Illustration Friday: Jump

The question which would win in a fight between a crocodile and a shark has recently been much contested.

Assuming the crocodile has had ample basking time and they are a size-for-size match, I'm backing the croc. Though I don't know how they fare in open water.

Sharks are still cooler, though.

I didn't draw this for IF originally, but for a friend with whom sharks have been much discussed, and which recently have featured the shark/croc dilemma. 

It just so happens that the topic 'Jump' rather fits the bill as well.

But is it really jumping if a creature has no legs?

Illustration Friday: Safari

Initially, I was dead keen on the idea of a balloon full of giraffes with cameras going over a city - which would allow for kooky perspective, plenty of little visual details to explore, and the chance to hang accessories around giraffe's necks at various heights . I knew from the off I'd struggle with that, though. Which isn't really a reason not to do it, but I decided to pour my effort into something which is more 'me'.
And so, this.
The tiger is from the olden days - an IF topic of 'Wilderness' - and I loved drawing it and was pleased with the result. So, I thought I'd revisit it and make a little triptych.

My main complaint is that the crocodile looks much more graphic/cartoony than the zebra or the tiger, due to the heavy dark outlining. I wanted to go for a contrast in texture - from scaly smooth, to short fur, to thick and hairy. I'm super-pleased with each piece individually, but I think old Mr Croc is just a bit too disparate in style.

Oh, and yes I'm aware you wouldn't see a tiger in the same place as the other two........

Illustration Friday: Muddy

How doth the little crocodile
Improve his shining tail,
And pour the waters of the Nile
On every golden scale!

How cheerfully he seems to grin,
How neatly spread his claws,
And welcome little fishes in,
With gently smiling jaws!