Fall Weather Friends

Well, it's been a while since I submitted a critique (or a comment, for that matter), so I may be out of shape here, but let us give it the old "hee-how", shall we?

Per usual, I'll dwell on the general concept first: to those that actually watch FiM, even without the title or your description the source of inspiration is rather obvious. That clarity gives this piece a bit more edge, making it familiar to the viewer and, judging from the overall look, it puts a twist on the scene as AJ and Rainbow seem to be actually getting along, as opposed to the episode mentioned.

Of course, with the pic being taken from the actual show, it gives a vibe of redundancy; we have, technically, seen it earlier. The plus side, however, it the effect of the whole - while the episode dealt with rivarly, this piece seems to concentrate on the positive side that story, which was the bond between the duo. It feels more liek a stroll in a park then a race, once more providing a different view for the recipants.
Originality is always the hardest to grade as it all depends on the approach and what exactly one wants to see, but for a piece telling a known tale, this one does fairy well in that department.

The technique feels quite suitable in this regard, giving the impression of this being an oil painting with a little unclear background. It's only after a second glance that one notes AJ and Rainbow are too steady for this to be done using "old style". It's an interesting trick that, on one hand, makes the viewer think it's simple (and those sort of pics generally get more sympathy), while on another pays quite much attention to detail, turning it into something more stunning.
The colors were nicely chosen, with the shading strongly suggesting Autumn as the shown season, even if one doesn't get that impression from the leaves - the drawing seems to sparkle, yet still is handled well enough to not be invasive; that is something few works are capable of.
Sadly, there is one, GRAVE mistake in it all - Applejack is without her hat <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/w/w…" width="15" height="15" alt="" data-embed-type="emoticon" data-embed-id="454" title="Wink/Razz"/> And without her rubber bands to tie her hair... unacceptable <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/w/w…" width="15" height="15" alt="" data-embed-type="emoticon" data-embed-id="454" title="Wink/Razz"/>
A matter of debate remains whether the leaves should be falling from trees or not since, as I suggested earlier, this feels more like a stroll then a gallop... but, even so, if this is Autumn, some leaves should already be on the ground, yet there's no indication of that. A minor thing, true, howver worth mentioning.

With that written, we reach the thing that I find as the most important part of any piece and that is the impact it has. And, I must admit, that this pic is certainly able to defend itself in that department.
The colors used greatly correspond with both the season as well as the concept on the piece, their tones playing gently on emotions. Being of darker shades, they bring to mind Autumn, which is, in a way, an evening among four seasons, yet their warm selection clearly strengthens the joyous scene that is presented in the drawing. They all easily blend, forming a consistent whole.
Working in tandem with the expressions of AJ and Rainbow, all this brings a smile on the recipants faces as they absorb the friendly vibe that beams from this piece. That vibe is striking, but not so much to be insolent, making the viewer welcome it, rather then fight it.
The dynamic of the pic is lessened, again suggesting a simpel stroll, but mixed with the tone and background, it works perfectly in creating a gentle picture that plays homeage to MLP as a whole, showing beauty of Equestria - no doubt a land of fantasy filled with magic. And that very magic surrounds this drawing, granted in a slightly different manner one might expect it to.

Overall I'd say this is a very well done piece, if not by concept, then by execution. It has that childish charm, that generally accompanies MLP as a franchise, and yet provides something more... something new, without shattering that image.
And, to me, that is an admirable feat.