Random Old Drawing - Charmander

I should be posting my IX recap... it has been nearly two weeks... BUT...

It is Friday, and I am super busy working on the next book and building courses. That means I have reached back into the archives and grabbed a random drawing to share again today. This one goes back to 2012 and is a redesign of a Pokémon. I only did a few of these before I moved on to other monsters, but I had a lot of fun. Enjoy!

Bound Cleaver Redesign

9 x 12 - Pencil on paper

© 2013 Christopher Burdett

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

Random Old Drawing - Bound Cleaver

It is Friday, and I am super busy working on the next book and building courses. That means I have reached back into the archives and grabbed a random drawing to share again today. This one goes back to 2013 and is a redesign of an original creation from 2005 that I submitted and was accepted for the miniatures game, Dreamblade. While the original design was accepted, in the end, it was never turned into a mini. Jump ahead eight years, and I really wanted to see this design improved upon with everything I had been learning. I wrote at length about this here on the blog in 2013. Enjoy!

Bound Cleaver Redesign

9 x 12 - Pencil on paper

© 2013 Christopher Burdett

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

Revisiting the Monsters - Jackal

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 my third... fourth... pass through the book with the Jackal. Enjoy!

Jackal redesign
© 2013/2026 Christopher Burdett 

 

One of the reasons that I like this one was because of its inclusion in the Monster Manual. It is accompanied with the sentence:

 

"They appear here because of the magical bag of trick." 

 

This was the perfect bit of information that led to how I wanted to depict this creature. And I think it is all the better for it.

 

  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

Random Old Drawing - Horusians

It is Friday, and I am super busy working on the next book and building courses. That means I have reached back into the archives and grabbed a random drawing to share again today. This one goes back to 2013, and I drew this for a project I donated art to that was involved in doing a massive redesign of the Marvel Universe. It was fun, and I made some pieces I was really happy with. No more so than this one. You can see more Horusians elsewhere on the blog. Enjoy! - like, I really like this one for some reason. I think it is the pose, the gear, it just feels like a solid design to me.

Horusians

9 x 12 - Pencil on paper

© 2013 Christopher Burdett

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

Revisiting the Monsters - Basilisk

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 my third... fourth... pass through the book with the Basilisk. Enjoy!

Basilisk redesign
© 2013/2026 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

Random Old Drawing - Frog Turtle

It is Friday, and I am super busy working on the next book and building courses. That means I have reached back into the archives and grabbed a random drawing to share again today. This one goes back to 2013, and I drew this in an airport on the way to the Illustration Master Class. This drawing also marked the moment I realized I can draw pretty fast. I didn't know my drawing speed was fast... but after other artists watched me drawing this, it was determined I was fast. For whatever that means. Enjoy!

Frog Turtle

9 x 12 - Pencil on paper

© 2013 Christopher Burdett

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

Revisiting the Monsters - Axe Beak

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 my third... fourth... pass through the book with the Axe Beak. And this isn't my first version of this, but my third. The first one was finished - which I didn't like it, the second was scrapped mid-drawing, and that left the third version that I liked. Enjoy!

Axe Beak redesign (version 2) (2013)
© 2013/2026 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 Magic the Gathering Artist Proof Art

Today, I have several recent Magic the Gathering artist proofs that I added art to the backs. All available artist proofs and art options can be found on my store. I haven't done the Bribe Taker in a while, so it was fun to do one again. RAWR!

The Bribe Taker taking some bribes and breaking knees.

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

Revisiting the Monsters - Ant (Giant)

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 my third... fourth... pass through the book with the Ant (Giant). Enjoy!

Ant (Giant) redesign (2013)
© 2013/2026 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

Revisiting the Monsters - Unicorn

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 my second pass through the book with the Unicorn. Enjoy!

Unicorn 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 Magic the Gathering Artist Proof Art

Today, I have several recent Magic the Gathering artist proofs that I added art to the backs. All available artist proofs and art options can be found on my store. Most of these happened just after Gen Con and were all super fun to work on. Love making Pokemon and animals!

A Psyduck on the back of a Portant that returned to me for this art.

An octopus with swords and axes!

And finally, a pigeon!

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

Revisiting the Monsters - Troglodyte

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 my second pass through the book with the Troglodyte. Enjoy! 

Troglodyte 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

The Return of the Beasts - Beastly Scribe

Continuing to look back as I work forward. At one point, I had the time and the energy to do practice drawings, studies, and simply draw for the fun of it. These days I nearly exclusively draw with an intended goal. But fourteen years ago, it was quite different. At the time, I was completing a series of Beastly characters. I was working with reference to build my skill sets, and in the end I made a lot of weird animal warriors. This is a pig with a plan, and is one of my favorites from the set. 

Beastly Scribe

9 x 12 - Pencil on paper
© 2012/2026 Christopher Burdett

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

Revisiting the Monsters - Sahuagin

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 my second pass through the book with the Sahuagin. Enjoy!

Sahuagin 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

The Return of the Beasts - Beastly Fighter

Continuing to look back as I work forward. At one point, I had the time and the energy to do practice drawings, studies, and simply draw for the fun of it. These days I nearly exclusively draw with an intended goal. But fourteen years ago, it was quite different. At the time, I was completing a series of Beastly characters. I was working with reference to build my skill sets, and in the end I made a lot of weird animal warriors. This is an alligator with a sword. 

Beastly Fighter

9 x 12 - Pencil on paper
© 2012/2026 Christopher Burdett

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

Revisiting the Monsters - Ogre

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 my second pass through the book with the Ogre. Enjoy!

Ogre 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

The Return of the Beasts - Beastly Caster

Continuing to look back as I work forward. At one point, I had the time and the energy to do practice drawings, studies, and simply draw for the fun of it. These days I nearly exclusively draw with an intended goal. But fourteen years ago, it was quite different. At the time, I was completing a series of Beastly characters. I was working with reference to build my skill sets, and in the end I made a lot of weird animal warriors. This is a something or another casting a spell.

Beastly Caster

9 x 12 - Pencil on paper
© 2012/2026 Christopher Burdett

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

The Return of the Beasts - Beastly Archer

Continuing to look back as I work forward. At one point, I had the time and the energy to do practice drawings, studies, and simply draw for the fun of it. These days I nearly exclusively draw with an intended goal. But fourteen years ago, it was quite different. At the time, I was completing a series of Beastly characters. I was working with reference to build my skill sets, and in the end I made a lot of weird animal warriors. This is a bird with a bow.

Beastly Archer

9 x 12 - Pencil on paper
© 2012/2026 Christopher Burdett

That's all for another exciting week on the blog. I will be away for a bit of next week, so I will be back next Friday! Until then..

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

Revisiting the Monsters - Ki-Rin

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 my second pass through the book with the Ki-Rin. Enjoy!

Ki-Rin 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

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