ARGH I was well impressed with this until I read you used a smoke brush!, if you're gonna keep it then may I suggest you remove the smoke on the bottom of the violin, it's distracting and ruins the image IMHO. I also think that the leaves are also not doing the concept justice.

I second James, not to mention there's no source for the leaves.

Fair enough; what about re working the way those shapes that you like be incorporated into the image?..... like turning the shape into flames?? I'm sure there's a way to make the leaves more dynamic and more suited to your concept of a flaming violin.

It's just a thought.....

That's looking much better overall now; GL Author!

EDIT: I was just re-familiarising myself with the rules and came across this in the PS section

"5.7. 3D Renders or Illustrations as Source: Using other people's 3D renders or illustrations (even with permission and no matter in which form they are offered) creates a false impression of your artwork. So 3D renders or illustrations (this includes brushes, tubes, clipart, pdf files) can not be used as sources, unless they are entirely created by yourself."

So basically, it appears from a glance that the use of the smoke brush is now questionable; which is a shame!!
Maybe you could find a suitable replacement in the form of a picture? there's some good smoke and ink stock on cgtextures.com that would be a good alternative, I haven't found as big a selection elsewhere........... Anyway, hope that helps??

@ JamesD and author, brushes made from photos are fine to use, which includes most smoke, cloud brushes etc. Brushes that are not allowed are those made from illustrations and 3D renders.

You CAN use smoke brushes!! it was my misunderstanding! - but I still prefer images over brushes but that's just me!! anyway GL with your entry!!

It's a fine work, great effect author.

Congrats - good work!!