Lore Beast

[Fashmir]

A concept as old as imagination. A creature ancient, wise, reclusive and protective of the earth. Here is my take on it in progress.

[Someonesane]

Amazing work, as always, Fashmir!

[Delofasht]

Oh this is nice man! Thanks for sharing, hope to see more of the WIP shots soon. (I'll be getting back to painting hopefully later tonight, if my cough will let up so I can not be trying to maintain a steady hand during coughing fits) I really like your take on this subject too, there is so many little details that make it seem so realistic, like a sketch done of a live one in the woods one day.

[DarkOwnt]

That is awesome!

I see it is very animal like with an actual rock and tree growing on it...have you toyed with either

a) making the entire beast non-animal and fantastical - rocks, trees, streams on it everywhere; or
b) making it clearly a beast with bits that are "reminiscent" of earthly features such as rocks, trees etc.?

I'd be curious to see those too if you did!

[Fashmir]

Someonesane- Thanks for your kind words as always! :-)

Delofasht- Thanks! I like the feeling I get when the details come to a point where I start to feel as though my subject could be real.

DarkOwnt- Thanks! I really love the suggestions you put forward. I feel like both directions would result in a cool image, but having gone down the 'literal beast' path to the point where I like several things about this guy, I chose to be inspired by the second of your two suggestions. My hope is that when I'm done the 'rock' projections will feel like bony growths protruding from the spine like we might see on a depiction of some dinosaurs and dragons. I turned the trees into spiky fur like quills and added a whip like tail. I also altered the position of his front left leg to feel more natural. Still very much a work in progress. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Delofasht]

Subtle fascinating changes and yet retains the feeling of the creature! I tend to overcompensate when making changes, something I've been long trying to correct. I'm really enjoying seeing the work in progress it's a good learning experience for me regarding subtle changes and their impact on the whole. Thanks so much for sharing!

[DarkOwnt]

Someonesane- Thanks for your kind words as always! :-)

Delofasht- Thanks! I like the feeling I get when the details come to a point where I start to feel as though my subject could be real.

DarkOwnt- Thanks! I really love the suggestions you put forward. I feel like both directions would result in a cool image, but having gone down the 'literal beast' path to the point where I like several things about this guy, I chose to be inspired by the second of your two suggestions. My hope is that when I'm done the 'rock' projections will feel like bony growths protruding from the spine like we might see on a depiction of some dinosaurs and dragons. I turned the trees into spiky fur like quills and added a whip like tail. I also altered the position of his front left leg to feel more natural. Still very much a work in progress. Thanks for the inspiration.

Thank you for the cool image!

Now... do you have a separate picture where he is looking at the viewer? Being the subject of study by those wise old alien eyes might have a greater impact upon and increase engagement with the viewer! He already intimidates me when he is looking off to the side... perhaps that is all I can handle.

Nice work! Thanks for sharing.

[Fashmir]

Delofasht- I'm glad you enjoy it! Thanks!

DarkOwnt- Thanks! I'm happy you like it. As to creating another version of this in another pose, while I don't rule it out, I have no immediate plans to do it. I create these images for my own enjoyment as recreation from my day job where it is my task to create images from the minds of others. While I enjoy my work for the most part, I do like to enjoy the freedom of my own choices when I have the time. That said I love getting suggestions and critiques and find them to be inspiring and instructive so keep 'em coming. :-)

Here is today's update to the 'Lore Beast'. Mostly just working more carefully with the shapes that define the mane and tail as I develop it closer to a finish.

[DarkOwnt]

Love how the "mane" cascades over the spine/rock/armor, and excellent choice for the treeish things to be "furry" spines!!

[Fashmir]

Well, as there seems to be at least a couple of people interested, I guess I'll post one more update before I finish it off and call it done. Here I've spent time working with the ear, mane, quills and the rocky/bony extrusions on his shoulders. I also added longer tufts of fur around the ankles to add presence and movement. I have yet to add that on the forward hind leg. I plan to study the muscular anatomy of American Bison as I work on the hind leg. I will also add some more detail to the quills and tail. Finally I plan to work on the ground a bit to give him a proper place to stand and heighten the sense of place.

If y'all are interested in more like this from me, don't be afraid to say so. I get terribly busy with everyday projects but enjoy working on things like this when I can. I always save the stages of development so I can look back and see patterns in my work behavior. I find it's helpful. Well here it is. Last one before I post the finish in the main gallery forum. :-)