Yeah, there's need in some time to ajust to PJ, and then feel of competition will push you forward. For now I think that this pic will be sent to revision for noted things. Many colors - means that many shades of each color (when you pick them by hand, you usually take around four, and it is enough, they look distinctive). And automated gradient is one of the main "no-no's" of pure pixelart.

Really? I'm new here, so I didn't know about the tools being considered no good. Thank you for telling me. :) I'll know next time. That's what it's about though, right? Learning how to better yourself. I used the gradient tool on the tree and the background. As for having too many colors, I don't really understand. I know about the pallets and such, but why too many colors? I think maybe I did go overkill on the background. Your critique makes me want to give this a second try. I appreciate the constructive comments. Thank you greatly.

There's a problem that at PJ gradient tools and other automated processes are considered dirty, as you're not in complete control of pixels and - even worse - it gives you something over people who don't use these tools. Here are too many colors, so probably some automated processes were used. As for pic itself - it can be done better if used better colors (fairy looks too yellowish), more contrast shading an more clean outlines (like getting rid of the corners on the tree).