with adding some blood stains to his muzzle or something.

Maybe I am just crazy about blood splatters and messes. I can also see why you might want to keep it subtle. Looks good that way.. but in that case, the focal point is definitely the eyes.

::wipes sweat:: whew, I sure like critiquing

I forgot to mention that I think your use of value is impressive. You've got core shadows and little shadows and highlights and everything with a cohesive light source. These days I swear nobody understands light sources.. ha.. you are one of the few. One thing I would look at, though, is adding a little tiny more value to the eyes. Just some slight shadows towards the top of the pupils might add some drama or something. ha.. I dunno.

Also excellent use of color. I like how you added the blue along the outer areas to make them recede and make the face pop out more.

All in all, excellent work. You clearly have a good understanding of color, composition and value.