Rikala, Homarid King - Mystery Booster Commander

I am beyond excited to share with you my very first legendary monster for Magic the Gathering. Last year I was contacted by Kez Laczin because there was a monster with my name on it that needed to be made, and I am not sure that has ever been more accurate than this assignment. I present to you the mighty Rikala, Homarid King!

Rikala, Homarid King

Magic the Gathering - Mystery Booster Commander

14 x 11 - Pencil, ink, and acrylic on paper with digital finish

Art Director - Kez Laczin
 © 2026 Wizards of the Coast 

And you did read that correctly, this piece is traditional with a digital finish. I created a finished illustration in my personal style, the style I create all of my work for the Grand Bazaar. And after that image was completed, I glazed my art with color and made adjustments to create the final published image. At the end of the day, my traditional piece shines through. Here is the traditional final for this piece.

Rikala, Homarid King

Magic the Gathering - Mystery Booster Commander

14 x 11 - Pencil, ink, and acrylic on paper

Art Director - Kez Laczin
 © 2026 Wizards of the Coast

I made an animated GIF to show the glazed color over the traditional image. 

I could not be happier with this piece. This was a long time coming and likely should have happened sooner. At the end of the day, I am a drawer. I work best with pencil on paper, and I will create the best forms, volumes, lighting, and images when I am drawing. The color then goes down over it to create the image that Wizards needs for the game. But I first created the images I wanted to create. There is also my sketch that was created for approvals before I worked on the final. 

Rikala, Homarid King Sketch

Magic the Gathering - Mystery Booster Commander

14 x 11 - Pencil on paper

Art Director - Kez Laczin
 © 2026 Wizards of the Coast

Lastly, I present to you the published card. I cannot wait to get my hands on these, I am so happy with how it looks on the card. 

Rikala, Homarid King

That is all for another exciting Wednesday on the blog. See you back here on Friday, or maybe tomorrow, I just don't know anymore. Until then...

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

Remaining Gen Con Exclusive Final MtG Artist Proofs NOW AVAILABLE!

I am back from an amazing and exhausting Gen Con. The remaining Gen Con exclusive final Magic the Gathering artist proofs with art are now available on my store. Still plenty to choose from and an opportunity to get one before they are gone. I just wish my images of the art looked as good as they do in person!

Gen Con exclusive final MtG artist proofs are now on my store!

Here is a better look at the art on the cards. Again, I sure wish these images looked as good as the real thing. I am extremely happy with how all of these turned out! 

THREE Shifting Shadow proofs remain!

Shifting Shadow, Rejected Thumbnail Shifting Shadow, and Charmander! 

TWO Breaching Hippocamp proofs remain!

Breaching Hippocamp and Gyarados! 

THREE Coveted Peacock FOIL proofs remain!

Coveted Peacock, Articuno, and Ho-Oh! 

That is all for another exciting day on the blog. See you back here very soon! Until then...

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

FINAL Artist Proofs for FOUR Cards at Gen Con!

Four of my Magic the Gathering artist proofs have three or fewer remaining. I have added color art to their backs, and these eleven cards will be available at Gen Con 2026 at Art Show table 86! If you have been wanting a copy of the Ancient Carp, Shifting Shadow (first print), Breaching Hippocamp, or FOIL Coverted Peacock, this will be your last chance to get one. Below are images of the art!

Be sure to grab one of these remaining Magic the Gathering Artist Proofs before they are gone forever!

TWO Ancient Carp proofs remain!

Ancient Carp and Ancient Magikarp!

THREE Shifting Shadow proofs remain!

Shifting Shadow, Rejected Thumbnail Shifting Shadow, and Charmander! 

THREE Breaching Hippocamp proofs remain!

Breaching Hippocamp, Breaching Twight Sparkle, and Gyarados! 

THREE Coveted Peacock FOIL proofs remain!

Coveted Peacock, Articuno, and Ho-Oh! 

 

Make sure you come find me at Art Show booth 86!

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

The Gathering is the Magic Clip: "Christopher Burdett - Shifting Shadow"

During Gen Con 2022, I had an excellent opportunity to speak with the folks behind the upcoming documentary about Magic the Gathering, The Gathering is the Magic. It was a lot of fun and always a good time to talk about art, monsters, and more. I was eventually a part of a follow-up interview where I spoke about my work on the game in greater detail, as well as other topics. Another clip from the more recent interview has been shared, so I am now sharing it with you.

The Gathering is the Magic - A documentary about how Magic the Gathering brings people together, fosters friendship, and inspires with art and storytelling. 

In the interview, I was asked to discuss the cards I created for Magic the Gathering. It was fun to reminisce about the art and monsters I made, the fan response to them, and the behind-the-scenes stories regarding the cards. This clip is about the Shifting Shadow. Enjoy the clip, and check out what else The Gathering is the Magic has been sharing!

The story of the Shifting Shadow and doing a lot of thumbanils.

That's all for another exciting Friday 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

Recent Magic the Gathering Artist Proof Art

Today, I have a recent Magic the Gathering artist proof that I added art to its back. All available artist proofs and art options can be found on my store. This one is from May, and it had a long journey to the UK. If you are in the UK or EU and would like an artist proof, please reach out to me, and I will be more than happy to work out the shipping for you.

The ever-popular Stinging Lionfish!

That's 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

The Gathering is the Magic Clip: "Christopher Burdett - Blufferfish"

During Gen Con 2022, I had an excellent opportunity to speak with the folks behind the upcoming documentary about Magic the Gathering, The Gathering is the Magic. It was a lot of fun and always a good time to talk about art, monsters, and more. I eventually was a part of a follow-up interview where I spoke about my work on the game in greater detail, as well as other topics. Another clip from the more recent interview has been shared, so I am now sharing it with you.

The Gathering is the Magic - A documentary about how Magic the Gathering brings people together, fosters friendship, and inspires with art and storytelling. 

In the interview, I was asked to discuss the cards I created for Magic the Gathering. It was fun to reminisce about the art and monsters I made, the fan response to them, and the behind-the-scenes stories regarding the cards. This clip is about the Blufferfish. Enjoy the clip, and check out what else The Gathering is the Magic has been sharing!  

The story of the Blufferfish and how I have made a lot of fish for Magic.

That's 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

Penscon MtG Artist Proofs Now Available!

Things were crazy leading up to Pensacon last week. Days before the convention, I sold some of the Magic the Gathering artist proofs that had color art on their backs that I was planning to take to the convention. Now, with a lot less inventory to show, I had to squeeze in some time to make some replacements. As I have been asked to draw a lot of Pokémon lately, I thought it would be fun to create some more Pokémon-themed artist proofs. While some cards did sell at the show, I have the remaining cards now available on my store!

Bulbasaur on the back of an Egg Token

Available 

Marker, ink, acrylic 

Psyduck on the back of an Egg Token

Available 

Marker, ink, acrylic 

Chansey and Happiny on the back of an Egg Token

Available 

Marker, ink, acrylic 

Festering Mummy on the back of a Festering Mummy

SOLD 

Marker, ink, acrylic 

That is 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

Recent Magic the Gathering Artist Proof Art

Today, I have two recent Magic the Gathering artist proofs that I added art to their backs. All available artist proofs and art options can be found on my store. These are from January and feature one of my favorite topics, if not THE favorite topic, of my artist proofs, and that being Pokémon! Several of my cards can have Pokémon swapped out and still continue the vibe of the card art. Feel free to reach out for all your Pokémon needs!

A Quagsire and Wopper!

A grumpy Qwilfish!

 That's 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

Recent Magic the Gathering Artist Proof Art

Today, I have a recent Magic the Gathering artist proof that I added art to its back. All available artist proofs and art options can be found on my store. This one is from January and is one of the very few Ancient Carp proofs. This has always been a popular card for me, maybe the most popular of my cards.

The ever-popular Ancient Carp!

That's 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 in Miniature III Show, Now LIVE!

The Magic: The Gathering in Miniature III Show, taking place at Nucleus Gallery in Alhambra, CA, IS NOW LIVE! The show runs from January 31, 2026, to February 15, 2026, and is a collection of Magic the Gathering artist proofs adorned with drawings and paintings on their back will be on display. There is a show page for the gallery that has all the information, previews, details, and artist list. Each artist was limited to three proofs this year, and there are over 300 proofs celebrating the 33rd anniversary of Magic the Gathering. This time around, I had some fun, let the marks guide me, tried some new techniques, and came away with some pieces I greatly enjoyed making. Of the 333 cards, I am told that 214 of them have already sold! Mine are still currently available! Here are the cards I will have in the show! 

Magic: The Gathering in Miniature III

Nucleus Gallery in Alhambra, CA.

January 31, 2026 - February 15, 2026

What Sort of Bargain

Marker, ink, and acrylic paint on a Magic the Gathering artist proof

Obstruction

Marker, ink, and acrylic paint on a Magic the Gathering artist proof

 

But not the Deputy

 Marker, ink, and acrylic paint on a Magic the Gathering artist proof

That's 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

"Recent" Magic the Gathering Artist Proof Art

Today, I have a recent Magic the Gathering artist proof that I added art to its back. All available artist proofs and art options can be found on my store. This one is from November, but as it was traveling to Canada, in this day and age, it would likely take its time to get there. And it finally arrived at its forever home a week ago in a new month and a new year.

Shifting shadows with a focus on the dragon elements - RAWR!

That's 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 in Miniature III Show!

I am thrilled to announce that I will be part of the Magic: The Gathering in Miniature III Show, taking place at Nucleus Gallery in Alhambra, CA. From January 31, 2026, to February 15, 2026, a collection of Magic the Gathering artist proofs adorned with drawings and paintings on their back will be on display. After that, for the following year, the cards will be available online through the gallery. There is a show page for the gallery that has all the information, previews, details, and artist list. Each artist was limited to three proofs this year, and there are over 300 proofs celebrating the 33rd anniversary of Magic the Gathering. This time around, I had some fun, let the marks guide me, tried some new techniques, and came away with some pieces I greatly enjoyed making. Here are the cards I will have in the show!

Magic: The Gathering in Miniature III

Nucleus Gallery in Alhambra, CA.

January 31, 2026 - February 15, 2026

 

What Sort of Bargain

Marker, ink, and acrylic paint on a Magic the Gathering artist proof

Obstruction

Marker, ink, and acrylic paint on a Magic the Gathering artist proof

But not the Deputy

Marker, ink, and acrylic paint on a Magic the Gathering artist proof

That's 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

The Gathering is the Magic Clip: "Christopher Burdett - Ravenous Leurocota"

During Gen Con 2022, I had an excellent opportunity to speak with the folks behind the upcoming documentary about Magic the Gathering, The Gathering is the Magic. It was a lot of fun and always a good time to talk about art, monsters, and more. I eventually was a part of a follow-up interview where I spoke about my work on the game in greater detail, as well as other topics. Another clip from the more recent interview has been shared, so I am now sharing it with you.

The Gathering is the Magic - A documentary about how Magic the Gathering brings people together, fosters friendship, and inspires with art and storytelling.

 

In the interview, I was asked to discuss the cards I created for Magic the Gathering. It was fun to reminisce about the art and monsters I made, the fan response to them, and the behind-the-scenes stories regarding the cards. This clip is about the Ravenous Leurocota. Enjoy the clip, and check out what else The Gathering is the Magic has been sharing! 

The story of the Ravenous Leurocota and how the art expanded, and happy accidents.

That's 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

Recent Magic the Gathering Artist Proof Art

Today, I have a recent Magic the Gathering artist proof that I added art to its back. All available artist proofs and art options can be found on my store. This one was a commission from IX last month. While the Raphael was interesting, they wanted their namesake turtle. I present my art on the back of a Magic the Gathering card.

A Michelangelo for a Mike!

That's 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

Artist Proof Trade with Allen Panakal

Leading up to IX 2025 last month, my friend, Allen Panakal, whom I have mentioned many times here on the blog, reached out regarding an artist proof trade. I, of course, took him up on the trade. You do not have to ask me twice about trading art with my friends. The theme was Star Wars, so I decided to recreate my favorite piece of work done for the FFG Star Wars games, the Yoda from the card game. I didn't know what Allen had in the works for me, so I was over the moon when he presented me with a Boba Fett based on the print he had available at SDCC and Gen Con this year. I missed out on the print by missing Gen Con, but I ended up with something MUCH better. I have Allen's proof framed on a shelf just to my right of my drawing table, so I can always see it. Here is a look at the proofs.

My contribution to the trade - Yoda.

Allen's contribution to the trade - an AWESOME Boba Fett

I couldn't be happier and am still thrilled that Allen reached out to me for the trade. I am not sure why I haven't done more things like this.

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