The DOODLES, DESIGNS, and aRT of CHRISTOPHER BURDETT: Abyssal Chicken

Monday, July 22, 2019

Abyssal Chicken - Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus

It came to my attention last week that my contribution to the upcoming Dungeons & Dragons expansion, Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus, was spoiled in June. With Gen Con next week I am glad to realize this before heading out to the convention. Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus is shaping up to be a fantastic addition to the Dungeons & Dragons universe, and I am thrilled to have been a part of it. While the style guide was full of many neat and beautiful monsters to illustrate, I believe I got the pick of the litter. I present you with the Abyssal Chicken.

Abyssal Chicken

Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus

11 x 14 - Digital

Art Director - Kate Irwin

Abyssal Chicken - Drawing

Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus

11 x 14 - Pencil on paper

Original - SOLD

Art Director - Kate Irwin

In addition to the drawing that eventually became the painting, I produced a second drawing that was fully rendered. This was intended for use as a design element similar to what was done in the Monster Manual. Not sure if it was used, but I was really pleased with how it turned out. This drawing is based on one of the thumbnails that I created for the Abyssal Chicken that was not used. It is a little more dynamic, which is fun.

Abyssal Chicken - Suplimental drawing

Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus

11 x 14 - Pencil on paper

Original - SOLD

Art Director - Kate Irwin

The Abyssal Chicken is a weird and wonderful monster, and I am sure it will be getting a lot of use out there in people's game sessions. As always, a big thanks to Kate Irwin for aways including me on fun monster projects! Lastly, here are some of the images from Twitter that were used when Chris Perkins spoiled it... also there is a video out there where he talks about it too.