Heikegani Crab

Here's a fantasy take on a real creature: the Heikegani crab, which is also referred to as the Japanese Ghost Crab. According to Japanese folklore, Heikegani crabs contain the souls of fallen samurai warriors. The version I painted isn't dramatically different from the real thing but the suggestion of a face on the back of the actual crab has been reinforced into a monstrous, distorted face. Plus, this crab wields a knife!

I'm not sure why a crab needs a knife but hey, knives are useful...

Painted for Pathfinder Bestiary 5.

Samurai

This illustration is from the recently released Pathfinder book, Ultimate Campaign and the art description was titled "Letter of Introduction". That's what this Samurai character (who is one of a number of iconic Pathfinder characters) is holding up with his right hand.

I painted this one in grayscale first and then went back in and added the colors. With so many details involved, it was easier to just think in terms of value and worry about color once all of the groundwork had been laid.

I'm including the initial digital sketch as well. Enjoy!

Artwork copyright © Paizo Publishing.