C.O.W. - #004: Venomous Bird - VOTING!!!

[Fozzybar]

ROUND #004 VOTING

Topic: Venomous Bird

Deadline for the voting: Saturday, 06.03.2005

Posting thread (closed):
http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?p=416857






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Bretton:
concept: Benno Bathurst
Benno Bathurst is named after a mad scientist by the same name who spent his life in his home laboratory creating homicidal creatures who rampaged the surrounding villages. The animals were eventually tracked back to the scientists cottage where he was found guilty of being the cause of deaths numbering in the hundreds. Benno's bird has been killing people with no reason since Benno's death. With a hollow beak he poisons his victims with a vicious peck. Venom is secreted through a small hole in the point of his beak from a large venom-filled gland which rests under his beak, giving him a striking resemblance to the man whom he is superstitiously feared to be the ghost of.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/bretton/poisonbird002.jpg
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Matt Dixon:
concept: The venom of the flightless 'Loogee Bird' is actually a potent flesh-eating bacteria, cultured in thin chambers in the creature's throat and mixed with a heavy mucus which allows it to be carried into the beak. This sticky, evil-smelling poison forms a kind of acid, which liquifies most biological matter at an alarming rate and forms the first stage of the bird's digestive system. Usual practise is for the creature to roughly chop it's prey using it's strong serrated beak, liberally depositing the venom as it does so, before licking up the partially-digested broth that remains once the bacteria has done it's work.
These 8 foot tall predators, which can run at speeds in excess of 90mph, easily dominate the food chain on their home planet of Loogee 4, perhaps due in part to their sophisticted and very efficient hunting method. The birds have a duct in their tongue which allows them to project a jet of venom over short distances - they sprint within range, then spit poison onto the body of their prey, usually favouring the legs or head. The acidic mucus slowly disables the effected animal which the 'Loogee Bird' is now able to track at a gentle pace, conserving energy. Once it's prey is sufficiently weakened, the bird is able to approach and devour it's meal with minimum effort. Yummy.
http://www.vortex.plus.com/COW04.jpg
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davi:
concept: The Gravelheart Bird was spends most of it's time hunting and tracking large bears. It's throat contains an acid which is used to spit into the eyes, mouth or any open sours of it's prey that will slowly decay and infect the body. It hunts by poisioning it's prey and then tracking it until it dies. The Gravelheart then will strike the prey when it's near final breathe, and hopefully the prey will have lead the Gravel heart straight to it's nest-- Where it can get an easy meal off baby creatures or unhatched eggs.
http://www.davivsjapan.com/ichor/Faminer02.jpg
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0kelvin:
concept: Although not part of the penguin family, this bird shares many of the penguin's traits and was believed to be a relative by early scientists. It is a flightless bird that has evolved into an excellent swimmer, living exclusively in the southern hemisphere. Its diet consists mainly of extremely poisonous blowfish. The Vomiting Penguin's digestive system seperates the poisonous sections of the fish before they reach the stomach and stores them in a protective sac. At any time, the Vomiting Penguin can regurgitate this violently noxious brew. A teaspoon of the substance absorbed through the skin is enough to kill an adult human. The vomit is usually used as a defense mechanism or to mark territory; however, the birds have been known to lay grass and flowers over the puddles of vomit in order to trick victims into unknowingly coming into contact with it. They do not eat the victims, so it is unknown why they lay these traps. Perhaps they are just mean.
http://www.whereismyeyeball.com/images/CA/COW/VenomousBird.jpg
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fungi:
concept: South American Sneezing Crane
the south american sneezing crane, given its name because of its ability to "sneeze" poison from its nose, is famous for its brightly coloured feathers and ruthless hunting methods. the poison is stored in a sack within the back of the birds skull and is discharged, with deadly accuracy and range, through a second set of nostrals on the creatures beak. the poison isnt "too" harmful to humans but is somewhat deadly to the birds prey, which is mainly other small birds and land mammels. first the poison is sprayed into the eyes of another creature causing instant blindness and eventual paralysis, which is commonly done mid air against smaller birds. the sneezing crane waits for the poisoned prey to fall from the sky where it will find the corpse and feed. in some occasions the bird has been known to also hunt small tree monkeys and wild boars.
http://www.misterfungi.com/sketches/sneezingcrane.jpg
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Gloklund:
concept:
Common Name (preferred): Imperial Barbed Night Minstrel
Scientific Name: Imperatorius Perpcacis Nocturnus Orphei
Size (length, wingspan, & weight) Length—4.25" from tip of tail to tip of beak. Wingspan— 5.25" Weight—3.5 grams
Habitat: From marshy coastal waters to lush farmland areas.
Diet: Small insects, some flowering plants.
General Biology: A relatively recent species of bird, the Imperial Barbed Night Minstrel is commonly mistaken for some species of hummingbird as well as some of the larger species of moth. The Night Minstrel is a mostly nocturnal bird, feeding off of mosquitoes and other small nightime insects. It derives its name from its barbed feathers at the end of its tail and wingtips as well as its distinctive choir-like song. Known to be a venomous bird, of which only less than a half-dozen species are known to exist. It was once thought that it’s anal glands were the source of the toxin, however after recent findings have discovered that all species of this bird have an anal parasite which is in fact the source of the venom. The Malerondia Analicthys or Anal Fish Noodler, shares this symbiotic relationship with the Night Minstrel for the better of both species. The Night Minstrels “bodyguard” provides the protection while its host provides food and shelter. The venom secreted from the parasite weeps through the posterior of the bird from which the bird would rub the toxin with its beak down the length of its tail and wingtips. Being armed in flight now with the toxic venom at each extremity of its body the Night Minstrel can feed without the fear of being eaten by hungry predators. Any creature which ingests the venom will suffer severe neurotoxic shock and death.
http://rhinohidestudios.com/images/barbed%20night%20minstrel.jpg
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Hanuka:
concept: The Malicious 'Dump Buzzard'
This hell-spawn hunter lives in the deep forests of Humpwood and the great mountains beyond. He nourishes from small animals, like hamstas and baby fozzybears, but also from infants. He aims for his prey from high above and secretes a paralyzing, toxic dung. His targeted precision is unrivaled. You better beware the next time you take your children out for a walk in the woods - they might be his next victims.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v101/hanuka/cow_4_2.jpg
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Fozzybar:
concept: Actually this colibri is not venomous at all...even its plumage is all over black actually...the thing is, that this little colibri feeds from the nectar of the White Drizzle Orchid, which grows in the colibris habitat...
The orchids blossom has two "ports", one contains the nectar, the other one is a few inches above...on each side of the blossom there is a gland, containing seminal fluid...
The orchid sprays the poison only when both "ports" are evoked simultaneously, this is the "sign" for the orchid that a "poison sparkle"-colibri is in front, because this colibri automatically introduces its horn on the top of the head when licking the nectar from the nectar-port beneath...the double-penetration provokes the orchid spraying the seminal fluid from its glands onto the little bird...
The "poison sparkle" produces a biochemical substance, which covers its plumage all the time, even right after hatching...the conjunction of both substances (the orchids seminal fluid + the colibris plumage substance) causes a chemical reaction - the result is a highly venomous substance...also the reaction effects in a beautiful pattern on the plumage which signals "i am venomous - don't eat me" to potential predators...
This is again a wonderful example of a symbiosis between a plant and an animal...the benefit for the bird is the venomous cover protecting it against predators, the orchid "binds" the colibri species to itself, so that the colibri always will visit this kind of orchid to spread their seminal fluid by flattering with their wings incredibly fast - in doing so some seeds will fling to other orchids and pollinate them...
http://www.kidomatix.com/ca/cow/cow_004_venomousbird_fozzybar.jpg
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Tully:
concept: Hoatzilcoatl: Assassin of the Amazon - 8' wingspan, approx. 40lbs
The world will be more glad to know that there is only one of these creatures in existance. Hoatzilcoatl is the unfortunate younger brother of the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl. His unusually foul odour (described once as "It was as if a hundred skunks all pissed on a mound of dung.") made him the subject of ridicule by the Aztec people who eventually drove him from Tenochtitlan.
A surprisingly sensitive fellow, Hoatzilcoatl was terribly hurt. Centuries of flying alone in the deepest reaches of the Amazon have made him one of the bitterest creatures of which you're ever likely to hear.
Every year in the wet season (the dampness partly masks his odour), he flies close to human cities waiting for any hapless traveller to blunder by. He then swoops down and balls his talons into a fist and punches them hard in the chest or head, invenomating them with the necrotizing poison from his retractable spurs.
The venom works quickly, killing all the tissue it comes into contact with. A maximum of two hours after the attack the victim will be dead unless an antivenin is administered, but the venom does not stop working. It takes only five hours for a 200 lb human to be reduced to a blackened husk.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/tully/Paintings/hoatzilcoatl.jpg
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Thestral:
concept: The Mardi Gras Medusa is considered one of the rarest and most beautiful venomous birds on earth. It’s also one of the most cunning. It makes it’s home in the metro area of New Orleans. It feeds only once a year, during the Mardi Gras celebration where, despite its very colorful plumage, the annual event offers effective camouflage while the bird hunts its prey. The diet of the Mardi Gras Medusa consists solely of alcoholic beverages. The venom contained in its bite, although not deadly, causes temporary stupefying paralysis, which causes the victim to involuntarily drop their newly filled container of beer onto the street. The Mardi Gras Medusa then feasts on the spilt contents. It is not unusual for this bird to consume ten times its weight in liquor during this single annual feeding period. It then spends the rest of the year hung over in hibernation.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/fundesign/margi_gras_medusa.jpg
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Scarn:
concept: The venomous Condor is a desert dwelling bird with the ability to inject a dose of venom into its prey, allowing the bird to bring it's meal home to its nest to feast in private, all in a single "swoop". Upon finding a prime target, the venomous condor dives down and lodges its two front talons into the fleeing prey, while the single back talon stabs the prey from behind injecting the vemon, rendering it unconscious and easy to carry home.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/Scarn/venomcondor.jpg
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strych9ine:
concept: Easily startled and bitch to clean up after, the Mucousa Vulture has only been captured by the most skilled of handlers. The Mucousa has an almost continual and involuntary flow of deadly venom erupting from it's nostrils, forever coating it's environment in a poison known to boil skin within seconds of contact. Just how they are able to produce such a mass volume of deadly serum remains a mystery, mostly because no one has been able to get near the damn thing for any significant period of time.
http://www.codytilson.com/9ine/9ine-COW4.jpg
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MoP:
concept: The Anti-Christmas Freedom Turkey is an evolutionary hiccup - it is physically indistinguishable from a common Turkey, and as such has been able to infiltrate and destroy a number of highly-regarded Turkey-farming establishments.
Smuggling large quantities of an unknown bacterial agent into Turkey farms, the Freedom Turkey informs all of the regular Turkeys of an impending mass escape, then proceeds to inject deadly doses of toxin into the nearest human being. After disabling the human overseers, it proceeds to unlatch any barriers between the Turkeys and the nearest exit. Then they are never seen again.
According to the world's media, most Turkey farmers must be (and I quote) "Fucking blind" to allow such an obvious instrument of death into their farms. The syringe itself is made of glass and highly polished surgical steel, so it's not exactly inconspicuous, especially when badly-hidden under half a Turkey's wing.
How the Freedom Turkey operates these complex syringe arrangements with their stubby, laughable wings remains a mystery.
Yes, it's real, and yes, it's coming for you.
http://www.spearmint.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/turkey.jpg
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Hamsta:
concept: This newly found relative of the Kiwi, is limited to a small island near New Zealand. Much like it's more common relative it is a shy bird, which eats insects. When this bird is intimidated it has one extra weapon at it's disposal - it's enzymes are deadly toxins and it's brightly painted beak interior warns of this threat.
Naming of this species is currently a heated debate among ornithologists.
http://img211.exs.cx/img211/8572/cow0046dk.jpg
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stormeffex:
concept: Because of it's bright plumage, other species are drawn to it. When curious observers get too close, the Tristis Parra (aka the farting bird) releases a toxic odor that can kill you in a matter of minutes. Upon death this little bird will feast upon your rotting skin, goring itself for days on end, depending on the size of the prey. During the feeding period it is quite safe from other predators because the lingering smell deters everyone in a 50 yard radius, leaving it safe to enjoy its meal.
http://stu.aii.edu/~th361/venomousbird.jpg
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lukavi:
concept: Bakulaw
The Bakulaw ( bah-koo-lao) is probably the laziest bird in existence, always having a desire to eat but never wanting to hunt for food. Also known as the Malignant Marsh-lounger, this bird does nothing but sleep, eat and languish in its own oils. The lack of any physical activity coupled with its voracious diet of fish, beavers and snakes makes it one of the most obese birds ever. This doesn't come as a shock what with the immense amount of cellulite and blubber it has.
The feature of the Bakulaw that categorizes it as a Venomous Bird, are the sacs of toxic oil build-ups found just under its chin that dangle down the length of its throat. It has hyper-active oil glands that countinously pump out excess fat, pollutants and waste from its body through its oversized pores. Similar to a gigantic whitehead, one oil sac build-up is a fatal cocktail of bacteria and toxicant substances. Since it never wants to work for a meal, this bird uses these sacs to its advantage to catch food. When it is ready to feed, it merely walks to its favourite marsh hunting ground and wait for one of the noxious oil sacs to ripen and fall off the stem (it's so lazy it wouldn't even assist in this process). It can wait for hours upon hours for a sac to ripen. Once one plops into the water, it quickly dissolves and the immediate vicinity is rendered unsafe. Fish caught in this festering cloud of stink are killed almost instantly. Once the dead fish float up to the surface, the Bakulaw starts to feed.
Left on its own (which is usually the case), this obese swine of a bird can live to almost 200 years of age! Sadly, most of them only reach 60 because of heart failure.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/deceptant/baluga_devenecia.jpg
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Arri.:
concept: ...also known as the bird of the three heads who announces the dead.
it is said that if you see them the dead, will arrive to you no matter where you are.
http://img147.exs.cx/img147/4662/vernomousbird6kp.jpg
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Oregano:
concept: Ferdinand's Fairly Foul Fowl, also known as the "Venenum Fowl", "Foul Fowl", "F-Bird", or commonly as "that fucking bird".
This wretched creature’s natural habitat is found in suburban towns, usually located around the entrances to bars and pubs, and has developed a startling capacity for language retention and imitation. However, the unfortunate downside to this development is its favor of more “choice” terms and phrases. Combined with it love of foul language, this fowl also has a foul disposition which does not endear it to other denizens of its habitat. While not physically imposing, or violent, this bird will unleash a venomous stream of colorful insults and descriptions at unsuspecting passersby in a startlingly versatile vocal range, switching quickly from gravel bass to high pitched warble.
Furthering this creatures less than admirable traits, many seem to be codependent and will follow random pedestrians for miles, often to their place of residence at which point the F-Bird will take up roost outside a convenient window to better direct their unending stream of verbally venomous sewage. Once they select a “host”, they rarely leave, but occasionally can be driven off by playing Neil Diamond, Kenny G, Yanni, Julio Iglasias or similar loudly and consistently for no less than 36 hours (less will only drive the Foul Fowl into a vocal frenzy of further insults).
Legally shot at primary and elementary schools and across the bible-belt and Vatican City, their numbers are in a sad, steady, decline throughout the northern latitudes. Attempts to save Ferdinand’s Fowl have all ended in disaster, with PETA, Green Peace and Animal Rights workers usually strangling the thing after weathering unending descriptive dialogs on the marital relations of the workers’ grandparents and kitchen appliances.
So, today throughout the world, this unique creature is singing its swan song into oblivion, and none too soon.
http://sketchforums.com/uploads/post-11-1109181325.jpg
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Dougbot:
concept: This is a Turnorock. They live at the edge of Limbo in the afterlife. They sit high above the ground on tall thin perches, waiting for souls trying to escape. When one is spotted they swoop down and pierce them with their beak. Then the body of the soul becomes hard and concrete, petrified and unable to move. This landscape is miles of concrete souls, twisted in shapes of fear and pain.
This is actually the true escape from Limbo though. Being frozen in time one reflects on the meaning of all, and once enlightened can escape the physical embodiment trapped on the plains of Limbo.
http://www.dougbot.com/forum/COW04.jpg
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Sinix:
concept:With a bulbous acid producing gland located on it's neck, the "venom crow" covers it's beak in a thick acidic venom to both kill and dissolve prey.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v147/sinix2/COW04a.jpg
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al-x:
concept: As the consumtion continued to raise through out the 21st Century the dumps grew larger and larger. Feasting at these dumps were the crows. Generation after generation of crows lived off of garbage. After a while evolution stepped in , the crows developed glands to protect them from all the bacteria. These glands collected the bacteria and gave the crow a venemous bite. Using their venom the crows now started hunting giant rats. They would bite the rat, the wound would become infected with bacteria and the crow just had to wait until the rat died of the infection (much like the commodo dragon of today). Soon the crows gathered in larger packs and started hunting larger animals. The pets of man could not be kept outside safe anymore. As cats and dogs became the crows favourite food. Rumour has even told about large packs of crows attacking men.
http://www.alextornberg.com/art/concepts/corvus_venenum.jpg
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cthomp:
concept: Venomous Tounge. I went with the idea that the bird would through poision slavia with its toungue.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/cthomp/colorbirds.jpg
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Xpose:
concept: The Lylan Desert Bird produces a poison of special enzymes from a gland below the beak. It secrets the poison into the beak and wipes it on it's sharp talons. When stalking prey it goes through this procedure and quickly attacks... Within seconds the poison attack the nervous system of the small prey and they become paralyzed. Although this bird can fly it rarely chooses to do more than flutter. AKA the lazy bird.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v294/xpose/drawings/lylanddesertbirdfixed.jpg
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leckronium:
concept: Ramfastos Poisonatus
This bird is a very close relative to the typical toucan you may see in pet stores. However, this version is a rare and newly evolved species and has earned its name by the venomous secretions on the end of its beak. It has developed this ability over many generations of eating poisonous berries. Used mainly for self defense, this bird will ram into you from the trees above if it feels threatened. The poison enters the victims bloodstream when the barbs on the end of the beak puncture the skin. The venom is highly poisonous and instantly attacks the nervous system, rendering the victim immobile and unable to cause any further harm to the bird or the nest it may be protecting. Toucans are not good flyers and get around mostly by hopping from tree to tree. But not to worry most toucans stick to their nesting areas and are only aggressive when threatened so keep your distance.
http://home.comcast.net/~leckronium/onlinestorage/venomousbird2.jpg
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klinesmoker:
concept: fel fellis ales alitis Venom Bird!
The tail on the rear is used to swoop in and disable larger prey, while the probe tongue is meant for smaller game! The dual capabilities of this bird create one of the most dangerous raptors in the world, especially to frogs!
http://img128.exs.cx/img128/2209/venombird1qv.jpg
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BIG BRUTICUS:
concept: The Snow Wasp (hymenoptera arctica)
The Snow Wasp secreates venom which is produced in a sack at their forehead and delivered through a specially developed barb on the top of the beak.
These little guys are pretty much harmless by themselves, but when their community is threatened by a predator they swarm on it delivering multiple stings, which more often than not proves to be fatal. Flocks of these birds have been know kill polar bears in mere minutes. Beware!
http://tinypic.com/1ttpnr
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Jull:
concept: Imperial Vastado Fisher
This BIG bird eats fishes like salmons or any fish from fresh water with a high level of proteins and poly-unsaturated fats, but it is a bit slow and has a poor vision for fishing. For this reason, in its jowl/neck cavity it cultivates a venomous fungi which spreaded over the river causes the death of all fishes X radius around in some minutes.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v162/zafio/forum/cow/jull_cow_004.jpg
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Nike:
concept: Paradisea venenosa Steindachneri (vulgo: Steindachner's paradise bird)
Paradisea venenosa spec. Steindachneri is a subspecias of Paradisea minor (so called paradise bird) discovered by Steindachner 1989 in the Kongo delta.
The bird is living in a symbiosis with a venenous tree (Kalodendron toxicos), that is providing an almost sterile environment for it's few inhabitants (Paradisea venenosa spec. Steindachneri and a beetle it seems to feed on), that are, as it seems, not only immune against it's toxious resin, but even seem to have absorbed the poison into their circulation.
Paradisea venenosa spec. Steindachneri is strictly monogam and usually one couple inhabitats one tree. Once every three years (the age these birds can reech is still under discussion, but it seems they can get at least 23 years old) the female bird (see bottom right corner) is laying one egg. The nest is in a hole of the tree, that is usually highly enriched with the toxic and quite fluid resin of the tree. The poison is finding a way into the egg through the shell and is becoming part of the bird's circulation.
In an age of approximatley 2 years the juvenile birds are leaving their parent's tree and are seraching for a new tree and a partner, a very difficult challenge as both the tree and the bird are very rare species, and highly affected by pollution and diminishment of rain forest areas.
In the time the bird is without the Kalodendron toxicos, it is usually weak because of the higher bacterial count in the new environment and would consequently make an easy prey for bigger birds and apes. But when touched, the bird can spread poison that is stored in it's feathers. The poison is leaving painful open wounds on the aggressor, that aren't healing for a long while. Most animals are avoiding to cross a Paradisea venenosa spec. Steindachneri's way, human beings on the other hand couldn't resist capturing them in order to keep the beautiful birds in cages.
This has not only caused some accidents (they are fatal only in rare cases, but still uncomfortable), but also the bird is not surviving very long in captivity. This has been explained by the absence of the Kalodendron toxicos tree so far.
http://geekhost.info/~artofnike/artofnike/venombirdie.jpg
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Helzon:
concept:Jarensten's Viper Headed Hornbill
The breed was posthumously named after the ornithologist who's final and most lethal discovery bears his monicker. Most if not all the current information about the species was derived post vivisection. A live specimen was deemed far too costly to procure and having no antivenin on hand would have proved just as costly in human life.
What can be surmised by the mechanics of the head:
During a fight or flight response the beak bifurcates along the posterior axis
where markings along the webbed cranial connective membrane become a warning to any adversaries. The eyes are forced slightly down and away, giving the hornbill a wider field of vision.
Secondarily, the poison sack at the back of the head is stimulated where an amplified toxin is channeled down two anterior ridges along the inside of the beak.
The toxin itself is an amplified version of a common microbial digestive agent found in the intestines of wood bores and what can only be assumed as a large component of the Viper Heads diet.
The digestive agent is collected at the back of the head where a secondary culture like substance feeds and mutates the normally inoccuous microbes into a most potent and lethal poison.
Sadly nothing is known of mating rituals, nesting behavior, or migration patterns.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/Helzon/SplitBillfinal.jpg
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willow-whisp:
concept: The Spined Camel Vulture
This bohemoth of the Saharah varies greatly from its vulture cousins. While the Spined Camel Vulture would never pass up a meal of carrion, this unique species is known to agressively hunt down large prey, such as camels, for which it is named. This vulture possesses "spines", or modified feather shafts along the ridges and tips of its wings which contain venom ducts. The vulture will swoop down upon its prey, usually in the daylight hours and grasp the animal in its strong talons while thrashing the animal's back with its powerful wings. This causes the venomous spines to penetrate the animal's back and inject a strong neurotoxin, which can paralyze an adult antelope in minutes. The vulture will then circle its wounded victim until it falls, when feast upon its innards while it is still alive. Flocks of Spined Camel Vultures have been known to take down entire herds of cattle in a matter of hours and attacks on humans have also been on the rise as man encroaches on its natural habitat. Unconfirmed sightings of Spined Camel Vultures have been reported further south in the Ngorongoro Crater, where it appears to have taken a liking to giraffe, lion and elephant meat.
http://flyingclam.com/bigpics/venomous_sketch_ca.jpg
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Sapphire:
concept:
Scientific name: corvus luna cristata
Common name: Poison moon jay
This species derives its name from the lunar-like, glowing eyespots on the underside of each wing. It has evolved in close link with the lantern frog, a toxic species that resides in deep forests and can often be found in the mouths of certain caves. Nobody is entirely sure where the lantern frog derives its noxious venom, but scientists believe it has to do with the food it ingests; a particular species of blue firefly, which it attracts with a lure that can flash and mimic the mating signals of these insects. The moon jay does not seem to eat the frogs for its diet, but instead attracts them and then pounces on them, clasping the frog in its feet. It then performs a bizarre ritual, pecking a little at the frog so that it releases a potentially lethal neurotoxin from its skin. The jay wipes its beak over the frog's back and then preens itself, leaving a thin oil on its feathers as a defense mechanism to its predators. If the immediate bitter stinging sensation doesn't put the predator off, the jay goes into a defensive stance, lowering its head and raising its tail feathers, which have evolved to look extremely like one another and confuse the animal into biting the less important end. The eyespots are also meant to confuse and startle.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v35/Sapphire8400/venemousbird3.jpg
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Form:
concept: Keleleqi - The Fruit Poisoner (a modern scientific study)
Quill is the literal translation of the Denaari word "Keleleqi", that the Denar people gave to this creature when they first noticed its shedding wings littering their villages. The keleleqi are a decrepit species of bird who feed upon succulent and sweet jungle fruits. The keleleqi bird has an insanely slow digestive system, and as a result the fruit it eats rots while still in its digestive system. The result is a high level of toxic bile produced and circulated throughout its body. This festering slime is partially digested, but the excess waste which the stomach cannot process is forced back and slowly regurgitated through a trickle in the underside of the birds beak. The result of this is that when the bird feeds, it carelessly spreads the sticky, poisonous ichor over the fruit plant. Being clear, the toxin quickly sticks to the fruits surface and becomes transparent. When tribesmen pick fruit for the village they are unknowingly bringing with it the deadly poison of the keleleqi. Many children and adults too have become deathly ill due to the potent and unwitting substance, and so too does it have a long-term effect on the bird - causing it to rapidly shed its feathers once the toxin seeps into its epidermal system - hence how it recieved its name from the fallen feathers littering the villages. While not killing the bird, it causes it to become an ever more decrepit and foul creature.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v47/formsketch/cow4.jpg
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vigostar:
concept: The Darwinian Pelican
The Miniature Pelican or the Darwinian Pelican is a cousin of the larger Brown and White Pelican. Found only on the Galapagos Islands, this small bird is a true testament to Darwin's "Theory of Evolution".
This small bird averaging only four inches tall is too small to hunt other mamals or fish. It is thought that through "evolution" it has mutated it's sac from being a place to store food to a pre-digestive organ. Once the pelican places it's food (which is now instects, due to the pelican's size) in the sac, a acid or toxin is released decomposing the hard shells found on insects. After the insects become a puree, the pelican can safely swallow it's food.
Scientists have just recently started to study this magnificant bird to learn how it has evolved itself. We only know Darwin would have been very proud!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v402/vigostar/pelican2.jpg
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arteric:
concept: The "Buring Death Falcon"
In the waning years of World War II, Hitler’s desperation for world domination led him to give free reign to his scientists in an effort to create the ultimate weapon that could crush the Allied Forces. After a long trial-and-error process using various machines, guns and missiles, the scientists struck upon the idea of combining genetic engineering with their chemical weapons program. Their hope was that they would breed and organic delivery system that would send the deadly agents directly into the Allied front lines decimating as many soldiers as possible while, at the same time, spreading fear amongst them and demoralizing their leaders. Thus the “ Falke von Brennend Dea” (roughly translated into “Burning Death Falcon” was born.
The “Burning Death Falcon” (singularly named although it contained 22 bird species spliced together including Toucan, Owl and Vulture) was also bred to withstand being pumped to near bursting with many types of corrosive acids. It was unveiled to the German elite and set loose upon the world in a grand ceremony on January 18, 1944. The ceremony would turn into a slaughter when the birds immediately turned on and destroyed the viewing audience, killing over 300 scientists, officers and politicians. It was not until years later that the cause was determined... during the splicing process, German scientist accidently used too much homing pigeon DNA.
Below: The “Burning Death Falcon” see here with handler.
http://tinypic.com/1z7wbd
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Stitchface:
concept: "Festering Tit Warbler"- Nastiness Titicus
This nasty little bird gets its name from the poisonous [air]sacs throughout its body by which it just breaths on its prey, then it is parallyzed and ready for eating or picked at for a snack. Actually it is a poisonous gas that is produced then the FTW breaths into a dead log an then waits for the gases to fumigate or flush out its prey. Which is composed of insects and smaller animals (mice,toads, etc.). It is mainly a nocturnal predator, which on a good night you can see the poisonous green breath eminating from its orafices.
This bird is also a world renown delicacy, if you can catch one[good luck!], which can only be prepared by very few chefs of the highest degree that know how to prepare it properly.[by removing the poisonous 'tit' sacs]. Hmmmm-Hmmmm-hmmm!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v63/Stitchface/Sketchbook/SF_CACow_04.jpg
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[Fozzybar]

OK - before voting/posting read this!!!

1. Please give c&c or a reason why you voted for the image!

2. Feel free to comment on any or all entries, the artists will appreciate it!

[Hanuka]

incredible coloring skills, stitchface. you got my vote. this eye is freaking me out!
ill try to comment on some more later

[Helzon]

Just had to post this....
There were so many incredible entries....too numerous to recount...but
the effort was outstanding on all fronts...from the design, to the execution, to the thoughtful and many varied descriptions....Phenomenal work...simply phenomenal...
Looking forward to the next C.O.W....can't wait to get started...:)

[Form]

stitchface gets my vote too. mesmerizing. it was a bloooody hard decision though. I loved dougbots - it was a design i was originally going to take too, but i didnt have the ideas formulating right! Also loved arri's, really nice feeling in that one. Well done people :)

[Jull]

Stitchface

No need for comments I think... but for this round, imo, a lot of people won.

[Salvadorcoran]

Alot of interesting ideas this week. Too bad my poisonous humming bird didnt make it into the final stages of "post-worthy-ness" I voted for Lukaveli b/c his concept seemed too real. That a fat lazy bird would sit in the water and wait for a fish to swim by so that he could drop a poisonous pimple to kill it then eat it...fricking gross! His design of the animal was grotesque but it suited the concept of the creature, after all the object of these COW postings is 50% concept and 50% art right? After all the website is named Concept Art.org....It only makes sense to vote for creatures that coincide with the idea of the week and that are designed well. Im not going to vote for a turkey holding a needle.... :^^;:

just posting my thoughts.
Orco

[arteric]

Stitchface got my vote in the end too (I am beginning to feel like this one might be a run away for him).The rendering was fabulous, the concept solid... and the overall piece top-notch.

If I get the chance I will do my "Critique of everyone" later on.... but with so many entries this week it might be too difficult. My schedule will determine it/

Great work by all, and I agree with Fozzy, we have reached an unbelievable level of polish and presentation in a matter of weeks; I think we are all pushing each other to improve. That's what I love about C.O.W.

-Eric

[Bretton]

I voted for arri. great rendering and those bird heads might give me nightmares.

[ngnorden]

hard choice between strych9ine, fungi and Sinix great colours and details, but Stitchface gets my vote, crisp rendering and a lot of character!

[S.C. Watson]

I voted for Oregano because that was bird was just genious! Incredible execution, style, description... :x oh, :teeth: heh, :bashful:

:yayca:

FIRST PLACE: Ari got my vote. I loved the concept of a three headed bird reminiscent of Cerebus the dog, guardian of the underworld.

SECOND PLACE : For just skill of execution Stitchface runs an incredible close second. That thing was beautiful. The eye especially was incredibly well done.

Random notes:
al-x This had some mad rendering going on. I love the fact that this is a graphite rendering - added to the flavor considerably.

Helzon: The angle you drew that birds head was wicked. Really showed off the bill very well.

Sapphire I love the field notebook feel of this. Has a very naturalist feeling to it.

Form Awsome concept. But it reminded me of a logo, and I would have liked it a lot more if there were bird bones in the background instead of a human skeleton.

Bretton I liked yours a lot. I loved how the mad scientist and his bird looked alike :tihi:

Matt Loved your concept, but the bird looked a little rushed. It didn't have the same finish that your pieces usually do. As the only two time winner so far, I suppose we can cut you some slack this time :P

0kelvin My kids bust up everytime they see your vomiting penguin :x

fungi: Loved the colors and the details on the head.

davi Really very cool. I would have loved to have seen the detailing brought through the picture a little more. Not crazy like, just more definition in areas, especially along the wings.

Gloklund This was an awsome idea. I loved the fact you had it perched oon a pencil :teeth:

Hanuka Cool idea, but my only concern was that it looked a little too much like a bald eagle :S

Fozzybar I loved the colors and especially the pattern. Really cool. The horn was a cool idea as well.

Tully I was really struck by the head of this bird, and your choice of colors. I thought they worked well.

Thestral Too funny. Loved the idea 8)

Scarn I think my only real crit here is that it almost looked too cute. Condors are *ugly* birds. A little more time on the ugly department would have helped this one, me thinks.

strych9ine Man, I want a box of kleenex everytime I look at this pic :x

MoP Hysterical. Very funny.

Hamsta I realize you may have come in late, but try to spend a little more time on your entry. I honestly couldn't tell what it was when I first saw it :^^;:

stormeffex this was a good rendering, but it suffers from too little contrast. Everything is pretty much the same value. Try lightening the background some to make the bird pop out a tad more.

lukavi LOL, dude, this was gross :x Cool, but gross. I did appreciate your color choices, the pallet worked very well for the piece iin my opinion.

Dougbot That was one mean looking bird. I love the muted colors, but he almost looks glossy. Not sure if that was intentional or not.

Sinix the body structure looked a little off, but I loved the electric blue of its poison sack.

cthomp cool idea. Try taking a little more time to develop your concept further, both with the description and the renderiing.

Xpose I like this guy, but he looks a little flat to me. Not that you want to go back and work on it again, but see if you can't push his legs a little further back with some shadowing right around the hip joints underneath. Love his face :teeth:

leckronium I really liked this one, but the bill flattens out and becomes lack luster when compared to the rest of the bird :S

klinesmoker LOL That don't look like a tail! :x >:| Liked the idea, but take a little more time on the rendering.

BIG BRUTICUS I loved coloring on the bird. Reminds me very much of a Puffin gone technicolor :teeth:

Jull that head structure is awsome

Nike Loved your idea. Color choices could were good, but could have stood more contrast here. Next time try using a different color than white for your background. You have enough contrast from page to bird, but within the form of the bird, things get a little muddy. Specifically, on the top left, where the wings cross the tail, they are almost the same tone. Try mixing it up some to bring different areas out.

willow-whisp Awsome sketch. The mean assed looking quills off the wings rule.

vigostar I *love* the expression on this guys' face :teeth:

arteric heh :tihi:

k. Think that was everyone.

Peace, congrats, y'all get a cookie :yayca: :yayca:

~Shane

[vigostar]

Ok, so I had to play favorite with my entry because I worked hard and I really like the outcome of it.. If I would not have voted for mine I would have voted for Fozzy's. The colors he choose are precise for a venomous creature... I'll post more comments later on... Great to all!!! I'm going to have to add some color on this weeks creature to be able to compete better..

[Xpose]

Xpose I like this guy, but he looks a little flat to me. Not that you want to go back and work on it again, but see if you can't push his legs a little further back with some shadowing right around the hip joints underneath. Love his face :teeth:

~Shane
Thanks man... I really did put some time into this one. I realized I messed up on the legs about a day after I posted it but It would have taken forever to fix (all I have is a scanner and pencil) I colored the damn thing with my mouse! because I don't have a wacom tablet.

[Sapphire]

I am your fan, Stitchface! :bow:

(as an aside, is it just me? I can't see my own piece... it's got the red X of doom...)

[JeffZNY]

Man, I wanted to participate in this so badly, but I only discovered the C.O.W. section on Friday (I'd been wondering all month where that llama icon came from that everyone's been using!!), and I just couldn't seem to find the time on Saturday to sit down and tear something out. I had my concept all set...a small bird like the ones you see perched on water buffalo in africa, only this bird's tiny beak penetrates the skin like a mosquito, injecting a poison that paralysizes the beast so it can suck its blood at its own leisure. For a humorous twist, the unfortunate beast would've been Dix's C.O.W. cow. Oh well, what can ya do. Awesome work from everyone!

Hats off to strych9ine for a unique concept and execution, I really enjoyed just staring at the design and texture of this one...Also to fungi for a beautiful render. again i really enjoyed the texture here. you commonly seem to pull off great textures in your work with just limited brush strokes, a talent of which I am definitely envious! my only crit is I think the bird's anatomy is a bit too reminiscent of a flamingo for me to imagine it in high-flying predatory mode as it's described...I also love davi's, both the concept and execution. that thing is friggin scary! I think because you even bothered with a background-and a sloppy one- at first glance your piece seems less finished than the others. looking closer though, you've done a great render on the bird, the background is just detracting from it. Probably would've been better off with just the creature design rather than the full scene, though at some point in the future I'd love to see that bad ass take on a bear as your description promises! dougbot's is simple, but effective. for some reason it doesn't look like its claws are resting on that rock quite convincingly, but that head makes up for it and then some. I love that concept of the beak envoking a skull...maybe you were inspired by something else, but it's the first time I've seen that done, and I think it's extremely fresh, original, and effective. I was very close to voting for your's just based on that skull alone, but for whatever reason the rest of the bird wasn't hitting me as hard. I think the bland colors had something to do with it, though obviously I realize that was intentional. It might have something to do with the composition as well, as the head is by far the most interesting part of the design, but I don't feel as if my attention was immediately drawn to that focal point at first glance. Still, I love it, great job!

Ultimately I voted for Arri. As Oreg said, the avian twist on Cerberus is awesome. The colors are beautiful and well utilized, drawing attention to the more finished portions of the illustration like the head, and diverting our attention from parts that are less finished like the feet. Again, as seems to be a theme in my critiques today, I love the texture on this one...the splotches of color in the feathers, but even more so the subtle variation of color on the head and beak. This is definitely the best thing you've posted on CA. And while we're on the subject, why haven't you posted more. I looked in your profile and you don't seem to have a web site, nor a sketchbook. You've posted a fair amount in the DSG section, but it's tough to view all your work together there. I really recommend you open up a sketchbook thread as a lot of ppl on CA tend to do...it's a great way to gather all your work in one place for ppl to look at. If you've got a website, point us in that direction...I'm sure I'm not the only who wants to see more!

I'm sorry, I only picked a few pieces to critique, but today's a busy day for me. Props to Oregano for being far less lazy than I!

Sapphire --yeah, more than a few seem to be getting the red x treatment...You should demand a recount:)

[Form]

Saphire: the photobockuet is rebuilding a disk, if your with them, the image should show up eventually.

WHO VOTED FOR ME? Show yourself :F

[Form]

oh yeh oregano - it is quite logo-ish, because as i said it was for a school assignment too so i had to encorporate hand lettering and various other elements. Thanks for the complement buddy ;)

[MoP]

Lukavi gets my vote... although it was a close call between that and Stitchface's entry...

Basically what swung it was the reaction it got from me... Lukavi's image is technically very good, but also the description bundled with it is just so deliciously foul, it's a brilliant combination.
I must admit Stitchface did a very good take on the bird name ;)

My honorable mentions go to Arri for a really cool-looking bird design, Fungi for a very cool painting style and pose, Gloklund for such a cute and nice looking birdie, Tully and Strich9ine for colour choices, and Helzon for innovation.

Overall standards were very high, tough choices voting here!

Can't wait to see what you all make for the next one :)

[JeroArt]

Damn this is difficult :S there are so many great concepts here...

But well, i finally made my decison:

I vote for Lukavi's: Bakulaw.
This was my first thought, and still after checking the rest.
Not with a hundred percent sureness, but...

That bird...that thing is so discusting man damn!
it almost makes you puke when you see it haha.
I also like his environment, and the style and detail in it (the threes etc.)
And it's a cool concept, cuz someone has to clean up the dead animals (fish) hehe ;)

Though I also have 2 say I realy like Stitchface's bird very much!
Hehe with the titty's on his head :P LoL!

Nice concepts ya'll!!

Can't wait till the next round!
Cuz everyone haz it's strong and weak pointz...

[Hamsta]

Actually I posted before you Oregano, so I can't use that as an excuse, but I don't need an excuse, I can just face the facts - my skills are weak, especially when it comes to finishing stuff.

Ah well that's one entry down, now who to vote to...

[Neku]

first vote for Lukavi's Bakulaw
because he tied everything nicely together, desciption is great he explains it in a very serious tone (though theres slight humor in it;"whitehead"). plus he shows the birds killing method, plus he also added a spiffy bg? did i say it was also very original ?
A+ *thumbs up*


everything was super yummy, great posts >_<!:

props for Oreganos was hella humorus *cheers*

uh yeah, titty bird is nicely render :'D *scratches head* somehow something that incorporates a part of the female anatomy always seems to win X'D >:|

[arteric]

OK, critiques for all... kept as brief as possible, I am going to have to give this up if more and more people keep entering these things.

strych9ine:
Upside: The rending is great, much more of an stylistic interpretation than a rending (that is not bad, just so you know). The colors and the technique are great.
Downside: The bird itself isn't greatly original. I see not much "concept" to this one, more "art" than anything else.

Scarn:
Upside: I like the bird in flight more so than the close-up, maybe you should have taken just the one image and ran with it. The head-sack is a great touch.
Downside: The sack could have been an even more interesting feature if worked out more. Maybe the anatomical mechanics could have been more fleshed out.

Thestral:
Upside: Marvelous color scheme. I like the head feathers and the Medusa touch... it makes us associate it with danger right off the bat.
Downside: Is it venomous, or does it turn us to stone? The venom part seems unrealized in the image itself.

Tully:
Upside: Good brush work, nice choice of colors, especially the cooler blues on the backside feathers that make us focus more on the bright head and feet.
Downside: It looks just like other birds except for the extra needle-talons. I would love to have seen the legs more re-invented to accommodate those new claws.

Fozzybar:
Upside: Excellent rendering, stylistically it looks to be right out of a bird watchers guide. Nice concept combining environment with venom.
Downside: The surface looks almost plastic-like, not feather like. A different angle view might have been a better choice, it looses impact turned away from us, I think.

Hanuka:
Upside: Nice freedom in your rendering work, I like the loose strokes and water-color style wash to the image.
Downside: Anatomy issues. The head looks too big, the feet too tiny. The venom aspect is pretty much missing from the image part of this work.

Gloklund:
Upside: Super cool image, great originality to the creature, good colors and great rendering. It's size is a great touch.
Downside: More to the story than the image. Like most, I would like to see the venom portion more represented in the actual art. The wings look less finished on the large image than the rest of the body does, almost rushed looking.

Fungi:
Upside: Great colors (much like your anal parasite). The proportions of the eye/head area work really well for me... the small, black, eye has a realistic yet creepy feel for some reason.
Downside: The image looks unfinished, the tail is just a smear really. The venom portion, like so many others, is in the concept only, and not the art portion. The white background is too stark and is a distraction.

Okelvin:
Upside: An image with great character. I crack up each time I see it. I love the green "bad apple" coloring. It's less realistic, more cartoonish-stylized approach works for this image.
Downside: Could have been thought through a little bit more. The beak looks a little off from the rest of the face, where it connects looks to artificial. I would like to see more surface texture on it, some semblance of feathers/fur.

davi:
Upside: Vicious looking in an instant. The head is awesome, love the internal workings of the mouth. Great lighting.
Downside: Looks more reptilian than bird like. The wings look more like arms with end flippers. The image could have benefited from color, and more time to polish it off with a more finished look.

Matt Dixon:
Upside: As always, killer brush work, great 3-D quality and excellent rendering skills. Love the color and the feather texture.
Downside: Would like to have seen more thought put into the anatomy mechanics of this one. The body seems less worked through than the head/neck and feet. This one might also have benefited from a background of some sort.

Bretton:
Upside: Love the bird/human resemblance and mad scientist touch. The simple color scheme and style work well together... almost reminding me of Mike Mignola (Hellboy) art work.
Downside: The body of the bird seems un-realized, just a rough sketch of color. The texture of the surface feels flat, and more to the feather/fur rendering would have worked well here.

Big Bruticus:
Upside: Good color scheme, bright warning colors. I love the patterning on the face. Sitting on the skull is a fabulous touch of sinister art.
Downside: Feels flat overall, and the skull could be more finished and therefor more effective and startling. The birds beak feels off anatomically, and the texture could have been more "feather" like.

Klinesmoker:
Upside: Definitely feels like it is a 3D object, and the lighting really works well to add to that touch.
Downside: The illustration could use more time and work. Feels flat, and the anatomy needs more attention to detail.

leckronium:
Upside: Beautiful overall image, nice underside angle... good colors. I like the spinney "hair" material.
Downside: The body lacks detail. Overall it simply looks like a toucan.. I almost get the feeling this was drawn from an existing image. The beak is in a different perspective than the rest of the image.

Xpose:
Upside: The beak and eyes/face work the best on this image. Subdued color scheme gives it a dark feel.
Downside: The feathers look more like scribbled lines. Focus more on your anatomy. Can't tell if the bird is sitting or standing, the shadow underneath is off. Overall, could have used more time.

cthomp:
Upside: Looks just like parrot, clean and straightforward image. Color scheme is cool, I like the lack of lower jaw, creepy idea.
Downside: Very unfinished look. No real rendering inside the body. Feels flat and rushed. Like many others, spend more time on the finished piece, it will benefit.

al-x:
Upside: Great drawing ability. Love the pencil sketch side view, looks almost like a cross between a Komodo dragon and a crow. Great anatomy detail in the face:
Downside: The color image looks unfinished. The body has no detail and that detracts from the image. The colors are almost too dark making it hard to see detail and structure.

Sinix:
Upside: Like strych9ine, great stylistic approach. Love the face, the dark lifeless eyes, the "rusty-looking" beak. The neon blue vein-color is phenomenal.
Downside: From the sack down it looks like a different image. No real detail and rushed brushstrokes. It the body had the same level of look as the head and sack, this would have been close to tops on my list.

Dougbot:
Upside: My 2nd Place choice. The image is just so freakin' cool. The lighting is extraordinary, the bones and tendons are awesome.... love the cobweb like strings on the wing. The light on the center of the stand with that crack in the surface is my favorite single part of ANY image in this weeks contest.
Downside: Would have won if the concept was "Spirit Bird" but the venom part just seemed to be almost left out. Would love to see a background on this one, even if just hinted at.

Part II to follow....

[arteric]

OK, critiques for all... kept as brief as possible, I am going to have to give this up if more and more people keep entering these things.

Oregano:
Upside: Killer Out-of-the-box take on the "Venomous" part. Wins top prize for original spin on the concept. Seriously cracked me up.
Downside: The image is just so darn rushed that I couldn't get behind the unique take. If this had a more finished illustration (outside a seedy bar, a Miller window light reflecting of the sidewalks rainy surface... smoking a cigarette and looking half-assed drunk) I could have voted for it even being so far in left field. Go for it next time, make the artwork deserve the great idea.

Arri:
Upside: In my top five, easily. Great image, excellent anatomy, killer lighting filtering down from above giving it an almost 3D scultped look. Love the faces and colors.
Downside: The venom is missing from the image entirely. Would have won if it was a "mythological Bird" concept contest this week. Great image, but I couldn't vote for it missing half the idea in the art.

lukavi:
Upside: You draw gross better than anyone else here. Truly disturbing images. The sick yellow color adds to the acidic, chemical feel. The small details are awesome, and the environment ROCKS! (Those trees are better that some peoples entire entries.... no names mentioned though,)
Downside: Was close to getting my vote, but something about the anatomy felt too forced. Almost too over the top for me (and I like to exaggerate, I do it every second of every day.) Like your "Don't Touch That" cockroach/woman.... the image almost hits me too hard (just my opinion here...) But even with all that, it was an incredibly close race between you and my choice. Keep up the excellent work.

stormeffex:
Upside: Good color scheme for the feather patterns... great proportions to the image and good anatomical accuracy. The concept cracked me up.
Downside: Unfinished look overall... gray background detracts from the image. Would like to have seen the concept more worked into the anatomy... don't be afraid to focus on the idea and really drive it home in the image.

Hamsta:
Upside: Good freedom of brush strokes. Nice, bright colors.
Downside: Very unfinished. Really, take more time with your future entries. No real detail to the image.

MoP:
Upside: I nearly fell over laughing at the image. Seriously, with this weeks concept title and the image, a description almost wasn't necessary. It's a friggin turkey with a syringe, how cool is that?
Downside: Too far outside the box for serious contention, especially with level of thought and illustration some people are putting into their images in here. I applaud the humor, but work more on the art and idea next time. Think to yourself, "What if this was a job from a client, a movie company wanting a Venomous Bird design? Would I show them a turkey with a syringe?"

Stitchface:
Upside: Got my vote! Unbelievable rendering. You shame us... one of the top illustrators I've seen on these posts. Great colors, the deep reds offset all of the green/blues wonderfully. The eye (as said by nearly everyone) stares right into you. Love the anatomy and the concept is cool.
Downside: The lower, yellow part of the body looks very underdrawn compared to the rest, and I am not sure if that is good or bad. Does it let your eye rest from the intense facial detail, or is it almost a distraction because it feels so different than the rest of the image... not sure on this one. Small complaint, but the feet don't really seem to be sitting on the flat ground that the shadow implies.

vigostar:
Upside: Excellent shading and textures. Good pencil work, nice lighting.
Downside: Feels flat and could really benefit from color. The wing really seems off compared to the rest of the image, and so does the one bent leg... it feels too stiff.

Form:
Upside: Neat image, and I love the technique you used... traditional approach. The dark blue is a cool color scheme (not temperature... but "awesome" factor.)
Downside: The bird seems almost secondary... very little detail. The rock it is on doesn't fit at all. The empty space on the wing looks wrong, it could use more feather texture.

Sapphire:
Upside: Nice brush work. I really like some of the colors you got, the bright cyans and deep purples. (Not the band.) That little sketch with just the hint of white has so much movement and flow.... might be my favorite part.
Downside: Looks unfinished overall. Could have been better with one image and more time than multiple images each looking unfinished. The frog is almost a more interesting image than the bird.

willow-whisp:
Upside: Great pencil work. Very rounded and realist feeling. Nice texture and great anatomy. Love the long shoulder feathers.
Downside: Hard to judge being just a sketch, I would love to have seen this one finished... but so far I don't see the "venom" part in the image at all.

Helzon:
Upside: One of the best bio-anatomical concepts this time a round. I love the mechanics of the head, the split beak is GREAT, with the membrane and eye movement being great details. Really good drawing.
Downside: A bit hard to make out in it's current drawn form (color might have helped.) Almost too much detail, too busy for the eye to focus anywhere. Would like to see it in an actual setting too, not just a white background.

Nike:
Upside: Love the textures, very unique and visually appealing style. Great brush strokes and good overall color choices.
Downside: Looks like a half completed drawing. Like others, focusing on one image might have been a better approach than multiple, less finished ones. The "Venom" part doesn't come through clearly in the image portion.

Jull:
Upside: You have a very recognizable style. Your color pallet is always spot-on. Your rendering feels almost like it is molded out of clay, the light plays off it very well.
Downside: This image feels more unfinished than your others. The wing seems particularly rushed. The head anatomy is a bit difficult to make out, as is the gray structure on its back/lower neck.

[arteric]

The over all level of quality on this weeks entries was far higher than any previous week. I am sure even better things are yet to come. I sound like a broken record on some of my critiques, I know... my best advice out there to everyone is think to yourself "Could my work convey almost everything it needs to if I DIDN'T have the paragraph description to help it?" The same way a screen play can't have actors inner motivations written into it, these images can't rely on the description as a "crutch" that gets the coolest part of our idea's across. Can you do the "concept" part and the "art" part together? Try not to think of the paragraph and the art as separate items...

I think it would be fun to try to do this without a paragraph one week as one of the rules, forcing us to get as much across in the image as possible.... what do you think Fozzy? Just an idea.

Keep drawing everyone.

-Eric

[S.C. Watson]

Downside: The image is just so darn rushed that I couldn't get behind the unique take. If this had a more finished illustration (outside a seedy bar, a Miller window light reflecting of the sidewalks rainy surface... smoking a cigarette and looking half-assed drunk) I could have voted for it even being so far in left field. Go for it next time, make the artwork deserve the great idea.

Hey man, thanks for the crit.You are absolutely right about it being rushed, and I felt like a hack mentioning other people's work being rushed >:| My lame excuse is that I'm swamped with work, but I promised myself I'd enter. I promise, as soon as I figure out what in the bloody heck I'm doing for this week, I'll take it nice and sssssllllllooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwww :wink:

Cheers,
~S

[Xpose]

Xpose:
Upside: The beak and eyes/face work the best on this image. Subdued color scheme gives it a dark feel.
Downside: The feathers look more like scribbled lines. Focus more on your anatomy. Can't tell if the bird is sitting or standing, the shadow underneath is off. Overall, could have used more time.


I got the look I wanted to achieve... except for the legs and maybe the shadow. As for the feathers I like how it came out. I'm not blessed with a wacom tablet like some people. I make do with a pencil, paper, scanner, and my mouse. I have at least 5 hours in this... I've never been to art schooling or anything like that and I'm only 18. So, as for you saying it could have used more time..... bite me!

[Ostrander]

Thank you once again Arteric, your critiques on everyone’s work, including myself is extremely invaluable. I know it must take quite a bit of time to do and I feel we are very lucky to get that feedback. It makes me feel good that someone is saying something constructive and not just say how cool something looks and that’s it. It makes me think about my work more and what I could do to make it better to reach that next level. I like the fact that you are mentioning something to everyone and not just who's the "popular" artist of the boards. It means a lot and you are to be commended.

And thank you too Oregano, I know you took a lot of time too on your crits as well, thank you!

[Bretton]

I am very much in agreement with gloklund, thank you very much arteric and oregano!

I think this is by far the best c.o.w. yet and I think C.O.W. is one of the best ca activities yet in my opinion in terms of fantastic artwork put out.

edit:

xpose: You need to learn to take critiques, they can be extremely valuable. As for your excuses, like you I don't have a wacom, but i don't look upon it as an ailment, a wacom doesn't automatically improve the quality of your art. I have only had basic high school art classes and I am only 17. Don't think just because you spent 5 hours on something that automatically makes it finished, many people spend a lot more time than that getting their art to a level that they feel is acceptable. Don't make excuses to defend yourself from his crits, they are all spot on.

[Form]

thanks a lot arteric - even though i picked out those faults too - it brings to light the fact that i need to FIX these things before i post - as jason once told the austin workshopgoers; if you know someone is going to critique something or tell you something need fixing, fix it before they can get you!! Every time you post you should believe there is nothing that can be critted (althought there always should be ;))

Your critiques are tres appreciated man, thanks!

[strych9ine]

Thanks for all of your comments and crits, everyone, I appreciate it. All of this badass competition is going to make me crank it up a notch next round. Watch yo asses. :grandpa:

Lukavi got my vote this round, although it was incredibly tough to pick a favorite. So many notables... Arri, Dixon, Dougbot, Stitchface, Oregano, Helzon, Sinix and more all were excellent. I'll try to find some time to comment on everyone's pieces later.

I've never been to art schooling or anything like that and I'm only 18. So, as for you saying it could have used more time..... bite me!

:ad: :ai: :ac: :ak: :ah: :ae: :aa: :ad:

Dude, you're lucky you got a comment at all. Lose the ego and try to grow from any comments (positive or negative) you receive here.

[Sapphire]

arteric: thanks SO much for doing that for everyone! I know I had been a little disappointed about not getting the critiques everyone else was getting, because I always like to know what works for people in my image and what doesn't, so when somebody takes the time to help everybody, it makes me very happy. :)

I hear you on the rushed thing. The image was rushed, I'm ashamed to admit... I did it in a single day. I'll definitely participate in more of these though, they're right up my alley and I enjoyed making it.

[Xpose]

I am very much in agreement with gloklund, thank you very much arteric and oregano!

I think this is by far the best c.o.w. yet and I think C.O.W. is one of the best ca activities yet in my opinion in terms of fantastic artwork put out.

edit:

xpose: You need to learn to take critiques, they can be extremely valuable. As for your excuses, like you I don't have a wacom, but i don't look upon it as an ailment, a wacom doesn't automatically improve the quality of your art. I have only had basic high school art classes and I am only 17. Don't think just because you spent 5 hours on something that automatically makes it finished, many people spend a lot more time than that getting their art to a level that they feel is acceptable. Don't make excuses to defend yourself from his crits, they are all spot on.

I don't mind critiques.... Oregano gave me a critique and I wasn't offended at all. He just made it seem like I didn't try and I really did. Look at my other stuff and you'll be like wow he did this? so for me it was big step. For me I thought it was acceptable. I wacom tablet thing I said because he was saying how my feathers looked like scribbles... It wasn't really my ego that was hurt. I know I'm not half as good as the people in here. It was my feelings that got hurt because I'm really trying, I really tried on this.

[S.C. Watson]

Xpose, we *all* understand trying and working and pouring your soul into your work. We *all* do. And we *all* get shot down sometimes. Brutally. With body fluids splattering the walls and friends and neighbors.

I can promise you, no one here is out to hurt your feelings about your work. It sucks to have someone come along and say "this didn't really work for me" or whatever, but it's going to happen.

I haven't been to art school. I'm almost exclusivley self taught. For myself, this means that I try that much harder than these other guys who've got the stuff going on beause they're getting tuaght by the best. But I *listen* to what they've got to say. No matter how they say it. I've had work that I loved torn to itty bitty shreds by these guys. But after I mope and stop the bleeding, they were right. I'm just grateful they took the time to show me what an idjit I was. Go find my mage thread. Egad. Maybe not... :nohope:

If someone gives you a crit, no matter how bad it stings, don't say "bite me", because they will and then tear your head off for being a stupid 18 year old. Instead, bite your toungue, listen, and learn what these guys have got to say. Not everyone is going to candy coat it like me :P

So hang in there bro. Better brutal critiques here than from an Art Director!

Cheers,
~S

[Matt Dixon]

Brilliant round. Everyone deserves to feel proud of themselves.

Lukavi gets my vote. I liked the style of the illustration and I thought the concept was very creative.

My runners up were Dougbot, Stitchface and Arri. I started writing individual comments, but I don't have time to write anything worthwhile - a big pat on the back for Arteric and Oregano for putting in the effort.

...and you're right, Shane, mine was done quickly. I've had a lot on recently, but these are a lot of fun and I'm going to try and stay 'regular' even if I can only give up an hour or two to participate. Working to a self-imposed deadline is great practise, though - when I have to create character or creature concepts for work, I'm often working with a similar short time frame.

Three cheers for the C.O.W..!

[0kelvin]

My vote went to Stitchface. It was gross, imaginative and funny.


Some of my other favourites are:

Helzon: Definitely one of the best and most original concepts. And it looks badass. I'd love to see this painted.

Dougbot: Just looks great. The landscape you described in the description is a great mental image as well.

Lukavi: You came so close to getting my vote. That bird is just so gross. I feel like I need a shower every time I look at it. Great work.


Wish I could c&c them all, but it's late and I'm tired. Maybe next time!

Thanks to everyone who took the time to leave a crit!



0kelvin

[Fozzybar]

My vote for Gloklund:
Wonderful idea to mix your previous C.O.W. into the new one! Besides i love the fact, that your little bird actually doesn't look venomous, but is deadly nevertheless...this makes the concept even more believable...

Beautiful rendering Arri., Stitchface, Matt Dixon, davi, fungi:
:eyecandy: :eyecandy: :eyecandy:

Extremely interesting and well-thought concept lukavi, arteric, Sapphire, vigostar

Cool design strych9ine, Sinix, Bretton, Helzon



I would love to see a documentary movie about every entry...hell even about every cow-entry at all...:)

[Form]

guess ill have to try harder to impress you next time eh foz ;) ;)
slavedriver!! im on to your tactics :D

[Forge]

Stichface, no doubt for me.

but, impressive level in COW !

[Helzon]

I just wanted to humbly thank those that made comment on my entry.
I take your praise as well as your crits(of which I agree with all of them) with an eye toward making the next entry all the better.
The energy and synergy on this thread are overwhelming....
Everyone that entered should be proud of the fact that they put themselves out there and let their work be judged. So who's the winner?....I would submit ...the person that walks away with the attitude ...of enhancing their best techniques and improving their faults....and coming back to show the rest of us.
Ok...I'll stop now...I think I'm starting to sound like a friggin inspirational speaker...and I didn't want to do that...just be appreciative of those who took the time to praise and crit. Here's to the next round ladies and gents! Cheers!

[Nimrod]

Guys... Wow. I cannot pick a favorite... The level of quality here, across the board, is astonishing. I wasn't really paying attention to these C.O.W. things but this made me sit up and take notice. This put me in my place. Count me in for next week, because I just got chunked off my high horse and I'm eating dust right now. Great work all.

[brokk]

Dougbot

definatly.

I normally just lurk around and never commet, going from thread to thread admiring everyone's great art in silence. I've browsed through all previous COWs and loved all the great posts. I wanted to post for the venemous bird COW but just let it slip by and didn't finish it.

The reason of my vote:
Even though I just lurk and never comment, I just had to vote and write this time. I voted for Dougbot, and if I could, I would literally vote ten million times more for him. The artwork is not only outstanding, I love the lighting, composition, design, presentation, but the concept description was what really got to me. When I read it I got chills down my spine. I felt really conected to what you wrote. Your imaginative description of such arid and quiet afterlife scene really touched the dephs of my own soul. It got to me. Its the most moving and brilliant description ever.
That afterlife scene with the fields of stoned souls is burned into my mind.

IT IS BY FAR THE BEST CONCEPT I HAVE EVER READ IN MY LIFE.

You deserve to win this round. And even if you don't win, know you have truly reached one person.
Thank you.

[Fozzybar]

guess ill have to try harder to impress you next time eh foz

Don't think i am not watching you, pal! :)

[vigostar]

well, it seems like stithface did the do with this entry....! great work!

jull- interesting concept.. I could understand the colors you incorporated with this bird... But, seeing some of your other posts, I think you could have taken this design up another notch or two..!

Nike- I like the fact that you really thought this one through... I also like the way you layed everything out... Creating and explanitory visual for us! Keep up the good work.

Helzon- Im s sucker for inked work, and even though this is great line work, the head of the bird was a bit confusing for me. I look foward to seeing next weeks entry from you.

Willowhisp- I like the pencils... I like the idea.. you seem to have the basic form down properly.. I would however have liked to see some color.. It looks like its unfinished...

Saphire- its great that you participated but, I wish you would have taken more time... I look foward to next weeks entry from you as well..

Form- great idea and technique... gives it a blueprint feel.. Like documents.. good stuff...

Arteric- You have a great nack for these entries.. Vey original and well thought out. a person could tell you took your time and executed it at your best ability.. Next weeks entry should be a treat from you.

Stithface- what can I say about your bird.. It's amazing. Your creatures are truely amazing.. It seems like you put a ton of effort into your work.. I only wish I could color half as good as you!

MOP- the funniest entry out of the whole group!

Hamsta- This looks very rushed... It took me a few times before I realized I was looking at rocks and not bird.. Hopefully, uou spend more time on your entry.. But, your concept is very good..

Stormeffex- Love your colors... Very realistic... Or very believable I should say... Hope you enter this weeks COW!

Lukavi- Great execution, great concept, great staturated colors... Just great work...

Arri- WOW, just WOW.. If I were choosing on best fictional creature, I would have chosen your hands down.. Execellent execution.. I cant wait to see what you have in store this week!

Oregano- Always fun to see what you have created.. Very funny and great concept!

dougbot- Very cool... it looks like the living dead bird...! I would love to have it as a pet!!!! or guard bird!

Sinix- Im a big fan of your work and this time around its no different...

alx- Nice work you put into this entry, I like the penciled rendering...

chomp- I suggest you look at some reference before you do your next entry... And just take your time... You'll be happy you did..! I look foward to seeing next weeks entry from you!

xpose- nice concept with the paralyzing talons...

More to come later on..

[Hamsta]

I vote for sapphire because of the pwetty colors :heart: and the sketchiness, sometimes rushing can be good for you.

And I admit, there's way too much text for me, so I have no idea what the concepts are :D

[Pencilator]

My vote goes for stichface, his work really made my laugh.
And it was really nice done.

Besides that i must say that C.O.W is turning out good, this is the best week this far :D

[arteric]

I got the look I wanted to achieve... except for the legs and maybe the shadow. As for the feathers I like how it came out. I'm not blessed with a wacom tablet like some people. I make do with a pencil, paper, scanner, and my mouse. I have at least 5 hours in this... I've never been to art schooling or anything like that and I'm only 18. So, as for you saying it could have used more time..... bite me!

I just logged on and finally saw what everyone was saying about Xpose and his critique. I just wanted to put my 2 cents in.... It was my critique after all. Xpose, I try to give at least some comments to everyone here.... they are meant as constructive and to be helpful.... NEVER is it meant to be personal or an "insult" towards your work. It takes me a load of time to do each week, but I know I appreciate it when others do it for me, and I don't want to leave ANYONE out. I also want to be honest, if I see somethign that doesn't work for me, I tell the artist about it.... I usually think they want to hear these things.The hard fact is that criticism is what concept art is all about, especially when posting them into a contest situation. Again, it was meant as constructive, I am only trying to help people out there like they are helping me.

And as for you comment about lack of materials, they are exactly what I work with.... pencil, paper, a scanner and a mouse... I don't have a drawing tablet either. Also, I put about 15 hours in on this last image... you should see all the versions I DIDN'T go with.... and this is outside of my full time job. No hard feelings, but no excuses either, and I will continue to critique if the artists out there want to hear it..... do you guys want to hear it?

-Eric

[Dougbot]

I wish I had more time to write, but I ended up voting for Arri, super cool piece. Lots of good ones though. Thanks for all the comments on my pic. It was fun to do.

[Fozzybar]

No hard feelings, but no excuses either, and I will continue to critique if the artists out there want to hear it..... do you guys want to hear it?

:ay: :ae: :as: :aw: :ae: :aw: :aa: :an: :at:

I am with arteric...i like to hear comments and crits about my work, that's why i really try to c&c artwork from other members in general, because i think that's what a community is all about...

[Xpose]

I do want to hear what hear what people think about my work. I like getting critiqued, I guess I just took the wrong way this time. I apologize.

[oomgawa]

For me the best concept is the one that tells a complete story without an explanation, and lukavi :jawdrop: does it so marvelously well. The bird is clearly toxic and has poisoned its environment, and the style, oh the style! Has all the line work and color sensibilities of Arthur Rackham. Brilliant Work!

http://home.earthlink.net/~norsemyths/artworks/brunhildappears.jpg&imgrefurl=http://home.earthlink.net/~norsemyths/diewalkure4.html&h=432&w=324&sz=22&tbnid=w_esn_5uMyYJ:&tbnh=123&tbnw=92&start=30&prev=/images%3Fq%3Darthur%2Brackham%2Billustration%26sta rt%3D20%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26client%3Dsafari%26rls% 3Den-us%26sa%3DN

runners up:
arri: over excellence and gorgeous painting and light quality
stitchface: over excellence and rendering around eye

Other favs:
Willow-whisp- line quality
dixon: style of painting
fozzybar: detail
oregano: humor
strych9ine: style
tully: color
gloklund: whimsey
bretton: mood
dougbot: detail of painting
helzon: idea

[Ostrander]

Thanks for your vote Fozzy and anyone else who voted for me as well.

I tried to do something that was believable, like it could really exist in our world. I just didn't want to do the typical art that plasters these forums that everyone see's day in and day out. Something a little less obvious.

As for my vote I'm gonna give it to Oregano. Even though His art didn't have the polish that Stitchface's, Lukavi's, Arri's, Dougbots, Matt D's, or Fungi's had I felt his had more heart. It's not the obvious choice I know but he had a concept that I felt was above the others. Oddly enough I can imagine a bird like this with a venomous tongue spewing profanity at the top of its lungs at every near passerby. It's not always about the art, sometimes the story is far more interesting.
Al-x was a close second.

[Aerythes]

Voted for Arri's. The painting's fantastic, and the bird looks terribly dangerous. Also love Dougbot's (unusual design) and Fozzy's (extremely adorable arrow-poison hummingbird).

[arteric]

Hey, Xpose.... no apology needed. It is hard in here sometimes to get the jist of what people mean. You can read a lot into things when you cannot hear someones voice inflection. Honestly, any and all critiques I do are simply because artists like to hear other peoples opinions about their work.... and I like to write them. I learn alot about my own art in the process, what I think works and what doesn't. Sometimes there is a lot you don't notice about a piece until you have to write your feelings down and try to explain them to someone else.

I applaud you hard work on this image.... and keep doing just that, it is the only way to get better. Now, it is time to move on to some symbiotic predators!

OK, someone fess up, who voted for me?

-Eric :bashful:

[Sapphire]

Thank you so much, Hamsta and whoever else voted for me! I feel a tad less lame now... :)


EDIT: It was such a toss-up between several really amazing pieces, especially Fozzybar and Stitchface... but in the end, Fozzybar's, even though not as detailed, had this really great nature-book feel to it, and every time I see it I get the feeling this little guy could really exist. The colors are those you might find on a dart frog or salamander, and the plant design is great, with its specialized parts. I love the pastels he used. So, even though Stitchface's rendering was my favorite, I had to vote for Fozzy's poison sparkle. I want one!

[Johann de Venecia]

Oh, wow, most of the time I'm really clueless, but thank you for the compliment, oomgawa. And thanks to everyone who took the time to write a comment and critique. Man, you guys made my day. Three thumbs up to Arteric for his fair and well-balanced review on everyone. He pretty much put to words all the thoughts I had on my entry and everyone else's, And then some. Youre not brutal, but you don't hold back either. I want your baby! /m\

For my vote, I was deciding between Helzon's Hornbill and Stitch's TittyBird. Helzon created a venomous bird and incorporated this week's topic into his ingenious design. So did Stitch, his concept and design was undeniably jaw-dropping. In the end, I voted for Stitchface because I want to take that pocketsized bird to work so I can poison my ugly boss. Brilliant rendering.

I enjoyed everyone's birdies, but the ones that stuck with me the ones by Fozzy (Poison Sparkle)and Sapphire (Posion Moon Jay) <---{they sound like they could be related] for their smart creature-engineering. Going that extra step to make a unique critter with depth and believable functionability (is that even a word?) is not easy.

Simplicity coupled with wit is also a good thing, like the birds by Oregano(That Fucking Bird looks like my jackass cousin), Arteric (Its always a pleasure to see your innovative contributions most of which have a cool backstory , and I noticed you are fond of putting human victims - and soon to be victims, in your pieces), Thestral (Bird on booze, funny), Okelvin (This was too hilarious, your last line, "Perhaps they are just mean." is the killer, man) and MoP(kudos for literally jamming the topic up your bird, and your funny write up). They took the detour and managed to stick to the subject. Love the clever ways you went around the topic which you still somehow met in the middle.

Crazy rendering by Mr. Dixon and (I always look forward to his entries), strych9ine (love the textures and bold colors you used here), Arri and Dougbot (just WOW on the design, especially the heads of the birds!). I wish I could have seen more of the venomous topic for Arri's and Doug's entries though. And for strych9ine, the treatment is great, but i think its not obviously poisonous at first glance, perhaps including the rest of the body would have helped(still very hot work).

This was fun. The entries this week are topnotch! COW rocks. :drool:

[coondoggle]

I thought your entry was well thought out and realistic Sapphire. :)

[strych9ine]

Here's a little sumpthin sumpthin for all of you guys. I tried to hit everybody... keep in mind that all of these comments are coming from someone who is legally retarded in the continental US of A, so take them with a grain of salt. And maybe a shot of tequila afterwards.

Bretton
I'm digging the design and backstory. Painting under the rough linework looks cool here, but I feel that you could of brought some paints on top of the linework as well to really pop the forms. Love the bird beard.

Matt Dixon
What can I say, always a fan of what you bring to the table. The rendering is badass as usual, it just looks like the bird ate something poisonous instead of being poisonous. Maybe you should just have venom and shit bursting out of his nosri... wait a sec...

Davi
Cool creature design and rendering. It looks like this dude will have a hell of a time flying though, flappin his arms all sissy like to get anywhere. Other than that he's a badass. Nice piece dude.

0kelvin
I love how these little shits vomit everywhere and no one really knows why. I can relate to that... I'm thinking that the rendering could have been pushed more, you seem to be sticking to basic shapes here. It might help to break those shapes with a little irregularity every now and then.

Fungi
Killer rendering dude, I voted for your Anal Parasite last time. You've got some sweetass work on you site too.

Gloklund
Great, well thought out concept and the image is really tight as well. The birds in the background look a little strange to me, though, I feel the urge to search for their feet (even if they are supposed to retract in flight).

Hanuka
There is a very cool texture to the strokes, I definitely like where you're going with the rendering. Besides the shit bursting out of his ass (earns points here!), he looks a bit too much like an everyday bird for my tastes. I'd like to see the actual design of the bird pushed farther.

Fozzybar
Your rendering=top notch. That attention to detail on the plant just makes my pants tight. Concept is right on par with the rendering too, great idea.

Tully
The color palette you chose is great, you really made a great looking bird here. The head and the shape of the wings are particularly cool. I wouldn't necessarily think it's a "venomous bird" on sight, though. Not saying it has to be blaringly obvious, I just feel like it should at least be insinuated. Solid concept nonetheless!

Thestral
The bird itself is nice dude, the design rock... that text and border are killing it for me, though. The colors are bold and cool, but used in the text and border it starts to look a little cheesy. Concept had me laughing...

Scarn
I really dug this entry... great colors, rendering is very nice, and I can tell you put a lot of thought into this bird. I have this undeniable urge to squish that tumor on it's forehead. Let me squish it once. Please.

strych9ine
You are a fucking genius, my friend. You, me, and my right hand, 8:00pm sharp tomorrow. Don't be late. :cheerleader:

MoP
Dude, this syringe would be badass strapped around the turkeys head. I like the idea, but don't you think the turkeys would be a little more pissed off about Thanksgiving? They should be hunting down some filthy puritans, dammit! Great idea, wish you would have pushed the rendering a little further though.

Hamsta
It's tough to discern the bird from the rocks. I like that the poison is painted on the beak, but I wouldn't have gotten that from looking at the image. Push the painting more, you'll be so much happier with a finished painting.

stormeffex
The bird looks tight! I never really noticed the other times I looked at it, mainly because the background is so neutral. You need to pop that bastard out, focus all of our attention on the bird with a lighter background. I love the colors man.

lukavi
The bird, the background, the pure fucking filthiness of the bird, all of it ties into a great piece. Refreshing to see such a unique style. Wicked.

arri
Another phenomenal piece. This bird is wicked man, very nicely rendered and structured. You've made a 3 headed cerebus bird incredibly believable. The venomous part of the concept is absent though. Would've liked to see that incorporated into the design.

Oregano
Great spin on the concept, had me laughing. Somehow reminds me of Bill the Cat from Bloom County with that look in its eye. Could've been tighter but I'm sure you knew that. :dad:

dougbot
In my top three, without a doubt. When I first saw it I did a "wow" out loud, the design is too damn cool. It's awesome how it appears to be a thin translucent membrane around this maze of organs. Awesome.

Sinix
Love your style and your willingness to go for those over the top, bold colors. I think we see eye to eye on that level. :) My issue with this bird is that the head looks fully thought out and awesome, while the lower half is left neglected.

al-x
Great crazy bird head here, it's definitely working. The painted part looks unfinished though... I think if you are going to choose to paint a full body shot, you should give it all the same amount of attention. Nice presentation of all your drawings, btw.

cthomp
Spend more time on your piece, brotha! Push the concept beyond your average parrot, push the rendering further. You've got a good base layer, now all you have to do is build up.

xpose
It might help to do some thumbnails before digging straight into your piece. It feels like you started with a head you liked and couldn't really decide what do with the body. I can't really tell where the bird is in relation to the space around him, if he's sitting, perched, etc.

leckronium
Very bright illustration, nice vibrancy and I really like the head. Still feels like just a toucan to me. Nothing especially "venomous" about it.

klinesmoker
A tongue in it's ass. Genius. Hopefully it can't taste very well. Like the idea, but the rendering is flat. Everything is different tints and shades of the same color. Vary your palette a bit next time, try it out.

big brutticus
Nice texture and brush strokes, it really does add that much more personality to a piece. It’s nice to see you set up the bird in a bg… I think you could make this pop a little more by pushing the highlights and shadows a bit.

Jull
I love your color choices man, they really make your pieces stand out of the crowd. I’m having trouble reading this image, whether we’re looking at a cross-section or a straight side view of the bird. It’s a nice concept but a little unclear in the presentation I think.

Nike
Well-thought out concept, it’s great you provided us with so much visual information. The body of the bird looks small to me… he looks legless other than the claw jutting out. The wings could have used a bit more depth in terms of feather layering and size.

Helzon
Simply fucking awesome. The radical beak design is amazing and the drawing is technically impressive. Love it dude!

willow-whisp
The linework is really strong here… I would have liked a totally new head pose instead of the reflected head from the original I guess. Color this bad boy, it’s a great drawing.

Sapphire
While I’m a sucker for sketchy pieces, I think it would be stronger if you rendered it further. You could still keep it sketchy, but adding just a little more detail would make it pop. Great colors choices (although I really don’t like that paper texture in the bg, reminds me of the surface of a football. This would look great on a stained paper texture…

Form
Croikey! I love it when artists consider the design and presentation of the concept as well as the actual rendering, but why do you have human skeleton parts in the bg? Silly bastard. I want to see a painted creature with the same design spin in the future… I am digging the piece as it is now though. Noice!

Vigostar
Great pencil work here, nice smooth gradients and rendering. The head plume might be more interesting if it wasn’t so repetitive.

Arteric
Thanks for the crits, first off. It’s great to hear any feedback. The concept is wicked and the bird looks freakin sweet. I can imagine how many handlers bit it trying to get near this monstrosity…

Stitchface
Holy mother of goddamn shit. I like how you snuck such an amazing illustration right at the end before the buzzer, fashionably almost late. This made me wish that I could vote for more than one concept. So very technically beautiful, and that eye… my god that eye…

I swear I didn't do this for votes. Maybe a little heavy petting session, though... I'll take that.

[Undertow]

I don't have time to critique everyone of these but I will say that I voted for Stitchface. Amazing work. To all of you, :hatsoff:

[Xpose]

Here's a little sumpthin sumpthin for all of you guys. I tried to hit everybody... keep in mind that all of these comments are coming from someone who is legally retarded in the continental US of A, so take them with a grain of salt. And maybe a shot of tequila afterwards.

xpose
It might help to do some thumbnails before digging straight into your piece. It feels like you started with a head you liked and couldn't really decide what do with the body. I can't really tell where the bird is in relation to the space around him, if he's sitting, perched, etc.



You're right! I did a couple rough sketches but they didn't really look anything like what I ended up with. I'll try to do thumbnailing more often. Thanks man!

[vigostar]

Hey, thanks for the crist strych9ine but, this was render 100% in pan and ink.. No pencils what so ever... but, I guess that really doesnt matter!!!

[rothgar]

Stitchface got my vote for an all-around cool design and execution, but damn there were a ton of awesome entries.

Sinix- simple design made elegant through your use of color, that blue just reads as deadly

Fozzy-yours was my leading choice after Stitchface. I love the cross between ominous butterfly and hummingbird.

Willow-beautiful linework and great design on that bird.

Lukavi- the pustules on the front of that birds neck make me cringe they are so cool.

Arri- I love the design of this critter, three heads and all. The beaks look ominous but the colors you used are what help it read as poisonous. Unfortunately your writeup was lacking in info on just how this thing was poisonous.

Al-x- I can see this happening in my town as we speak! Beware the crows, they bear your death! Cool idea.

[leckronium]

First of all I want to commend everyone on a job well done. I enjoy seeing everyones take on a particular subject and look forward to seeing entries in this weeks contest. I wish I could execute critiques like Oregano, Arteric, and strych9ine but the time it would take for me to do this is ridiculous. So hats off to you guys for finding the time to do so. It certainly helps those who are really trying their best to get the attention they deserve.

As far as my illustration is concerned, I did decide to do a more realistic approach. I appreciate the critiques, there was stuff I was unaware of happening like the flatness of the end of the beak. I took the idea from an experience I had with a Toucan in a pet shop. I was quietly admiring him bouncing back and forth on his perch and before I could even flinch he lunged towards the side of the cage and his beak went through the bars and pegged me right between the eyes. It didn't hurt but it felt like somebody flicked you really hard. So that's where the idea of barbs on the end of the beak idea came from. I did gather reference from different birds but the actual pose and drawing are original.

I guess the best thing to do for now is pick the one im voting for and critique it. This week my vote is going for Bretton. I like the idea of a venomous bird resulting from the creation of a mad scientist. It's a cool concept. Something I would have liked to seen developed a little more in the illustration. I like the look of the bird and how it is said to resemble the mad scientist who created it but the overall texture is a little flat. It looks like a quick pastel drawing. I would like to see a difference in the smooth head next to the feathers of the body. Light is going to hit these areas differently so they will have a different look to them. I think the feathers should show some midtone strokes with smaller highlights on top to bring out the feather texture. The shadows can be left the way they are since the focus will be in the areas where light is hitting the bird. I might also suggest some small scars to the head to show the bird has been altered in some way. The one thing I do really like is the way the eyes are very dark and hard to read with only the glare visible.This works since the light source seems to be kind of close. It gives a lot of mystery to the bird. I hope this helps you even in the littlest bit. I would like to do this more but it does take a while to do and just like everybody else I have things I need to do. Good Job though!

[WinglessXAngel]

they are all very vyer good, but id have to vote for arteric i love the idea :)

[Nike]

Hi
finally I'm finding some minutes to look at all the great entries and vote...
Thanks a lot for your crits, Oregano, arteric, vigostar, and strych9ine.
If I should happen to find some space this week I'll post some comments on every piece, too...
for now I have voted for Arri, which happened also for very subjective criteria, as I think there were some really original and very well done pieces this round that would all deserve a vote.
I voted for Arri's because I liked the Kerberos motiv and because the black Ibis bird (also the black Ibis is connected with death in some tales btw.) is one of my favourite birds. Besides the concept I also thought the composition and the background with those letters very appealing.

keep the good work

[Arri.]

Hi all, I'm grateful for the kind words my work have recived. :bashful:

I would like to thanks especially Arteric,Oregano,JefffZNY,Vigostar,Lukavi,Strych9in e for the big effort of taking their time in critic all of us.This effort is unpayable.(exist this word?)

About my vote really I don't Know what to do, I must say that the work that really open may eyes and my mouth at the same time causing me extra-oxygen in my brain was funghi and dougbot works.

Fozzy Is posible make 0.5 and 0.5 insted of 1 vote?(just joking :wink: )

time for replay:
About 1h 37 min. without photoshop

[Vimmzy]

My Vote went to Dougbot, His bird conveyed a feeling of doom or something like that, i got this picture in my head of how that sole bird is the only living creature in a landscape of death.

Though it wasn't a easy choice with all those great pieces..

[DrWeird]

My vote goes for Stitchface. I voted this way because this is the best rendered piece IMO, and it sticks to the topic. It also has a high level of "believe-ability" as that it simply looks like a real bird, just nastier.

Alot of really good entries; hard to choose a favorite.