Sky Shepherd Study
47 Comments
26K ViewsThis work serves as the official kickoff for my illustration project called "Exobiotica". The creature pictured is a Sky Shepherd. As its name implies, it carries on an aerial existence - maintaining neutral buoyancy via internal hydrogen compartments. The front appendages serve two functions- they are used to physically herd or corral the species of floating creature they subsist on, and also they are equipped with color-changing tissue that is used as communication between members of their group. Like them, most of their predators and prey are essentially floating gas bags which are highly susceptible to rupture. Thus, the Sky Shepherd evolved sharp appendages for use in attack and defense. Propulsion in any direction is achieved by the intake of air at the ventral posterior end, and then subsequent directional exhalation of the air through any of the four siphons.
The next work will I produce will feature these creatures and their prey in their aerial environment.
The next work will I produce will feature these creatures and their prey in their aerial environment.
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© 2013 - 2021 MichaelBeaudry
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The primary eye has the highest resolution and commands the largest amount of neural resources. The auxiliary ones are more passive and detect approaching objects and light changes towards the periphery.
Beautiful work. Interesting result of imagination.
Cool. It looks like some kind of fish/mollusk hybrid.
Awesome work!You inspired me.
wow!! awesome!!!
Damn......Great job!
İt looks... Suprisingly adorable !
There really are some geniuses on here. Well done sir!
It looks like an organic spaceship. I love it.
Colors like a tropical fish or bird, the shape of an internal organ... Big points for making a life form with maneuvering thrusters that avoids looking at all technological.
Breathtaking artwork. Looks so real. I love the colors you used and the blue-ish spots on its body. Wonderful lighting/shadowing.
Is it Sapient?
No, actually. I haven't done any sapient creatures and I currently have no plans to.
it's very good design
Thank you! You've got some really nice concept art, btw.
wow man, the texture of the skin of this fish thingy is awesome!
really gives the feeling of a dolphin like fish skin...you know
good stuff man
really gives the feeling of a dolphin like fish skin...you know
good stuff man
Thanks, dude. That's exactly how I imagine it's skin- extremely smooth, and almost waxy.
Creepy but creative. Looks like an alien puffer fish.
Ha, thanks. Just what I was going for - creepy but creative.
Thank you, I have a lot more work to do in fleshing out this creature and its environment. They reside on a terrestrial planet, although I need to do a bit of research to see if a floating creature would even be feasible. I seem to think it would, given a dense enough atmosphere. Regardless, it would have to have a high volume to surface-area ratio, so it is rather large- about 25-35 feet long.
I don't see why floating creatures couldn't be feasible, especially in a denser atmosphere. I found this post with some estimated numbers: planetfuraha.blogspot.co.uk/20…
Excellent find, thank you. I remember liking this blog awhile back, but I don't check in regularly. His calculations are based on an earth-like atmosphere, and they don't seem to rule out a ballont type creature, they just make it less likely. However, I've been planning from the start to have the atmo of this planet be somewhere between the density of Earth and Venus, so it might work out better for my creatures. Thanks again
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