Master of Predicaments

 Master of Predicaments

12" x16" , oil , Photoshop.

©Wizards of the Coast

Master of Predicaments was done for the new M15 core set for Magic the Gathering. The art description called for a cruel looking sphinx, who enjoys forcing those unfortunate to come across him to choose their doom behind the doors. Originally I was asked to paint three doors, but changes in the card design while I was painting the illustration made only two doors necessary.  I try to make the changes in oils when I can, but with schedule constraints, along with the fact that the changes were architectural (lots of straight, evenly spaced edges, along with a shiny floor that would also have to be repainted too), doing the changes digitally made a lot more sense. 

Master of Predicaments (preliminary drawing)
8.5" x 11", pencil on paper
©Wizards of the Coast

I liked the slender doors with the vertical orb windows in the sketch.  I was afraid, however, that they would get lost when the image is reduced to card size. Though its a creature card, the background doors had to be very clear for the illustration to work. 

 Master of Predicaments

12" x16" , oil on paper mounted to board

©Wizards of the Coast