Smilodon prelim sketch

this will be colored I think simply because I like the 'feel' of the sketch. The image is done for the totem card project. Naturally I am enthusiastic about the idea of studying the Smilodon Fatalis, aka Saber Toothed tiger and this may well become one of many exploration pieces of the long extinct feline. I am still collecting photos of skulls of both lions and Smilodon, in order to compare structure and anatomy better.

But so far I am just having a blast with the idea of interpreting markings and such of an extinct animal. YAY for artistic license. Of course I will keep in mind scientific facts already established about what colors/markings would allow the animal to actually survive in real life.(but that still leaves much room for Balaa play!)

This sketch needs some tweaking before its colored.

advanced critique that can help me improve future work is welcome, please bare in mind I don't like comments like "the muzzle looks wrong" if you think something looks off, please explain why and perhaps offer an idea of how it would look better . Thats just a lot more helpful than empty critique. Thank yas!