It seems like the more intent I am to finish an image, the less I am satisfied with it at the end.... BUT Here is the final image - - after a few hours of rendering and an hour or so of postwork, the lighting is what killed me--took about a week just setting up the scene and modelling. The scene is from one of the few required books Ive enjoyed - Beowulf (Seamus Heaney edition) and along with that, Grendel by John Gardener (which I think someone here at the Bryce forums recommended, and kicked ass) Thanks to everyone for there comments on the WIP

Looks to me as though you've captured it superbly Jason.

One correction: Sparr thankfully pointed out a fatal flaw to my pic, Beowulf was asleep when Grendel came, and he was unarmed--- SO on that note:: Im changing the image to "Unferth and Beowulf" another character who DID fight Grendel, if I remember, in Grendel it is elaborated on at least. thanks Sparr and thanks ddruckenmiller.....but who is Jason lol..... have a nice day everyone

I like the Grendel beastie, I like the coloring and layout... However, I see a flaw in the posing... The guy looks a bit stiff. Seems more like he's ready to salute the creature with his sword rather than slay it. His legs need to be spread and bent at the knees for a more dynamic and flexible posture (so he can dodge and lunge). The shield doesn't seem raised to where it would be useful for a guarded stance. The arm with the sword might need to loosen up a bit too (Seems Grendel could swat it aside easily. If pulled back a bit, that wouldn't be possible and it could be thrusted to skewer the beastie.) If I see this, I wonder what those renaissance-fair / role-play types who practice with medieval arms would say?

Well, after seeing this guess I won't have to enter, got a winner here!

Cool as hell! Only a couple of small things: The Wolfs' texture looks like plastic or clay on its highlighted left arm. The right arm looks strange. The fur schouldn't make the skin fold in that way (around the elbow & shoulder). The edge between the fingers of the right arm and background is too sharp. I guess the clouds are added in post.

(Sorry Jordan, apologies for that... I always wig out around tax time.) Anyway, I always salute my opponents prior to engaging them in individual combat.

@ bazze, I'm not sure hell is all that cool. More like hot... Splendiferous image, woodhurst!

HEY! this is cool... n here i was still hoping that if i could squeeze a little time i could join the challenge tsk tsk... rather not. ahahahahah btw i have to agree with th stiff pose though... a little hero pose would not hurt. =)

Liek it, Like it, Likeit.................ok, love it. 8) Great entry for the challenge Jas...ordan. 8? Catlin