C.O.W. - #112: Stilt Stalker

[Fozzybar]

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/images/cow/cow.jpg

For more infos and details about the rules go here:
http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=110879


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Round #112

Topic:
Stilt Stalker

Deadline (extended):
Monday, 24th March 2008



note: The deadline won't be EXACTLY after a week...it can last up to 24 hours more, i am human and have to work also, you know ;)
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How to post

In this thread you can post all wips, questions, comments etc
However if you are done with your entry, post the final image in the following thread.

THREAD FOR FINAL ENTRIES (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=121063)

READ THE INFO IN THE 1ST POST OF THE FINALS THREAD TO SEE HOW TO POST YOUR FINAL IMAGE!!!

[Fozzybar]

ADDITIONAL INFO

1. Stalker creature must have stilts as a body part, no external stilts

2. No individual/character!!! Make a concept of a species!

[Michael Jaecks]

Whooo hoooo! Can anyone say DARK CRYSTAL? Awesome topic. Oh how I hope I have time.....

[EdenGotterrCyan]

I hope I have time too..... :D :yayca: and i hope i don't go like this ->http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii273/edengotterrcyan/error-sss.gif

[scorge]

Damn, I was gonna say the Dark Crystal.:P
This'll be an interesting test in anatomicalcorrectivityesness.
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k153/scorge40/tallguy.jpg
Figured I'd throw down some sketches. Feel bad for missing out on the last couple.:teeth:

[Nexus]

Aww man, I really want to do this one but I'll be gone for most of this week and next. Oh well, in the sketchbook it goes I guess. Suppose it'll give me something to draw while I'm on the plane. Good luck all.

[Ramitxon]

Great topic, don't know if I could do this one though, I'll be out for a few days. I'll do what I can.

[Atastrophea]

My tutor worked on the Dark Crystal :) (she worked on the land striders too) interesting factoid: She told us that the (front? -cant remember!) legs were designed to go on the other way round to the way they appear in the film but when she'd made them and tried them on the actors they didnt fit, so she turned them around and bam! they did so thats how they went......

[retter]

do stilts just mean long, thing appendeges?

because technically aren't stilts an external thing?

[Ramitxon]

Dark Crystal is one of my favorite pictures it will be hard to design such a creature without being influenced bi the movie. I hope to be able to participate, as I am going on a small holiday, I'll do a good pencil sketch and try to render it properly on monday. We´ll see, I have to say I could become a COWaholic.

[Fozzybar]

do stilts just mean long, thing appendeges?

because technically aren't stilts an external thing?

well, i am not sure, if this is the correct usage in english, because my english is pretty lame. I just wanted to have a creature which has loooong very thin legs, like a stork or the striders in Halflife 2. You can suggest a different description or wording if mine is wrong, sorry if it is.

[mcmatz]

First sketches with pencil and paper and the inevitable smudges.

In researching long-legged animals - not insects - I notices that long legs = long neck.
Since this is supposed be a stalker, I thought a predator species would be appropriate and so I think I will be heading down a hound/wolf direction.

Note; Google "tallest dog" and behold Gibson, the world's tallest dog - 180 lbs. and 7' 2" upright!

Need to figure out the back story...

--Madeline

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2163/2340283297_4a89428e2f.jpg

[Vorace]

fozzy : do you mean something like this ? :

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/9940/daliownsog9.jpg

thanks Dali :)!

[electric goat]

im thinking about making a creature that has legs that look like tree trunks. stalks from above the canopy. mossy legs, like your girlfriend's.

vorace- thanks for the inspiration, i always liked dali's elephants.

[Joey-b]

Hmm i did this one full pencil, IMO i doesnt need colors.. anyone disagree??
Discription will come later on
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/b-yeoj/COW112.jpg

[Raitei]

I like it, quite a lot.

Well, heres my first post, thought i might give the C.O.W a try, im not expecting my work to be brilliant but, this is a way to help me become better at what i love doing.

Anyway, very early stages.

http://xs125.xs.to/xs125/08121/cow112_copy162.jpg
Its meant to be very insect like... but also huge.. and more... deathly?

[EdenGotterrCyan]

Ok here is my WIP what do you think ??? I don't know what colors to use ...What kind of colors will be proper to fit in this concept? Any suggestion?

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii273/edengotterrcyan/EdenGCyconceptalien2b.jpg

[Tyrus]

I'll try this one too, maybe. Hopefully I can get it in this time.

[EdenGotterrCyan]

Fozzy do u mean something like this A, B, C or D



A http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii273/edengotterrcyan/striderob8.jpg
B http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii273/edengotterrcyan/stalker2.jpg C http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii273/edengotterrcyan/stalker.jpg D http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii273/edengotterrcyan/thraxstrider.jpg

[retter]

well, i am not sure, if this is the correct usage in english, because my english is pretty lame. I just wanted to have a creature which has loooong very thin legs, like a stork or the striders in Halflife 2. You can suggest a different description or wording if mine is wrong, sorry if it is.
ok thanks that's cleared it up fine.
i read it in a way which confused me but i absolutely understand now.

[Michael Jaecks]

Eden: I'm fairly certain Fozz is talking about: the longer the better with respect to the legs.

Vorace: thanks for bustin' out the space elephants. I love that Dali.

[LaVaCaT!]

Cool topic. The first thing I thought of was how a Maned Wolf is also called a "Fox on Stilts." But since someone else is doing the canid concept, I'll just have to play around with some other ideas. *ponders*

And maybe I'll have the time to actually finish my piece this go 'round. :D

I enjoy seeing where everyone else goes with this. *grin*

[Niva.]

I might join in this week, here's an initial concept, hope it's ok for the critter.

[EdenGotterrCyan]

Eden: I'm fairly certain Fozz is talking about: the longer the better with respect to the legs.

OOooOOkk :D then longer legs he get :D Thank

[Sangmort]

Whooo hoooo! Can anyone say DARK CRYSTAL? Awesome topic. Oh how I hope I have time.....

Ah....I feel old now. :)



Awesome topic!~

[Michael Jaecks]

Okay, this little video might provide some inspiration. Now... it's a robot... but its movement is so animal like... it can even regain its balance when one of its 'handlers' tries to kick it over.... now that... is freaky.

It's a robot named BigDog, and I think it qualifies as a stilt stalker of sorts.

http://gizmodo.com/368651/new-video-of-bigdog-quadruped-robot-is-so-stunning-its-spooky

[wagon]

I don't know why but I started laughing out loud when that thing slipped on the ice.

So so cool, thanks for sharing.

[EdenGotterrCyan]

Michael that robot is realyyyyyyyyyyyy ccccoooooooooolllllllllll i love ROBOTS :D :D :D :D

[Fozzybar]

Eden: I'm fairly certain Fozz is talking about: the longer the better with respect to the legs.Hitting the nail on the head! ;)

Thanx for the robot video, it is awesome. And really i commiserate with the robot, when thhis guy is kicking it, though it's only a bunch of metal and plastic.

They imitated the motion sequence so perfectly that it looks like a real creature.

[Ramitxon]

I've seen the video too. I'm astounded and a little afraid. I don´t want to say goodbye to real dogs. It's kind of creepy. I felt a little sad for it when that guy kicked it.

[Michael Jaecks]

Hey guys no prob.

You know its funny, I've read several different accounts besides yours of people feeling sorry for the robot when it gets kicked, and I agree I flinched myself just slightly as well. I think thats a pretty good testament to how well its motion and walking really works. I think it's pretty fascinating how it can keep its balance and regain its footing, plus move over all that different terrain. Someday, we'll be riding these things to work.

[Fozzybar]

I showed the video to the guys here in the office and we are already thinking of cruel sceneries like:

After the work the employees of the research lab are having a pizza party, each one with a piece of pizza in their hands and staying in a circle surrounding the lil robot and everyone is kicking it with evil laughs "Muahahahahahaha!". The robot is trying to keep the balance after each kick with some pitiful sounds like little puppies when they are crying for their mother...

"DANCE, creature! DANCE for daddy! MUHAHAHAHAHHAA!"

:perv:

[yoitisi]

Aw fozzy, that's cruel >:D

Nice vid though MJ. It almost looks like two guys in black pants walking around :P

I might chip in something for this round, depends on how things go this week. Got an idea already though.

[Michael Jaecks]

Well, although the cruel fantasy scenarios are entertaining, I'm really thinking more along the lines of looking at it as an AT-AT or some kind of robot steed. Maybe I'm stuck in my Star Wars/70's Japanese animation childhood, but I wanna pilot the thing! Or like Panzeroid from Kotetsu Jeeg ...or perhaps his American grandchild, Baron Karza. Robot animal vehicles rock.

[Kmadden2004]

Well, here's my WIP. Don't worry, I've learnt my lesson this week... no jars!

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii302/Kmadden2004/stilt-stalker.jpg

[Coinpurse]

lmao... off topic, but when I first glanced at this thread I thought it said "Shit talker". I just noticed the subject :P

[Fozzybar]

Kmadden
Watch the humanoid and character/individual rule! Your entry currently looks a lot like something with a human head and/or an individual, not a species.

[Fozzybar]

n1va
Read the rules, your entry is breaking several rules ;)

[Joey-b]

robot just creeped me out.. im really amazed how real it reacts.. damn thats cool..

now to stay on topic

Scorge nice sketches

i like the bottom left best, but be sure to also show the characters feet if u continue with it.. since its legs are almost the most important thing in the drawing ( i know its just a sketch.. just thought i'd point it out).

anyone got something to say about mine?

[Fozzybar]

Joey-b
Very nice pencil sketch. But i have hard times to tell what's going on on the head. Does it have eyes, where are they? What are these details between the tentacles and the shoulder, they define some details on the head, but i don't know waht exactly?

[Joey-b]

Thanks foz, hmm yeah well he doesnt have eyes, but the story along with it will explain that, as for the detail between the shoulder, what do u mean by that?

ow and im workin on the face atm :) :yayca:

EDIT :

now there is no way back... This has gone WIP, this i got now.. Improved the head with addition of horns.. also its more clear now that the creature has no eye sight
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/b-yeoj/COW112wip2.jpg

[Ramitxon]

Ok, this is only an idea. This is the fabled giant warthog from the deep jungles of Congo. Its long legs and sharp as lances hooves allow him to catch his main prey, the Nile Crocodile. The Warthog impales the crocodiles with its hooves and then uses its prehensile long tail to take food to its huge jaws.

Now it is too familiar, as it has a warthog shape, i'll try to do some pencil sketches to vary it. Honestly I don't know if I'll be able to finish this one, we'll see...

Tell me what you think gentlemen...

[Sellis]

This might just be one of the best topics to grace COW since i joined these Forums. Hopefully get a chance to reel something off, got to finish my Art Crusade first.

Dark Crystal - Will we be designing Skeksis and Mystics next? :P

Stu

[Raitei]

Well, ive done a bit more work.. its getting there.. but its not that good by any stretch

.. i hate wings ¬_¬

[Mike Corriero]

Yea man.. seen that bot before,
when bigdog jumps and when he regains the slip on the ice..it's so eerie. Just imagine in 10-20 years what these things will be doing... imagine them running dog speed and leaping over fallen trees and shit, climbing trees, climbing up rock walls and sensing when to hide etc.

Some quick doodles I did in bed on lined paper then just silhouetted quickly.

[HiloHello]

My little brother thinks it's cool.

[notorious white moth]

I agree with your little brother, Hilo

[electric goat]

wip - animals on forest floor eat fungi off it's "stilts" and become easy targets for it's spear. after a good day of hunting, it will have a shishkabob of creatures on it's tail. mmm....
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s116/egoat/stiltstalkerpaintrflow.jpg

[scorge]

MJ: Great video! No offense to the girls out there, but can you imagine them riding Bigdog to work? There seems to be enough vibration and provocative naturally organic gyrating motions to leave them a sweaty mess when they get there.:dead: <3 :\ >:D I know I'm a bad boy(slaps self in face, already kicked self in groin, and scratched out own eyeballs for thinking such things). That is one bad ass futuristic modern advancement in technology if I ever saw one. So where's the drawing?:teeth: :wink: Looking forward to your entry buddy. And by the by, I'm trying to get back into the line drawing, the computer has spoiled me so. Thanks again for you help so long ago.
Joey B: Thank you very much. I thought about doing that guy(and I still might), but the evil horse thingamajiger idea has taken over my mind and now I’m in the process of killing myself over the anatomy. I love your “camelesque” figure.(I’ll be damned if I don’t make up a new stupid word every time I post something), but I would have to say the legs could be a little more stilt like. Right now they appear slightly average and a bit typical for that animal. On a personal note, the eyeless thing is one of my personal favorites. Always seems to accentuate the animalistic nature of the beast because they rely on so much more than visual awareness. Also, your drawings have improved a lot. Great job!
Ramitxon: Couldn’t help but notice that your guy seems to be emaciated and underfed as well(mine’s got the same case of anorexic/bulimia. What is it about tall gangly beings that makes us think unhealthy?) Nice drawing, and I’m sure you’ll make it look like the baddest twelve foot wart hog in the history of swine.
Hilohello: Your name reminds of when I used to jump out of airplanes. I think that my younger brothers(3 of them) and my wife are the best judges of my work. Use them as much as you can, they will usually never lie, and neither will I.
Not sure if you want advice or critique, but I like to throw them out there anyway because I’m known for being brutally honest. You might want to smooth out the relationship between snake head, soggy elephant(which I like by the way, just look at my shaggy dog idea on page 1) and tree legs. In college, which I regretfully admit to because we never learned a damn thing, we had an assignment to draw the exact morph of two creatures combined, which led to a very well put together animal that never existed, all of its anatomy smooth and viably functional. You’re off to a very good start, and all that it takes now is to make it a little more believable. And props(copyright Mike Corriero) for doing it old/right school with the good old pen and paper. Oh, and welcome to CA, and most of all C.O.W.!
Kmadden2004: Good sketch so far, but watch out for Fozzybar. He’s an animal. Was going to mention the face, but I see the most gracious and at the same time brutal and not to mention furriest of moderators has beaten me to it.
Mcmatz: Hi Madeline! (That’s what you get for giving away your name in your signature, but my name is Dave, so now we’re even) Sketches are off to a good start, but one of the cardinal rules in working with lead and paper is not to get dark until you’ve light laid out the anatomy and pose if there is one. You should do some research on the make-up of dogs, especially in the torso area, and maybe have this guy turning his head slightly to make things a little more loose, and therefore more interesting. And Missouri is a great place.
Vorace: You know, every time I’m stuck with the conundrum of what to draw, I always think of that exact Dali image. It has everything from creepy exaggerated animals to women doing things they shouldn’t. Thanks for bringing it in! And your avatar makes me laugh every time I have the pleasure of seeing it. Only wish I’d thought of it first.
EdenGotterCyan: Kind of wish you had a shorter name or a nickname at least.:wink: Very cool design. I see that you’ve come up with the split shin bones as well. Nothing like some similarities between designs to make it more exciting eh? Anyway, in terms of design, I think you’ve made some notable advances in a short amount of time, and I commend you for it. Cheers!
And for everyone who I did not mention, I apologize, I am an idiot after all. I’ll try to get you in the final.
Ok, so now after yet another of my late night ramblings, it has struck me that I could be drawing. Gonna get to it.

[Kmadden2004]

Dammit! One of these days I'm going to memorise those rules before I set pencil to paper!

Fozzybar: Thanks for the feedback, and your patience. I've changed the face now to something that was kind of inspired by an angler fish. I'm not really sure how to address the 'character' issuue. Admittedly it does look more nondescript (so to speak) now than it did with the more human-ish face. I am thinking about having a juvenile creature scuttling around in the background, just need to check that's okay witht the rules...

Here's the revised head design:

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii302/Kmadden2004/stiltstalkerhead.jpg

Oh, and thanks for the words of encouragement, scorge.

[Rist]

I not know if any of you hve mentioned this, as I have not read any replies, but if anyone needs some inspiration Morrowind has 'Stilt Striders' which were transport for the player. There could be something in that concept for you:

http://www.bjorn3d.com/Material/Article_21/Images/SilkStrider.jpg

[Joey-b]

Thanks for the tips !

i lengthend the legs a bit..

starting to hate the pic already.. hmm

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/b-yeoj/COW112wip3.jpg

[EdenGotterrCyan]

MJ:
EdenGotterCyan: Kind of wish you had a shorter name or a nickname at least.:wink: Very cool design. I see that you’ve come up with the split shin bones as well. Nothing like some similarities between designs to make it more exciting eh? Anyway, in terms of design, I think you’ve made some notable advances in a short amount of time, and I commend you for it. Cheers!.

Thank man i realy appreciate that, i like competition a ittle more might prove interesting, but :( i have the disadvantage that i drawn only 1 or maybe... 2 houre a day, my boss yell:ilaekae:AAaa:uzi:every day all day-long , is crazy, and after work i come like this >:{ :xpld: http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii273/edengotterrcyan/error-sss.gif, but i'll do my best :D, and for my nickname u can call me "Eden G CY" or just silple Eden thank again :yayca:

[Primordial Seven]

There's some great designs here. I think Joey and Mike's work stands out for me at the momment.

This is just a sketch of one idea. I think it's probably too spider-like so i'll have to play with it.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h211/GodsProphet/stiltstriderprimordial.png

[Mike Corriero]

I have my own favorite(s) out of these quick late night pen doodles but let me know what you guys think, they're numbered. Did two more last night.

[Michael Jaecks]

01 and 05.

04 seems like the most unlikely, but also perhaps more interesting for the vast difference in fore and hind legs.

[Sangmort]

I like o2 & o4 :)~

[deftonys]

ewery number has their own best parts... I like 01 the most... but i'd like it to be 4 legs like in 02 and 03 head then it would be perfect for my eye ;P

and 05 pose is really nice it's speaking for characteristics of the creature really well

[draconas]

One idea for someone, just because it has long legs doesn't mean it has to walk does it?

[Tyrus]

draconas, my opinion is that since it is a stalker it may need to move, but i may be mistaken.

[Saturns Gate]

02 and 05 all the way. 02's head does something for me and 05 has a nice pose. Good stuff guys!

[electric goat]

color wip, let me know what you think.
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s116/egoat/stiltstalkerpaint2low.jpg

mike c- 02 is the one i think. stilts and stalking ability.

joey b- i think the line work is messing with the pallete. i would suggest removing it all together, or tinting it in areas. i do like the design though.

[Mike Corriero]

I'll prob go with 02 then..
I liked 01 and 02 as my personal favorites, just couldn't quite decide which one, but if I have time I'll try to produce a final based on thumb number 02. Thanks for the feedback guys.
edit: shit I don't know..I kinda like number 1 for its simple posture and I think the two legs "speak" stilts more than 4 legs. Though I know the stalking part has to come into play..it's just, how do you draw something which gives off the vibe of stilts when stalking kind of pertains mostly to staying low to the ground and keeping concealed. I was thinking 01 might better conceal itself with the two tree-like stilt legs..keeping tall above thick low tree tops or something, then snatching things with its long fingered forearms.

[hodoca]

....mike, I vote for number one.

...p.s. I love your creatures!



wip here:

rip it up, please!




http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w279/hodoca/wip1.jpg

[zyphryus]

Just a sketch. I always find it interesting to see what similarities happen, totally independent of looking at everyone elses work - possibly unknown influences somewhere - and yes, there are so many places to be influenced for this one.

Im thinking some sort of stilt stalking creature that infests dreams. but that idea doesnt really transfer in the sketch yet - possibly once I do more work, and add background.

http://zyphryus.ubermutant.net/art/stiltstalker_sketch.jpg

[Mae_Haftahurcha]

My first CoW (or the first sketch of my first CoW). Thought it was about time for less lurking, more participating. I was thinking something that could walk around in the mud and poke around in it to look for snacks. I read the subject as "silt stalker" at first glance and that gave me the idea.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c148/dreamer286/stiltwalker.jpg

[Sellis]

Right managed to get this WIP done so ill be adding colour, hopefully in time for the poll :P

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/9396/stiltstalkerwipon6.jpg

Crits a gogo plz,

Stu.

[Searious]

my attempt at this, first time entering. let me know what you think.
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/404/stiltstalkercopygm5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Lucid_Concepts]

Here is my first WIP. Speedpaint approx 2 hours. I'm going to do some research to improve the concept overall. Please let me know what you think. Cheers

[Sebastian Gromann]

hey there, outside .

These are the first creatures i designed XD just two scibbles to get an idea. maybe it helps ur inspiration ,too :]

[Mike Corriero]

Hodoca, Thanks
Thanks everyone else for the feedback. I decided "fuck.." just switch up the anatomy of the 2 that most people seemed to like and the two I liked most. So the head of thumb number 02 on the body of 01 with some tweaks and here is my work in progress thus far.

[Lucid_Concepts]

Here is another update, this is the thumbnail I am going to take further to finish the critter. Great entries all round so far :)

[Lege1]

Really great entrees so far here guys and gals. I am definitely getting on this one. I've been out of commision here due to a dislocated shoulder of my artists arm. Doing fine though and looking forward to joining everyone in this competition.

Michael Jaecks: Awesome video bro I really enjoyed that alot. I had to take the time to share that with coworkers, family, and friends. I too felt bad when it got kicked,lol.

Hodoco: Great job on that wip man, I really like the washed out look of the whole image and the concept is really dope.

[retter]

Mike Corriero: just out of curiosity what's with the faint horizontal lines going through your sketches and wip?

[Mike Corriero]

Retter: These were done at a very small scale late at night, so I just grabbed whatever was near my bed (too lazy to get up lol) in this case it happened to be a blue ball point pen and a very small 7 by 3 inch flimsy "lined" note pad. So that's all the lines are..they'll be cleaned up when I start to render. In ways they helped keep the angles and anatomy together..so it's not a bad idea to draw on lined paper or even grid paper; which a lot of artist often do (I think Wayne Barlowe does some sketches on grid paper). Doesn't hurt if they are only small doodles in preparation for a final image and not meant to be finished "drawings" :)

[Lege1]

Alright, this is what my gimp ass brings to the table. I hope you all at least like one of them. Let me know what you think please. Thank you ☺

-=Lege

[electric goat]

wip is progressing, added some shit. still gotta paint his left leg. the weird little pictures will make sense when i post my final. comment/crit if you like.

will try to do crits when im not blowing off work for cow. this will probably be my last one for a while so im justified in doing so(at least in my own mind).

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s116/egoat/stiltstalkerpaintlow.jpg

[ImRazil]

Electricgoat: very well done, though the blue/green contrast puzzles me a bit. Your landscape is also very well done, I really like it. Though the feet set so near eachother is something I don't really like (wide feet suggest a far more stabile creature, your creature looks a bit unstabile atm, to me at least..).
Great work!

Mae: very nice idea, like the birdy look and I look forward to how it is worked out, the perspective is very well done in the sketch already :).

Hodoca: excellent! Truly excellent! It's dynamic and the upper body is something that is really appealing to me. Only point of critic would be that the lower legs could be a bit more forward, as it now looks a bit that the creature is going to fall over it right-forward leg. (It's at a bit odd location.. if you ask me..)
Awesome!

And for my own stuff:

Well guys: here are my sketches: wanted to try this for once.
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/605/p1000039uq7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)



And here is my WIP:
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/9746/wipcreatureoftheweekstipc0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Critic and comments would be very welcome :).

I hope I can get this finished in time..

[Mae_Haftahurcha]

WIP with most of the basic value worked in. Crits welcome.
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c148/dreamer286/stiltwalkerwip1.jpg

Edited to add:
Worked it up a bit more and laid in some background. There's something about the leg on the right that's bothering me, but I can't seem to put my finger on what it is.
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c148/dreamer286/stiltwalkerwip2.jpg

[Hexism]

Hey guys , I just started to learn digital work so I thought i'd give this one a try :)


So far I have this .,but now I'm totally clueless on adding colors :( I don't know whether to use different blending modes or to paint over the greyscale with the colors ...How do you guys do it ? any help would be appreciated.

[Lucid_Concepts]

Hey Des, try adding colour to a new layer and setting the mode to colour or colourize. Its what I'm doing on mine. Good luck :)

[zyphryus]

Electric_Goat, your colors are starting to look freakin fantastic - plus, I love all the stuff you add to the sides. gives it a lot of conceptual depth in my opinion. (plus, Im a fan of embellishments, I should put more in my own work!)

---
here's a wip - figured out what look im going for.
These creatures come to you in dreams, like an extra special spirit animal.

Done in Pen.
Im definitely going to add color digitally, - but im debating on adding color the traditional way too - just to compare, or keep the original black and white. I would use watercolor and some acrylic If I added color. *shrug*
I will also add the ground and foggy sky, amidst the dreamy fog in the foreground.

http://zyphryus.ubermutant.net/art/stiltstalker_pen_wipsm.jpg

[Lucid_Concepts]

WIP update. Nearly there now, hopefully I will have time to finish for monday, btw, what time is the deadline on monday? I still need to give serious attention to the background and the blend between the creature and the background, although I'm not sure yet about the lighting. I'm trying to light it with a main light coming from top-right-front, with a secondary coming from top-left-back, and a little bounce light from below. Please crit away :)

[Ramitxon]

Ok, here is my WIP, finally I'm being able to snatch some time, but I see that I have a not very original concept. I see great artwork around.

[jhagen22]

Here's my rough. I noticed that tree legs seems to be a popular theme for this topic. :\ Still a bit dark right now on the lower half of the piece.

Comments and Critiques welcome.

[Sapphire]

Holy cow, I just saw that robot video. It's crazy how you automatically empathize with it, and the way it nevigates the slippery terrain... definitely have to pass that on. I think the ice slip is one of the most fascinating parts, because it reacts so quickly and naturally!

[zyphryus]

Stilt-Stalkers in the dreamtime...

Im not sure if I'm finished or not. If I don't add anything else tonight, I'll post in the final.
Any advice/feedback?

http://zyphryus.ubermutant.net/art/stilt-stalker-colorsm.jpg

[Tyrus]

How is this so far?

[jhagen22]

electric goat - Great painted look to your piece. I like the stabbing tail idea.

hodoca - Nice character - I like the horror feel to your creature.

zyphryus - Trippy looking characters. Dream-based creatures are a cool unique direction to go.

Sellis - Great looking creature. Very alien. Looking forward to seeing it in color

Searious - He looks okay so far. I would personally like to see the 'stilt' aspect to your creature that's hidden in the trees at the moment.

ImRazil - I like the fact that your creature is water-based. Looking good.

Mae_Haftahurcha - Diggin' the bird basis to your creature. As for your question on the legs...hmmm....I'm seeing small differences between the two. One's pointing another direction than the other, but the feet are pointing the same way. Maybe that's it?

[jhagen22]

Tyrus - I kept thinking of what your creature would sound like running and I kept thinking of the sound a pirate running would sound like - click click click click. At first I had thought it might be hard for him to run in the snow, but I live with deer all over outside and they do just fine in the winter. Maybe show his feet if possible? But all in all, I like it.

[Tyrus]

Yeah, gotcha. His stilts in the tundra area is based off of the guys with stilts in the Wikipedia article I read. His feet should be emphasized though, thanx.

[Mike Corriero]

My Final, I'm actually happy with this one. :P
Apologies if the size seems large, most of it is the border and due to the type of anatomy of the creature being so vertical (I wanted to make sure the details would be seen). ;)

http://pratt.edu/~mcorrier/Art/Stilt-Stalker-Web.jpg

Concept: Wavering Stiffle Stump
Description: Coming soon...
Detail shot 66% Resolution:

[Ramitxon]

Wow, Mike, that's just grrrrrrreat. Got my vote right now.

[Michael Jaecks]

Yah, I agree with Ramitxon, that's really nice Mike. I love it when you do the tree-ish creatures. They work really well with your style.

[Penumbra]

I just started drawing and had a bit of fun. I don't know if I'll finish it(My kid wants to go see Horton Hears a Who), But I figured I'd post it here anyway.

All pencil...

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/penumbra_photo/StiltStalker.jpg

...and I'm with everyone else Mike, your piece is great.

[Michael Jaecks]

That's really pretty just as a pencil drawing Penumbra. You could toss in a little color, but it's really strong just the way it is.

[Mike Corriero]

Thanks Ramitxon, Penumbra and Michael Jaecks
Penumbra: Really nice sketch man

[Lege1]

Mike Corriero: I think you definitely took this one home bro. Great work!

Penumbra: Your sketch is looking tight work man. Can't wait to see how this one evolves.

[Tyrus]

Okay here is a slightly different version. How is it?

[Mike Corriero]

Tyrus,
One main issue aside from anatomy or anything concerning the design is the form and lighting. The overall image is very very light, though it's a snow scene and the creature is white you can still add some grey, blue, purple and cool colors creating some darker shadows to describe the shapes. It will help pop the design out and make it easier to view.

Lege1: Thanks dude

[Tyrus]

Thank you Mike, I appreciate your help. Time to tweak again! And by the way, yours is awesome!

[agnostes]

Deadline extended 'till monday so I thought I would give it a try.

Mike C, that wins, hands-down btw :)

Some WIP:

http://www.agnostes.myzen.co.uk/cow%23112_wip_00.png
http://www.agnostes.myzen.co.uk/cow%23112_wip_01.png

[jhagen22]

Here's the progress on mine. If I had time, I'd redo the perspective a bit. Started off with a forced perspective with the couple and the head was originally pointing down with the creature drooling on the guy. But I changed the head and that's where it's at.
As for the creature itself, they hide in the canopy of forests - their fur has adapted to look like the treetops when hunched over. Their legs have evolved to look like tree trunks. And they feed on whatever brushes up against them, like high school kids. :P

[agnostes]

For some reason it reminds me of the Groke from Moomins, Josh...equally terrifying :)

Coming on well mate, but the upper arm seems too long and the forearm seems at the wrong angle. Shortening it and pushing back the elbow could help.

His right arm i mean (sorry, it's late)

[Arteater]

3 hours of work, I hope I have a chance to at least get the proper lighting and sharp edges. Great work in her so far

Mike C: your character is out of this world

http://fc02.deviantart.com/fs27/i/2008/083/4/a/c_o_w__112_stilt_stalker_by_arteaterproductions.jp g

[Ramitxon]

Here is my final, as soon as I have the text I'll post it on final entries.

Penumbra, that looks fantastic man, you are a black belt sketcher.

[Michael Jaecks]

Here's my WIP... I may be breaking the rules slightly with the little boat, but it's a species, a beast of burden, I swear! ;) Still working on the background, the little boat of course and then soon the color...

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a379/neorepto/stiltstalkersafari.jpg

[steen]

Hi there. This is my first C.O.W. attempt. Not sure if I'll be able to finish up before the deadline, but anyway here's some wip.

[scorge]

Updated wip
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k153/scorge40/tallguymightbethebest.jpg

Think.....Carnival.


MikeC,MJ,Ramitxon,Penumbra(in no particular order), looking very good!

[Michael Jaecks]

Scorge: Thanks man. I'm coloring it now and it's starting to look like a cross between one of any number of types of prehistoric birds and a crab thingy... sort of a wild turkey praying mantis. :) I like the head on yours, it's sort of like a bats head stretched tight over the skull of something larger. It's almost demonic.

[ATAnderson]

Scorge - I imagine your creature ducking down real close to the ground with that face/neck, I dont think he could do that with those stiff legs. Just a quick thought.

Final is up guys, I borrowed heavily from many influences and I tried to give it a real engineered look.

ATA

[Tyrus]

Okay, I know it isn't perfect and I probably tweaked nowhere near enough, but here is the finished product.

[eraserfoot]

"When people saw the Stilt Stalker arrive they just stopped running. They knew they were already caught."

http://eraserfoot.blogspot.com/

[jhagen22]

Mike Corriero - Great creature! Looks like something from a Grimm fairy tale.

Penumbra - Dude, that is awesome!! I love your pencil skills on your stilt stalker!

Tyrus - I agree that it looks better but the lighting is pretty white making the piece pretty washed out.

agnostes - I had to look up Groke from Moomins. But I checked it out on YouTube and I see what you mean. Looks like some of the animated shows I watched years ago. Pretty cool. I haven't been able to change as much as I wanted to so it'll get some more fixes but not a lot. As for the right arm, again I was starting out with a forced perspective, but now it's kind of mutated a bit. :blah:
Definitely liking how your creature attacks. Very cool design. Like a blooming flower of doom!

Arteater - Fun lizard-like critter. Looking forward to seeing its progress.

Michael Jaecks - Pretty cool and I'd love to see it in color. The only nit-picky thing I have about it is that it might be a little front-heavy. Looks like most of its weight is in front of all of its legs. But other than that, it's lookin' great

scorge - Cool looking demonic critter. The legs look a little wobbly. Maybe more definite joints on the lower half of the legs?

ATAnderson - Great lookin' final. You made a whole scene of creatures and characters under the deadline so I'm jealous.

[Mike Corriero]

Agnostes, Arteater, Scorge, Jhagen22 ..THANKS guys I appreciate the comments.

Michael Jaecks..another beautiful render man, great texture. I agree with the comment about it being slight top/front heavy but at the same time it does have 6 legs so. Curious to see the color final.

Ramitxon.. you make me feel bad for the crocodiles lol, nice job. Good choice on how you showed the scale. I think you could put a little extra work into the texture of the creature..just to tell us a little more about it.

ATAnderson.. nice work, only issue is that with all the gear, saddle and harness it looks very mechanical especially with the design of the joint between the legs thigh/knee/calf. The scene is very cool, lots of atmosphere, action and nice photo textures, but it seems a lot of the focus is not on the actual creature (even though it is the dominant object) which seems covered by a lot of stuff. I hope that makes some sort of sense.

I updated mine very slightly and added the description finally in the finished thread. ( almost forgot about that ;) )
Mike -

[UCT]

Mike, - i like yours but dont think its really that stilty...?
Miceal Jecks - Very good work again, I have started to recognise the regulars in this and I look forward to your submission everytime, nice one.
Eraserfoot - AWESOME
Scroge - the expression is LOL. very mischievous little creature there.
Ramitxon - nice one, didnt expect to see a wilderbeast type creature this round, looks good.

[ATAnderson]

jhagen22 - Thanks man. As not to mislead you the background is just chops of the original design, some basic sillouettes, phototexture and lots of messing about.

Mike Corriero - Cheers for the comments man. I knew it would be either you or foz to say these things. I really wanted to push the idea of an almost engineered looking creature. I guess that I pushed it a bit too hard! Also about the BG, every dynamic angle of the creature I tried was sacrificing design for style, so this is my best compromise. I'm not that happy with it but I'm am just trying to challenge myself.

Thanks again guys.

ATA

[Michael Jaecks]

AT: I for one like your final, but... that line of bio and mechanical... I'm not the one who draws the lines with the rules... but I'm seeing it as integral to the anatomy and still species oriented. I think it's within the realm of what I would consider a bona fide creature.

Thanks for the comments on my WIP guys. You're right about being a bit front heavy. Its the little boat that weights him down! Its planet has 1/4 the gravity of ours! Its magic!

Yah... like that. ;) Almost done with the color and background... a few more hours tomorrow morning then I should be ready...actually as I look at it again and consider the comments about being front-heavy, I might be able to add a little weight to the back end. A little junk in the trunk, if you will. :)

[Mike Corriero]

Lukavi - lol though very naturalistic and simplistic in design, yours made me smile and laugh. :) very nice, always love your stylized approach to texture and design.

[Ramitxon]

Mike Corriero, thanks man, I know I could have developed it a little more, it's difficult to spare some time from work, you know how it is. I'm a little impatient too and sometimes end a little bored of my images and end work too soon.

Michael Jaecks, That's looking great man, knowing about the status of gravity on its planet I really don't have anything more to say, anything useful I mean...

ATAndersonWow, I'm speechless, only crit would be maybe that the legs are not too thin to be called stilts, but that's only to say something and not having my trap shut. Grrrreat work pal.

eraserfoot Love your color and rendering style. No crits really.

Scorge. Looking good. Maybe the legs are a bit unsure of supporting the weight of the creature. Otherwise it's great. I like its expression.

lukavi Wonderful!, love that watercolour feeling.

Tyrus. Poor bunny... I think you should define the silouette a bit more, in my screen it's hard to distinguish. I suppose it could be part of its camouglage...

Arteater. looking good so far. Love strange lizards.

uct. That's creeepy... good work.

[Penumbra]

Here is my critter...I posted it with concept in the finals thread.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/penumbra_photo/Penumbra_Chow112.jpg

Here's the concept:

Vertiginous Non-Venomous Bantam Scrimp
Originally diminutive in size, The bantam Scrimp mutated into a slightly larger creature(Though this went relatively unnoticed, because it occured incrementally over 8,300 years). This particular mutation had a disastrous effect upon the species. When threatened the Scrimp would rise up on its rear spikes and frighten away its predators, but tragically the increase in size left the creature in a perpetual state of vertigo, causing it to topple over backwards and leaving it defenseless. The Scrimp pictured here is the last recorded of its kind. The species became extinct when this last survivor was eaten by the observing scientist's cat(Mr.Scribbles).

[Ramitxon]

I have no words Penumbra, That's simply fantastic. This voting is going to be hard, there's so many great concepts...

[UCT]

Penumbra, dude thats brilliant. I didnt think your sketch would look as good with colour, but shit thats brilliant.

[latimer]

Everyones entries make me think I should have given mine more thought. lol.

Everyones work is excellent, especially mikes. love the concept, & the detail is immensly awesome-tacular.

[ImRazil]

Well.. here's my final. Could someone say to me if this is the quality that COW wants (it specifies in the rules that the art should be of quality). If I compare to others mine looks a bit lowly, but I wanted to participate for once and see if this was oké.

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/5297/stiltstalkercompletevy8.jpg

Stilt Stalker:
Often seen following boats and other objects dwelling the surface of great waters - like oceans -, the Crustasio Pisces is a scavenging species. This species of creature that can reach heights of above 50 meters seems to be a far of cousin of the creature we know as the crab, though in reality the creature was discovered at Colony Pios 3, located at planet Eclo. Planet Eclo is noted often for its abundance of water and this creature has adapted perfectly to that surrounding. Originally it used it large hooked pincers to scrape dead carcasses of creatures out of the lake and it used its size to chase of any competitors and also to reach for the carcasses that were floating on top of the water. Spiking its pincers into the carcas, it could easily draw away even the largest of creatures.
After humans arrived at Planet Eclo this creature seemed to have developed a taste for human waste, following waste-barges half-way across Eclo. This has a positive side: they eat all the waste that falls of the barges, but also a negative side: if the barge isn't fast enough, the species will try to pull in underneath as it would do with a carcass.
This nature of stalking these boats has made sailors name this creature the Stilt stalker, the creature with the abnormal long legs for traveling through deep water and during this traveling stalks the boats to draw them underwater and feast on the waste - and unfortunate humans - that gets within its grasp.

[Michael Jaecks]

That's lovely Penumbra. The colors are really great.

Here is how mine worked out. I added a little weight to the back end, per the comments a few folks shared. I think it was the right way to go, certainly. Thanks for that!

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a379/neorepto/jaecksstiltstalkera72dpi.jpg

[ImRazil]

Micheal Jacks: Wow, amazing. I really like how you made the green 'skin' and the figures in it. The landscape you've made also suits the creature very.

Penumbra: very good eye for details, the body is very well done and the story you've made for the image is hilarious! Go Mr. Scribbles!!

Scorge: looking good, though the feet look a bit wabbly to me, so I have my doubts about the stability of your creature. Also some of the 'hairs' don't look connected to the body, is that one purpose or is that still in progress? The head is done very cool btw ;) :).

Arteater: very cool creature :), I really like such lizard creatures and yours is no exeption :). The only thing about it is that the 'stilt stalker' part isn't very obvious to me, but perhaps I should wait till the concept discription is ready :).

Agnostes: already looks very creepy with the red you've used and very big (reminds me of 'War of the Worlds' a bit). The blurryness suits it :), though at some points (stilts) it could be a bit sharper.

[Sebastian Gromann]

haha, nice ones dudes. hope im getting ready :D
wip

[draconas]

Tyrus what I meant was that it could climb or go upside down if anyone wants to do that I don't mind

[Stephan_R]

Fantastic turnout, great work guys.

Favorites from the final thread: Mike C., Joey-B, Chuck_Mate, ATAnderson, lukavi

[Mike Corriero]

Penumbra..DAMN dude that came out fucking NICE! crazy looking lobster/crustacean thing... I love the little claw/flipper appendages in the upper chest/face region. minor crit: I would either lengthen the legs to just push the "stilt" portion a bit, or give the legs an additional joint and lengthen them to show how it can walk easier. Mid way down the leg, have it cut, go up, and then down in a V like shape..creating a joint like spiders or grabs. Then one other thing is the large claws seem top heavy for the thin joints that hold them up, which could use additional bend points as well to make them more maneuverable.

These last minute entries are CRAZY good ;)

Sellis - Loved your final, it's simple but I just really like the design, something interesting about it.
edit: Thanks Stephan R

[EdenGotterrCyan]

Mike Corriero - a really cool and interesting creature, i like your colour choice and the attention to detail, i just hope that in the near future i'd be half as good :)

Michael Jaecks - the creature isnt that interesting although it has some cool details, but the background is awsome, i was working on something like that for my creature.

Penumbra - its one of the most detailed creatures especialy the "head". the eyes are 100% well done but for such a big creature it has extremly thin legs, anyway its looking good.

ATAnderson - i love that creature, love the atmosphere the scene really tells the story, anyway i LOVE it its #1 (for my taste).

Ramitxon - nice creature, not one of your best but its nice, the water could use a lil more work, it leaves me with the impression that the creature is sliding on ice rather than walking in the water.

Joey-b - love the lighting effect, i love the colours, but the creature concept is nothing great.

electric goat - i like almost your entire creature :) but i think that its feet are too thick and give the impression that it cant move, the rest is awsome.

Ok i dont think i'll be able to finish my creature and i dont want to post it in this state, There is some decent stuff among the other works presented here also, but i think they need more work and advice from the experienced artists.
Anyway this is my creature, i'd love to hear your crits:


http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii273/edengotterrcyan/EdenGCYStrider_004.jpg

[ImRazil]

Nice work EdengotterCyan :). A very cool design ;). I like how you made emphasis on the muscles (or at least it seems to me that you did).


But well... EdengotterCyan asked for a critic and you're getting one :).
I hope this goes well:
Critic:
1) The head strikes me as a bit contrast to the rest of the body. It seems to have relatively more mass then any other bodypart. The darker painting also strikes me as unusual if you were meaning to have the entire body the same colouring.
2) The carnevorous aspects of the head (mostly teeth) are also a bit conflicting with the rest of the body. You're creature looks long and slender, though it hasn't got a body-build I'd suggest in a hunter. It's long, big and unstabile / fragile. While long and big would be oké in one, the unstabile / fragile part means it couldn't take down a prey of it's own. While this aspect comes back in many of the creatures of this topic, almost all have a relative heavy body, which makes them more stabile (and suitable for hunting). Some who don't seem to be stabile enough have signs of other ways of capturing prey (knocking them out with poison mushrooms for instance) while your creature is lacking this.
In short: you're creature has the body of a herbivore and the head of a carnivore and those two don't match up as well.
3) the connection of the legs and the lower body could also be a bit more detailed. It now looks a bit like the mechanic of a shoulder (a bowl in which something turns around). This while your 'bowl' seems unfit to hold such large legs.

Well, I hope this was useful. I swear I didn't want to be mean or something and lots of the critic I just gave apply to my creatures (that I've drawn for this COW but also for things at home) also. I was just trying to help you out for your next drawing.


I hope the critic was useful :).

[Mike Corriero]

Eden: I hope this helps, first is a paint over to show you quickly..areas I would adjust and fix. On the right is your original with numbers to crit:

1: Reinforce the floor/ground plain and give weight to your creature with some quick cross over perspective lines. This way you can ground your creatures feet so he's not floating in space.

2:Exaggerate certain areas of the anatomy. This will help balance the proportions and the overall design. The head was too small for what seems to be an important part of the concept. Balance the design by extending the back tail bone/ass of the creature.

3: Reinforce the anatomy, follow true animal bones and joints and just try to readjust the flow of the limbs, how they bend and the size so they fit the overall proportions of the concept. Thicken some areas especially near the collar bone region, some of the bicep, triceps, forearm and chest regions.

4: Choose a complimentary color to offset the background so your creature will pop and make the most of the design. It will read more clearly and allow you to play with the lighting and have the highlights stand out more. It will also help the color scheme and let you add in some of the background color, local color, add bounce light etc.. Downplay some of the limbs that are furthest from us by lowering the saturation and lighting a bit. Also a bit of very light texture for a simple background goes a long way.

Hope that helps.

[eraserfoot]

Mike Corriero – Dang. Nice colors. I like the forest theme.
I am Joey-B – I dig the tentacle mouth design.
Chuck,mate – I like the mood and colors. Could be maybe be more stilty.
Ramitxon – Cool design. I liked how much personality your sketch had too.
Phade – I can totally picture how that thing would look walking around.
Mae Haftahurcha – nice rendering. Good atmosphere.
Eraserfoot – you suck. Go back to school.
Lukavi – Beautiful painting. A nice breath of fresh air to all the monsters. That foot pose is awesome.
Electric Goat – Nice color scheme. I like all the stuff skewered on his tail. His head area is a bit visually confusing.
Selllis – Creepy face. Suits the term stalker very well I think.
Penumbra – Wow. That came a long way from the sketch. It turned out bad ass.
Micheal Jaecks – I like the creatures head, it has a solid easy to read shape.
Hodoca – another creature that I imagine would look pretty creepy moving.

[Sebastian Gromann]

hey (:

i would be happy if u can give me some feedback and help me how this image works better :]

[Penumbra]

[QUOTE=Mike Corriero;1698672]Penumbra..DAMN dude that came out fucking NICE! crazy looking lobster/crustacean thing... I love the little claw/flipper appendages in the upper chest/face region. minor crit: I would either lengthen the legs to just push the "stilt" portion a bit, or give the legs an additional joint and lengthen them to show how it can walk easier. Mid way down the leg, have it cut, go up, and then down in a V like shape..creating a joint like spiders or grabs. Then one other thing is the large claws seem top heavy for the thin joints that hold them up, which could use additional bend points as well to make them more maneuverable.

I completely agree with you Mike and EdenGotterrCyan, given the lack of environment and alternate view... It was intended to be an underwater creature that didn't actually walk on the stilts but merely used them as temporary devices for elevation(I guess I deviated from the spirit of the brief here) and the large claws at the top were going to be largely for show and held aloft by being filled with a gas... I wanted it to appear fierce but to be actually harmless and relatively passive. I always devote too much time to the figure and then have nothing left for the environment and its obvious that setting goes along way to supporting the concept. I should have also included something for scale because as it turned out the creature is only supposed to be a few inches tall, not much bigger than a shrimp. At that scale proportions can be more extreme.

I have been told that I have a very strange aesthetic. I sometimes sacrifice some believability for the sake of my odd proportions. I will have to keep an eye on that. Thanks guys for these very valid crits.

Ramitxon- Thanks a ton, your creature turned out great as well.

UCT-I appreciate the compliment, thanks.

ImRazil- Heh, I think half the fun is coming up with a cool concept(or a humorous one). My wife once told me that I have the kind of humor that usually leads to a restraining order. I don't know what she means by that...

eraserfoot-Thanks, I always run the risk of over working the painting but I'm happy that you liked it.

Mike Corriero- by the way ...yours was the one that made me want to jump in and try this round, its expression is priceless.

[Michael Jaecks]

Penumbra: I like the odd proportions. Believablity is in the eye of the beholder. I think your work, despite whatever distortion takes us away from what we expect of the common sense world, has a lot of coherence, consistancy, and veracity within the context of its own sensibility. Some of that its all the crunchy details, but also some of that is the flow of the lines that form the sillohuette as well. If I had one small crit, the large claws are commanding my attention... the attention pulled there makes me read its stilt-like legs as secondary. But that's a crit only relative to the topic. It's still a great painting and creature design.

[agnostes]

I might do some tidy-up on this over the next hour or so, but I want to be careful not to overwork it (anymore than I have already).

http://www.agnostes.myzen.co.uk/cow%23112_wip_06.png

A hybrid of insect and plant, the Arachne Acanthus Grallator (nick-named 'spiderplant') dwell in the tallest of earth's forests. Their thick limbs are indistinguishable from the trunks of the surrounding trees, making then almost invisible from ground level. When prey passes beneath them, their bulb-like petals open to reveal a mass of squirming tendrils which grasp their unfortunate victim, pulling them up into the flower, where they're digested alive for anywhere up to three earth weeks.

[UCT]

agnostes - I like this design but I cant distinguish between the stilts and trees, try clearing it up a little. I also liked the tentacles in red, but thats just an opinion. Looks good. :)

EDIT: - dude I didnt read your synopsis, which completely explains and validates why the creature is like this, very good sir. ... I feel quite silly now.

[jhagen22]

Great creatures on this topic! Just posted my final. I am thinking that I will change my style on the next one. Relying so much on just photoshop isn't something I'm used to (though I want to be). So I think I will do a finished illustration on the next one and then overlay it with some color so you can still see the illustration. That's the plan anyway. :P

I'll reply on all the great finals in the voting thread.

[agnostes]

Uct: :d

[EdenGotterrCyan]

Thanks Mike ill try to remember that and Thank you ImRazil for the crit i m still learning :D

[Michael Jaecks]

Changed mine a bit in the finals thread. A big shout out of thanks to Mike Corriero for PMing me with some suggestions. Although I didn't change it much, it did make me look at it again anew to tweak it a bit. I also got rid of the boat. It was cute, but it was sort of dragging the whole thing down. Gotta remember to keep it simple. :)

[Arteater]

Ah! I i dropped the ball. I am totally lost on shadow.
Lots of great work in here, I will post on everyone tomorrow
http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs27/i/2008/085/1/b/c_o_w__112_stilt_stalker_done_by_arteaterproductio ns.jpg

[Fozzybar]

poll is on:

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=121063