A large portion of the mainline Pokemon franchise games have been in 2D, but 3D graphics have been used to bring Pokemon to life since long ago, starting with the Nintendo 64. However, given the graphical limitations of the time, early 3D games gave Pokemon an angular, pointy look, due to a limited number of polygons being utilized.
That look may come to mind for fans looking at one particular piece of Pokemon artwork. Lapras, one of the original 151 Pokemon, has been brought to life in three-dimensional form, but in a low-poly way.
Redditor PatrickUser shared the art on the Pokemon subreddit, demonstrating their creation. Lapras can be seen seated above the waves, as one would expect from the large water-type Pokemon. While the water itself is highly detailed, with even a visible foam on the surface from the movement of the waves, Lapras, or both, while Lapras itself is low-poly. Rather than the usual rounded appearance of its face and body, it's instead angular and pointy.
This isn't the first time that this particular Redditor has produced art like this for Pokemon. Their prior creations also include land-based Pokemon, like Charmander and Pikachu, in the same low-poly style. They do bear a strong resemblance to some of the older 3D Pokemon games, like Pokemon Stadium or the original Pokemon Snap. It's a clever design choice, and one that sets this particular artist's work apart from the many others who are creating three-dimensional Pokemon figures and statues as fanart.
While the artist didn't provide any particulars regarding this specific piece, their other art creations indicate that they're carefully painted using a combination of many different types of paint, and with the use of both brushes and an airbrush. The water all by itself likely took a long time to achieve, but it was surely worth it, as the entire piece looks extremely good.
Part of what allows the Pokemon fandom to be so creative is the wide array of creatures and games that have come out over the years since its introduction. As the game has changed styles, moved from grayscale to color, and 2D to 3D, there's been plenty to inspire gamers to create their own art. It's a series that young and old appreciate, and many have now grown up with. The polygonal look has never fully gone away, as the infamous Porygon is still around alongside its more rounded pocket monsters, so chances are Pokemon fans young and old will still related to and enjoy this art.