Quick, get me a horse...
Wait, there's one in the background. Lucky guy...
Speaking about the version known as "Dakota Dusk Naughty No Limits," this bar, artistically speaking, is an interesting intersection between realism, line art, and thematic consideration.
Overall, this is a surprisingly beautiful bar. Elegance isn't it's primary point - the natural, realistic beauty is the key that shines through.
With a setting sun as the backdrop, Dakota's form is bathed in the gentle ruddy hues of dusk, with small, detailed purple bleeding in to accentuate a few important sections. In the realm of line art, essential regions, like her body outline, especially the chest and right-side thigh, are masterfully grounded with the intelligence use of single, thick lines. This helps add convincing weight to her form in the image and quickly distinguish Dakota from the brilliant sunset flooding the backdrop. While some of the color palette is somewhat splotchy, as in the left-side wrist and the Stetson's shading, that same bulky color application serves to contrast the areas one would expect to be bathed in strong sunlight. As such, it becomes a clear decision that works.
With a pronounced touch of realism, Dakota's face may be not only one of the most genuinely beautiful so far, but thematically appropriate for that of a gorgeous yet active cowgirl on the range. The hair lacks the same finesse, unfortunately, but that minor detail doesn't badly distract in any way. It's a believable framing element for Dakota's gorgeous expression.
Anatomically, Dakota's physique screams fitness, strength, and finally controlled muscle tension. Sexuality is there, undoubtedly, however it is a secondary point that follows her sheer presence. Her stance is that of busy, focused confidence at the end of the day as she is finishing off what little is left to realize. Sadly, one of the key selling points for this type of bar - nudity, or the breasts in this case - are reminiscent more of plastic surgery than naturally acquired curves. Then again, for those who prefer that aspect, it may become a selling point. As a positive cue, sexual details are well rendered and not just "implied," adding to her feminine, undeniable presence.
Belt, gun, and buckle, though not realistically rendered, are more than adequate, adding nice accessories that helps bring Dakota forward as a believable open-range traveler. Along with the hat, all the details look worn down, as if sun-cooked and having experienced the windswept plains. The shadowing cast by the rope and unto the same is very well done, providing greater dimensionality. All these details, tiny and really not essential, make for a convincing rendition.
Recognition has to be given to the background, for it truly gives Dakota's overall form some much appreciated substance. Elegantly blended blues with emerging stars, mid-hue purples and dusk's red, touching the clouds' underside, give Dakota her last name as they transition from one another in a manner one would expected from nature.
While much border real estate is lost on the CoA, this CoA may be one of the best as well, tying into Dakota's surname with gusto.
As a personal opinion, thematically, this may be one of Bullion Baddies' best art bars. Artistically, this a fantastic balance of different styles that I wish would be continued, though future bars, such as number 9 in the series, already indicated a detrimental change.
Make no mistake, Dakota is a cowgirl, and nothing less will fulfill this beauty.
So, let yourself get roped in, partner...
