Catoblepas Miniature

File this under things I would never have expected to see in a million years. Last month I shared with you that the Magic the Gathering plane of Theros has been added as a realm in Dungeons & Dragons. This new D&D supplement saw the inclusion of the Breaching Hippocamp painting that I created for Theros. Well, it seems that the Hippocamp was not my only monster coming to D&D. Much to my surprise, the Catoblepas that I painted for Theros has been turned into a miniature. To start things off, here is my Loathsome Catoblepas that I painted for the very first Theros set that came out in 2013.

 

Loathsome Catoblepas

Magic the Gathering - Theros

Digital

PRINTS available at OMA!

© 2013 Wizards of the Coast

For several years after the release of Theros, Magic players would happily tell me at conventions that Loathsome Catoblepas was the worst card in Magic (at that time). Not sure what they were trying to accomplish, and it is not like I had anything to do with the card stats or mechanics, but never the less, player after player would inform me of this fact. As it was the first Magic card I was ever commissioned with and completed, I never knew how to process these interactions. After seven years, it no longer matters because there is now a super cool miniature based on my painting. It is a big mini too. It is incredibly faithful to my painting, and it is a fitting end to the Loathsome Catoblepas journey. Not sure what the stats for this monster is. I feel like I didn't see it mentioned in the Theros D&D book, but I could have easily missed it. Here are some images of the Catoblepas miniature that now lives and frolics in the D&D universe.

Catoblepas Miniature

That's all for another exciting week on the blog. See you back here next week. Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Journey Into Nyx Prerelease

As mentioned on Friday, I was invited to attend the Journey Into Nyx prerelease this past weekend at a local gaming store, Gamescape. This was my second prerelease event and it still is a crazy and interesting experience. A huge thanks to Ben Bloodworth, everyone at Gamescape, and to all the players for making the weekend's prerelease events super fun. Always great to connect with the local players and see their enthusiasm for the game. Many photos were taken, and here are some of the highlights...

Always peddling my wears... signing cards... sketching the sketches...

Look no further for all your print needs! I have monsters on paper for your every need!

Also, my monsters apparently like to look to their left a lot.

More in the market for something that is one of a kind and made with my hands? I have that for you too! Matted, framed, and ready to hang on your wall.

The players were ready for some Magic the Gathering at midnight and that is what they got!

Ben and crew explain the procedure and are about to get things started.

After some frantic shredding of card packs the night's games begin and I have a couple of Ravenous Leucrocota in my procession. RAWR!

Did a bunch of token sketches this time around. It all started with a germ squirrel.

The squirrel zombie was followed by a pair of Vizzerdrix with a hint of zombie.

Back to the squirrel theme with a squirrel elemental.

Lastly, there were some ghost monsters, kitty cats, and some water ponies. RAWR!

I was certainly kept busy sketching, thanks everybody!

Thanks again to Ben for involving me with the Journey Into Nyx events and to everyone that came out to play, it was a really fun time! 

That is all for another exciting Monday on the blog, see you back here on Wednesday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Journey Into Nyx - Toned Paper Ravenous Leucrocota

On Monday I shared with you my contribution to Journey Into Nyx, the Ravenous Leucrocota. Today I have for you the toned paper drawing that goes along with this piece. Since my final paintings are digital my originals for my Magic work are the original line sketch and the final toned paper drawing. Here is how that final drawing turned out...

"Ravenous Leucrocota" - Magic the Gathering - Journey Into Nyx

12 x 9 - colored pencil on toned paper

© 2014 Wizards of the Coast

I noticed that I never signed this drawing when writing this post... this will need to be corrected. Can't have a drawing going around all naked with a signature. I even looked at it before scanning to make sure it was all set and nothing needed to be tweaked at the last minute. Oh well...

You know this piece will look amazing on your wall! As of right now this piece is still available :)

That is all for another exciting Wednesday on the blog, see you back here on Friday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Magic the Gathering - Journey Into Nyx

Journey Into Nyx, the newest expansion for Magic the Gathering, is almost upon us and I have one card in this set! It was actually spoiled two weeks ago, but since I have been taking a bit of a break from the blog I have not had a chance to post about it until now.

My contribution to Journey Into Nyx, the Ravenous Leucrocota, was another opportunity for me to not only illustrate the card but to design the monster featured on the card. As I have mentioned many times here on the blog, I really love designing and illustrating the monsters that I work on. Like the Breaching Hippocamp the Ravenous Leucrocota is based on a preexisting mythological creature. Enough talk, bring on the RAWR...

"Ravenous Leucrocota" - Magic the Gathering - Journey Into Nyx
PRINTS available at OMA!

© 2014 Wizards of the Coast

Ravenous Leucrocota

In the coming weeks I will bring you the process that went into designing and illustrating the Ravenous Leucrocota. As always, many thanks goes out to Jeremy Jarvis for including me on this set! It is a real honor to be sharing this set with so many amazing and talented artists.

That is all for another very exciting Monday on the blog, see you back here on Wednesday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Magic Pro Tour Qualifier Appearance this Saturday!

I will be appearing at the Magic: The Gathering Pro Tour Qualifier this Saturday at Gamescape in Tallahassee, Florida. I will be signing cards and peddling my wears, so if you are interested in artist proofs, prints, original art, and MORE ...then you need to head out to Gamescape Saturday morning!

I will be at Gamescape (Inside the Tallahassee Mall - 2415 N Monroe St. Ste 303, Tallahassee, FL 32303) from 9am - 12pm (noon). There is a double header roller derby bout in the afternoon... so be sure to come see me in the morning! If you show up you will be able to see in person stuff like this...

"Loathsome Catoblepas" - Magic the Gathering - Theros

12 x 9 - colored pencil on toned paper

© 2013 Wizards of the Coast

That is all for another exciting Wednesday on the blog, see you back here on Friday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Loathsome Catoblepas - Magic the Gathering Process

While choosing what to post today I skipped over a bunch of older content that has been waiting in the queue to be posted and jumped ahead to something I have really been eager to post... the process to my very first Magic the Gathering card. The mighty Loathsome Catoblepas has the honor to be that card and so that we are all on the same page, here is how the final piece turned out...

"Loathsome Catoblepas" - Magic the Gathering - Theros
PRINTS available at OMA!

© 2013 Wizards of the Coast

The preproduction for a MtG set is impressive and a really well thought out and thorough style guide is provided to the artists before production begins. If the answer to your art question is not in the style guide then there should be enough information in it to make a very well informed guess. In the style is a nice one page profile of the concept work for the Catoblepas. I was tasked to make a Catoblepas monster based on the concept art, but make it bulkier and meaner as it stands its ground. Seemed straight forward... so I got to work on some thumbnails...

"Loathsome Catoblepas" - Thumbnails

© 2013 Wizards of the Coast

See any issues yet? Moving on... Option "A" was picked, but there were a couple notes and I made adjustments to the thumbnail. This updated thumbnail was resubmitted...

"Loathsome Catoblepas" - Updated Thumbnail

© 2013 Wizards of the Coast

I received a note or two as I given approval to move forward onto the drawing stage. So far so good, right? Moving right along! Now for the drawing...

"Loathsome Catoblepas" - Sketch

© 2013 Wizards of the Coast

See it now? Yeah, the Catoblepas actually does not look like the Catoblepas. Totally my fault... I misunderstood the usage of "based on". I am use to "based on" being VERY loose and allowing a good deal of latitude for change and exploration. My bad. Now that I had something more tangible... as in a finished drawing, it was a lot easier for all parties involved to see where I was going wrong and send me down the right path. The important part of the style guide is that it is there for a reason and it is to be used! This is why there is a thumbnail and sketch phase to production. Problem detected and actions taken to resolve...

"Loathsome Catoblepas" - Updated Sketch

© 2013 Wizards of the Coast

A few quick fixes later and I had an approved drawing that was a ton better and a lot more inline to the concept for the Catoblepas. Only thing left to do it get started on the painting...

"Loathsome Catoblepas" - Process Steps

© 2013 Wizards of the Coast

"Loathsome Catoblepas" - Process Steps Continued

© 2013 Wizards of the Coast

In eight quick and easy steps you can have your very own Catoblepas... or not. I have mentioned that  some of my paintings seem to come together much quicker then expected... but no painting that I have done recently tops the Catoblepas. This piece came together extremely quickly and I was a little uncomfortable by that speed and ease. After all, this is a Magic card... my first, and I felt there should be a lot of laborious work filled with self doubt (more the usual) and uncertainty (again, more then usual). Nope... I just started painting and all the pieces fell into place. Whom am I to complain (trick question!)... anyway, it came together and was approved and that is all that counts in the end sometimes. Again, here is how the final piece turned out...

"Loathsome Catoblepas" - Magic the Gathering - Theros

© 2013 Wizards of the Coast

I will mention that when I finished the piece I was very happy with it, but after a couple of months of reflecting on it I began to really dislike how this piece turned out. Thankfully, in time that dislike passed and I like how this piece turned out and I don't think I would change a thing about it now.

"Loathsome Catoblepas" in handy card form

I would be amiss in not including the toned paper drawing of this piece that I did. Still one of my favorite toned paper pieces... RAWR!

"Loathsome Catoblepas" - Magic the Gathering - Theros

12 x 9

colored pencil on toned paper

© 2013 Wizards of the Coast

That is all for another exciting Wednesday on the blog, see you back here on Friday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Theros Prerelease

I was invited to attend the Theros prerelease this past weekend at a local gaming store, Gamescape. It was a really fun experience and was a great way to reconnect with the player side of Magic the Gathering... since I have not played Magic in 17 years. The player's excitement and energy surrounding the game was rather intoxicating and I eventually found myself playing a game after a very long hiatus. Also, after a very long wait, I was able to hold my first two Magic cards in my hands. I got to sign loads of my cards and meet a lot of local player and in general had a really fun time of it! Many photos were taken, and here are some of the highlights...

I was given a table to show off my work from Theros, peddle my wears, and sign cards.

My wife was a good sport and kept an eye on things as I wondered about in between signing cards.

It is almost time for the first round of the Prerelease to begin!

Let the games begin!

The wife is learning all about how to play Magic... which she compared to learning algebra. But I think she might have a future on the tournament level of play!

Thanks to Aras for showing her the game!

It was all too much, I had to get my hands on some cards!

PIZZA APOCALYPSE! What every Magic prerelease needs... a mountain of pizza.

This picture does not do justice to just how much pizza there was... and at the speed it disappeared.

I signed whole schools of hippocamps and herds of catoblepas... catoblepases... catoblepi...

One unexpected perk... I got to collect the cards created by my friends and art pals!

Even more cards by friends and art pals! ...now to get them all signed :)

It was only a matter of time... I found myself playing Magic after a 17 year gap. Thankfully I was playing a game of Two headed giant (a two person team plays another two person team) so I had a more experience partner.

I did pull one of my cards... so I guess I am playing black/green! RAWR!

It all seems so familiar and so different to be playing again... but I did not have too long to worry about it, a big dragon killed us in two rounds shortly after this picture was taken. I will need to get a little more familiar with Magic before I play again.

A huge thanks to Ben Bloodworth, everyone at Gamescape, and to all the players for making my first prerelease such a fun and exciting time! Fun times, memories, and I got to go home with some of my cards... I could not have wanted or hoped for better!

That is all for another exciting Monday on the blog, see you back here on Wednesday for new monsters! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Theros - Toned Paper Magic the Gathering Drawings

With the prerelease for Theros beginning tonight I thought I would share with you today my toned paper drawings for the two pieces I have in the set. Not sure what else to add about these... I am really happy with how they turned out, especially the Catoblepas. It just exudes "RAWR!". That is always good in my book! ...oh, these are also still available if any one would like to own them! :) 

"Loathsome Catoblepas" - Magic the Gathering - Theros

12 x 9 - colored pencil on toned paper

© 2013 Wizards of the Coast

"Breaching Hippocamp" - Magic the Gathering - Theros

12 x 9 - colored pencil on toned paper

© 2013 Wizards of the Coast

As a reminder, for those in the Tallahassee / North Florida areas, I will be attending some of the prerelease events for Theros this weekend ...starting TONIGHT at midnight! I am being hosted by the most excellent gaming store, Gamescape and you can get all the details over on their Facebook event page!

That is all for another exciting week on the blog, see you back here on Monday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Magic the Gathering - Theros

Over the weekend all of the new Magic the Gathering set, Theros, was spoiled online. These means I can now share my other card from the set as well as both of my card's official names and stats!

My second Theros card that has been hiding under the waves of it's NDA is the Breaching Hippocamp. I am very happy to share this fishy horse monster (RAWR!). The Breaching Hippocamp was the second MtG piece that I was assigned and it was up to me to design and illustrate it! This of course is what I love to do best! Here is how it turned out...

"Breaching Hippocamp" - Magic the Gathering - Theros
PRINTS available at OMA!

© 2013 Wizards of the Coast

Breaching Hippocamp

I am really looking forward to sharing with you the process that went into designing the Breaching Hippocamp. Not only because it was fun and I am really happy with how it turned out... but also because I did so much work! More about all this in the coming weeks!

You  may recall the Catoblepas that I was able to share with you a couple weeks back. Well, it is now officially the Loathsome Catoblepas and has stats as well!

"Loathsome Catoblepas" - Magic the Gathering - Theros
PRINTS available at OMA!

© 2013 Wizards of the Coast

Loathsome Catoblepas

I will be sharing the process for the Loathsome Catoblepas piece as well, though it is a lot more straight forward.

It is a real honor to be part of Theros and to be in a set with so many talented and amazing artists. Many thanks goes out to Jeremy Jarvis for including me on this set! I look forward to what the future holds with my involvement with MtG... but more about that on another day...

For those in the Tallahassee / North Florida areas, I will be attending some of the prerelease events for Theros starting this Friday night at midnight! I am being hosted by the most excellent gaming store, Gamescape and you can get all the details over on their Facebook event page!

If you can not make it I will be sure to take some pictures and share my experiences here on the blog, this will be my first time attending such an event and this should be a learning experience!

That is all for another very exciting Monday on the blog, see you back here on Wednesday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com