Friday, January 16, 2015

Abzan Skycaptain

Abzan Skycaptain
oil on paper mounted to mdf, 12" x 16"
available for purchase for $1,250
©Wizards of the Coast
 Abzan Skycaptain was done for the Fate Reforged expansion set for Magic: the Gathering.  I've painted these anthropomorphic birds for Magic in the past, basing my designs on golden eagles or snow owls. The supplied concept image for the aven design in this set looked like a vulture. So I based the Skycaptain on a griffon vulture, which is native to the near east and central Asia. The Abzan clan takes its inspiration from the medieval empires of this region, so it seemed only appropriate. Also, maintaining the feeling that the creature is flying while it holds its weapons with its wings was surprisingly tricky, but I think I'm happy with the results.

Abzan Skycaptain preliminary sketch
graphite on paper, 8 1/2" x 11"
available for purchase for $225
©Wizards of the Coast