Alphabeastiary is
an advanced art challenge. While we encourage people to do the challenge on their own, we will only post pictures of those we feel are of an excellent quality in terms of skill and/or creativity. If you feel you are qualified, please read the rules to find out how this blog will work and how to apply and e-mail us your applications and submissions! We will put them up as we receive them.
Dec 26, 2010
Dec 21, 2010
Dec 19, 2010
E - Epimeliad
In the spirit of the holidays we are taking a break from fierce monsters and terrible man-eating beasts to focus on a more gentle creature for the letter E.
The Epimeliads (or Epimelides) hail from a group of numerous and extremely diverse greek creatures known as nymphs. Nymphs are nature spirits that are connected to a certain creature, place, or even element. They can often be found in valleys, forest groves or beside quiet lakes or streams acting as the guardians of the animals and plants around them.
The Epimeliads , like most nymphs, are depicted as beautiful young women. They are a type of nymph known as the Dryad and are specifically the protectors of apple trees and sheep. When in the form of a young woman the Epimeliad's hair is reportedly pure white, like apple blossoms or lambs wool. They are extremely shy, and have the ability to shape shift quickly from human to apple tree when mortals are close, making a glimpse of them a rarity.
Dec 17, 2010
Short notice reminder
The deadline snuck up on me as well, meant to put one of these up at least a week before the deadline. My apologies.
Anyway, this challnege is due this Sunday, Dec 19th! Hopefully we'll see more submissions, though it's understandable that this is a busy time of year. Thanks!
Dec 16, 2010
Dec 15, 2010
Dec 12, 2010
Dec 8, 2010
Dec 6, 2010
Dec 2, 2010
D- Dobhar-chú
Hailing from the rivers and deep lakes of Ireland comes a monster known as the Dobhar-chu. The name Dobhar-Chu when translated from Celtic literally means "Water-Hound" and is sometimes confused with its close cousin the Pooka (Puca) or "Water-horse."
The Dobhar-Chu has been described differently over time but the general consensus is that it has a very sleek otter like appearance and an enormous dog-like head with fins like a fish. In some versions of the myth the Dobhar-Chu has a fish tail and shark teeth will in others it more like a huge wiry-haired dog with webbed paws.
In every version of the story the Dobhar-chu is a nasty brute you don't want to cross paths with. A maneater that can grow up to seven feet long the beast has been said to overturn small boats and eat the unsuspecting fishermen inside. A Dobhar-Chu might be hard to spot in the water, but it is easy to hear. Emitting a loud shriek that sounds like the scream of a young woman as it draws close to its victims.
Half-Dog and Half-fish this monster had its last reported sighting in 2003 but it's legacy continues in Irish folklore and the enthusiasm of cryptid hunters everywhere.
Info on the Beast!
American Monsters
Wikipedia
This challenge will end Sunday, December 19th, it's an extra long one as well!
Dec 1, 2010
Catoblepas Artist Spotlight
Aside from being cool Matthew's Catoblepas piece shows a truly beautiful grasp of animal anatomy, perspective and color. (Three of the hardest things to get a grasp of) I personally love how her Catoblepas has traits of a real wildebeest but scales that look almost like exposed muscle and spines more at home on a xenomorph then anything else. This piece is just creative with a capital C.
Below you can see two more examples of Pythosblaze magic. You'll come for the insane amount of detail, the incredible pen work and the variety of mediums the artist experiments (and succeeds) with but you will no doubt stay for the monsters.
Seriously look at this thing. It is so cool.Bush Dai-Dai Artist Spotlight
The strong watercolor work hides small details within it, almost telling the whole story of the monsterous succubus in a single image. The style and strong colors also draw to mind the art of the African and South American roots of the Bush Dai-Dai making this piece very raw, tribal and almost primitive.
Below are two more examples of Clair's extraordinary watercolor work. Her images are soft and and show a wonderful knowledge of light and a clear understanding of the female form. Each image seems to hold its own secret story, which is the true hallmark of a successful illustrator.
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