Revisiting the Monsters - Beholder

In 2010, sixteen years ago now, I began a personal project to redesign most, if not all, of the monsters in the original Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual. That original MM had a profound effect on me and led me to eventually work on the game. While I was already working on the game when I began this project, it did prove useful as I have redesigned many D&D monsters in my career on the game. In the end, I completed over 100 drawings for the project and even had a gallery show featuring the work. 

I thought it would be nice to look back at some of my favorites. Today brings us back to the beginning with my second pass through the book with the Beholder. Enjoy!

Beholder redesign (2011)
© 2011/2026 Christopher Burdett 

That's 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 Small Monster Pieces

I recently made several small monster pieces to have with me at conventions. I will have all five at Infinity Con Gainesville this coming weekend. These are all fun little pieces using pencil, marker, ink, and paint. Similar to the larger pieces I had planned to bring to Gen Con earlier this year. These are priced to sell, so I hope they find their forever homes. Feel free to reach out if one of them catches your eye.

Small Monsters

5 x 7 - Pencil, marker, ink, and acrylic paint on board
© 2025 Christopher Burdett 

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

A NEW Spectator Miniature

I have a recently released miniature based on my designs that has already been turned into a miniature. This time around, the miniature getting an update in the Spectator. I redesigned the Spectator during my work leading up to the release of 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons. To start things off, here is my design of the Spectator.

Spectator (originally Gauth during the concept push)

5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons Monster concept

© 2014 Wizards of the Coast

The first Spectator miniature was released in 2015, with a second 2D acrylic mini released in 2023, and finally, the most recent version last year in 2024. While the miniatures have varied, they have continued to stay true to the original design. Now, the most recent purple and it looks GREAT! Here is a look at the new mini.

 Spectator

Adventures from Baldur's Gate

Lastly, here are images of the previous Spectator minis to see how it has changed over the years.

The previous newest Spectator miniature from  2024.

 

Spectator 2D Miniature from 2023.

 

The original Spectator miniature from 2015.

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

A NEW Gazer Miniature

I have a recently released miniature based on my designs and illustrations that has already been turned into a miniature. This time around, the miniature getting an update in the Gazer. I redesigned and illustrated the Gazer for Volo's Guide to Monsters. To start things off, here is my illustration of the Gazer.

Beholder Gazer

11 x 14 - Digital

Art Director - Kate Irwin

© 2016 Wizards of the Coast LLC

The first Gazer miniature was released in 2019, with a second 2D acrylic mini released in 2023. The original was so tiny, and the second was more visually faithful to the design. This most recent version is a perfect combination of the two previous miniatures, merging diminutive size and detail. Here is a look at the new mini.

Gazer

Underdark Expeditions

Lastly, here are images of the previous Gazer minis to see how it has changed over the past six years.

Gazer 2D Miniature - 2023

Gazer Miniature - 2019

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

Gen Con Monsters Now Available!

UPDATE: All three have been claimed. THANK YOU! 

Did you miss out on Gen Con?! Cause you know I sure did (due to situations beyond my control that all worked out in the end, and it was all just bad timing)!! Did you miss buying one of my ink and paint monster tributes exclusively made for Gen Con?! Cause you know I sure did (miss selling you one)!!

Well, the wait is over! You can now head to my store, where you can find all three of my monster tributes! Each piece is 9 x 12 with pencil, ink, and acrylic on illustration board. Available are a Beholder, a Beholderkin, and a Mind Flayer. Get one before one gets you!

Monster Tributes

9 x 12 - pencil, ink, and acrylic on illustration board 

© 2025 Christopher Burdett 

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

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

New Monster Originals Coming to Gen Con!

With Gen Con next week, not only am I bringing my Mystery Print Bundles and NEW Ethra Crest stickers, debuting new art from The Grand Bazaar of Ethra VanDalia, but I will also have with me some new monster originals! I will have at Gen Con three illustrations that are based on some of my favorite monsters. These pencil, ink, marker, and acrylic images are on 9x12 illustration board and come in two varieties: Beholder and Mind Flayer. After the attention a piece I did last year for a charity auction received, I decided it would be fun to make more pieces in the style. These were super fun to make and a nice break from my usual work. If these are well received, I might just have to make some more! 

Beholder
9 x 12 - Pencil, marker, ink, and acrylic paint on illustration board
© 2025 Christopher Burdett

 

Beholder
9 x 12 - Pencil, marker, ink, and acrylic paint on illustration board
© 2025 Christopher Burdett

 

Mind Flayer
9 x 12 - Pencil, marker, ink, and acrylic paint on illustration board
© 2025 Christopher Burdett

Come find me at Gen Con Art Show table 50!

Near the front of the Art Show, you will find me and all my monsters!  

That's all for another exciting week on the blog. See you back here on Monday for the last of my Gen Con surprises! Until then...

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

MagiKids x UltraPro Charity Auction

Leading up to Gen Con, I created an image for the good folks at UltraPro for their MagiKids Charity Auction. In the past, the auction would take place at Gen Con, but this year, it is happening afterward online. While the online auction is not live, I wanted to share the piece I did for it and links to the auction landing page. From any of these links, you will be able to sign up for a prize pack giveaway as well as info regarding the auction when it is available. To start things off, here is the image I created for the auction, a mighty Beholder.

Beholder

6.5 x 10.2 - Pencil, marker, ink, and acrylic paint on board
© 2024 Christopher Burdett

I had so much fun with this piece, and it has left me wanting to make more like it. It was freeing to be able to have some fun and experiment. While I have loads of fun working on my book series, there are parameters I am working within for the story, so I am not always in a position to just draw Beholders all day long - no matter how badly I would like to. We will see what comes of my time working on this and what it might lead to. While I have included the direct link to the auction landing page, here is a photo of the QR code for it as well.

This QR code will take you to the landing page for the event.

You can sign up for a chance to receive a prize pack and to get info for when the auction begins.

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

NEW Spectator Miniature

I have another recently released miniature that is based on my designs that has also already been turned into multiple miniatures. Last week, it was the Hydroloth, but today is the return of the Spectator. Again, I am speaking loosely with the word 'new,' when this mini came out this past October. If you are curious about the first Spectator miniature or even the most recent 2D mini, I have you covered. Here is how the final concept design for the Spectator turned out.

Spectator (originally Gauth during the concept push)

5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons Monster concept

© 2014 Wizards of the Coast

Who can't love a floating ball with a single eye, teeth-filled mouth, and tentacled eye stalks? While I have been a fan of all of the Spectator miniatures, this one is particularly nice. The paintwork and detailing is great and really make this monster look cool. Here are some images of the new mini.

The NEW Spectator miniature for all your new Spectator miniature needs.

Lastly, here are some images of the original Spectator mini so you can see how it has evolved over the past eight years. While the color on the original mini is closer to my concept, I do like the lighter green in the new version. 

The original Spectator miniature from 2015.

That's 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

Spectator 2D Miniature

Today, I have another recently released 2D miniature based on one of my Dungeons & Dragons concepts. As with the others, this is a monster that already received a 3D mini, so now we have more minis, and that is a truly wonderful thing. This time around, it is the Spectator that I designed during the concept push for 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons. Here is how the final concept design for the Spectator turned out.

Spectator (originally Gauth during the concept push)

5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons Monster concept

© 2014 Wizards of the Coast

 

If you want to seek out the set this miniature is in, here is an image of the packaging. The 2D Spectator can be found in the Beholder Hive set of the D&D Idols of the Realms line of miniatures.  

Beholder Hive

The 2D minis are very high quality, and the printing is excellent. There are bases for all miniatures, which are arranged by size. Here is the 2D miniature of the Spectator.

 

Spectator 2D Miniature

I mentioned that this particular monster already has a 3D miniature. I always liked how the original miniature turned out, but this new 2D mini has a ton of detail and look awesome. Here is the 3D mini for the Spectator.

The Spectator miniature in all its glory.

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

Gazer 2D Miniature

Today, I have another recently released 2D miniature based on one of my Dungeons & Dragons paintings. As with the others, this is a monster that already received a 3D mini, so now we have more minis, and that is a truly wonderful thing. This time around, it is the Gazer that I designed and illustrated for Volo's Guide to Monsters. Here is how the final illustration for the Gazer turned out.

Beholder Gazer

Volo's Guide to Monsters

11 x 14 - Digital

Art Director - Kate Irwin

© 2016 Wizards of the Coast LLC

 

If you want to seek out the set this miniature is in, here is an image of the packaging. The 2D YGazer can be found in the Beholder Hive set of the D&D Idols of the Realms line of miniatures.  

 

Beholder Hive

The 2D minis are very high quality, and the printing is excellent. There are bases for all miniatures, which are arranged by size. Here is the 2D miniature of the Gazer

 

Gazer 2D Miniature

I mentioned that this particular monster already has a 3D miniature. As this is a tiny monster, the miniatures are always too small to get all the detail in. With the 2D printed mini, you are able to get a bit more in there, and it really reads well. I love how faithful it is to my painting, even at this size. Here is the 3D mini for the Gazer.

Gazer 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

Gallery Nucleus Spring Sale - INCLUDING ARTIST PROOFS!

Gallery Nucleus is having an art sale! Starting April 1st, you can get artwork there for 20% off with the code SPRING20. The sale only lasts until April 4th at midnight PST, so be sure to check it out!   

Why am I mentioning this? The sale includes the remaining artist proofs from the Magic: The Gathering in Miniature Show that was in January. I have two cards available, and for the next four days, you can get them at 20% off using the code SPRING20.

• Sale begins: April 1st 

• Sale ends: April 4th, 11:59 PM PST

What is on sale: Artwork. (NOT art prints.) Disney artwork is not included in the sale. Artists should definitely highlight their artwork in their posts. 

How does the sale work?: Use code SPRING20 at checkout.

That's 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 in Miniature Show - THIS WEEKEND!

As mentioned in December, I will be part of the Magic: The Gathering in Miniature Show, taking place at the Nucleus Gallery in Alhambra, CA. From January 21, 2023- February 5, 2023, 149 artist proofs from 41 different Magic artists featuring drawings and paintings on their backs will be on display. After that, for the following year, the cards will be available online through the gallery. There is a press release and a show page for the gallery that has all the information, previews, details, and artist list. If my facts are correct, those signed up for Gallery Nucleus' Patreon will get early access to the proofs on Friday afternoon, followed by those on their mailing list. This info is secondhand, but I would trust it. I will have three pieces in the show.

Beholder #3 - AVAILABLE!

Acrylic on a Magic the Gathering artist proof

Beholder #1 - SOLD

Ink and marker on a Magic the Gathering artist proof

Beholder #2 - SOLD

Ink and marker on a Magic the Gathering artist proof

Pictured above are the three proofs I will have in the show. There will be an opening reception for those in the Los Angeles area. Finally, I would like to extend a huge thanks to Donny Caltrider for inclusion in the show!

That's 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 in Miniature Show

I am thrilled to announce that I will be part of the Magic: The Gathering in Miniature Show, taking place at Nucleus Gallery in Alhambra, CA. From January 21, 2023- February 5, 2023, a collection of Magic the Gathering cards 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 press release and a show page for the gallery that has all the information, previews, details, and artist list. I will have three pieces in the show, and one has already been previewed.

Beholder #3

Acrylic on a Magic the Gathering artist proof

I did a series of Beholder pieces for the show. One is in ink, one is in marker and ink, and the fully painted piece above. I will share the other two cards closer to the show. Check out the links to see more art, the artists participating, and everything related to this fantastic event. And if you are in the area, there is also an opening reception. Finally, a huge thanks to Donny Caltrider for inclusion in the show!

That's all for another exciting Monday. 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

D&D Monster Cards - Volo's Guide to Monsters - Return of the Gazer and Yuan-Ti Broodguard

Within the past two years, give or take, a D&D Monster Card deck was released for Volo's Guide to Monsters. Included in this deck are two of the monsters that I painted for Volo's Guide to Monsters. Where are the rest, you ask? That is a story or another day. That said, I think these are really cool sets. If I could still make the time, let alone be near other humans, to play Dungeons & Dragons, this is precisely the kind of accessory that I LOVED as a DM. Quick and easy monster access. No flipping pages, no marking up a book to find what you need, you can simply pull the cards ahead of time and have them on the ready for encounters. The cards have images of the monsters and stats on the back—an all in one go-to source. Okay, enough up selling the product. I have mentioned before that while being in a book is fantastic, there is just something extra special about having my work as a miniature or a card. Maybe because it is a singular focused incarnation. I am really not sure, but I do love holding them in my hands. With the release of Volo's Guide to Monsters Monster Deck, my Gazer and Yuan-Ti Broodguard ger their own cards. Here is a look at the deck box and the cards.

 

Volo's Guide to Monsters Monster Deck

 

Gazer

 

Yuan-Ti Broodguard

The Gazer was a personal favorite from my work on Volo's, and I am always happy to see it make the rounds. It has not been in two books, a miniature, and now a card. Seems like I am not its only fan. Here again, is the final art that I created of these two monsters.

Beholder Gazer

Volo's Guide to Monsters

11 x 14 - Digital

Art Director - Kate Irwin

© 2016 Wizards of the Coast LLC

 

Yuan-Ti Broodguard

Volo's Guide to Monsters

11 x 14 - Digital

Art Director - Kate Irwin 

© 2016 Wizards of the Coast LLC

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

Beholder Death Tyrant Miniature

When I was redesigning monsters for the 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons Monster Manual, one of my assignments was to tackle the Beholder Death Tyrant. This is an undead Beholder and a nasty piece of work for any party of adventures to tackle. I really liked the design I came up with for 5E, and I know my art director did as well. Here is my design of the Beholder Death Tyrant.

Beholder Death Tyrant

Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual - Redesign

© 2014 Wizards of the Coast

While I liked the design, I knew it would never become a miniature. The floating disembodied eyes would be a problem for sure. Well, six years later, I was proven wrong! The Beholder Death Tyrant was made into a miniature, and they solved the problems with the eyes brilliantly. It is also very faithful to my design as well. I think it is a great piece, and I am happy to add it to my shelf of miniatures. Here is how the mini turned out.

Beholder Death Tyrant Miniature

I hope to be proven wrong about more of the monsters I have designed for Dungeons and Dragons, as I love to see miniatures based on my work. 

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

Gazer Miniature - Monster Menagerie 3

Last year the Monster Menagerie 3 miniature set was released, and in that set, you can find a Gazer miniature. You might remember that I designed and illustrated the Gazer for Volo's Guide to Monster. It is always exciting to see miniatures based on my work, and this one is no exception, though you have to look very closely. Here is my illustration of the Gazer to start things off.

Beholder Gazer

11 x 14 - Digital

Art Director - Kate Irwin

© 2016 Wizards of the Coast LLC

I knew that this monster was not the largest creature on the block, but I guess I didn't imagine it being a very tiny monster. The miniature makes it clear just how tiny it is. It was a little challenging to get some image, here are the best that I was able to take.

Beholder Gazer miniature in all its MINIATURE glory!

I have had plenty of larger miniatures made of my work, but this is most definitely the smallest. All the same, it is always exciting to see something I designed living in the real world as a piece of plastic.  For better or worse it will be around longer than humans usually last.

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