Sea Creature

Artist: Tom Godfrey
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Sea Creature

I am occasionally asked how I start the crazy pics :) This is my concept sketch for “Sea Creature”

The good-natured sea creature gazes benignly at the nervous Grinners as they swim past, in their usual backwards style. The poison blisters on the Grinners’ backs were fully inflated, as though they expected trouble. Observers in the underwater viewing deck, were making notes. Temperatures had risen alarmingly in the Nglishoop sea and creatures like the Blister-bodied Grinners were stressed as a result of these changes and their response was to remain in defence mode. This was costing them valuable energy though, as it was usually reserved for short fight or flight occasions. They were aware, in their remarkably evolved brains, that something was not right, but nothing in their evolutionary coding had prepared them for anything like this. These brightly coloured underwater imps, were a critical part of the reef biome and the researchers were worried. Although they were terrestrial beings, the observers knew that their lives were inextricably bound to events that occurred in this underwater world. Time was running out…

Sea Creature belongs to the following groups:

Art and Stories Made For Children, BubbleMania, Character Development, Fantasy Art, Sci Fi and The Drawing Board

Damian, 8 months ago

Fantastic Tom! Love the creatures, and the setting you’ve created in the description.
Lys •, 8 months ago

oh my goodness! this is so wicked! great story as well!
David Stuart, 8 months ago

I love this series Tom..another wonderful piece exquisitely created by the master. !!
Mark German, 8 months ago

Another fantastic piece. I am eternally envious of your talent, Tom.
thickblackoutline, 8 months ago

aaahhh! she’s gorgeous!! everyone should have one :)
Firedrake, 8 months ago

Poison blisters? Ah I see…I noticed them in the cropped version, thought they might have been for buoyancy. Love the iridescent skin of the big one.
Tom Godfrey in reply to Damian’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks Damian. I’m trying to create some less scary creatures for the children’s section.
Tom Godfrey in reply to Lys •’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks Alyssa -I like the term wicked :)
Tom Godfrey in reply to David Stuart’s comment, 8 months ago

Praise indeed from my favourite cartoonist -cheers David
MinoYasue, 8 months ago

Wow, this is so cool! Expression, compostion, strory telling ability… it has all!
Kenart, 8 months ago

Excellent imagery, full of whimsey.
Brian Towers, 8 months ago

You don’t skimp on the detail and nuances (excuse the posh word) of your fantasic creations Tom. Your work alone would be worth the RB fee (if there was one). You have marvelous talents for art, imagination and, not least humour. Make my day and keep ‘em coming Master.
Tammy Soulliere, 8 months ago

oh this is very cool !! Awesome cool!
DigitalMagic, 8 months ago

Wonderful work Tom :-)
Cimmerrian, 8 months ago

Amazing !!!!!! Love the detail !!!
Anne van Alkemade, 8 months ago

that is so beautiful and the story along with it is wonderful
Jack Fisher, 8 months ago

Brilliant piece of work Tom…
Both the water, and the creatures are very well finished.
I could look at this for a long time.
Are those glass windows at the bottom left, with people inside?
atomikboy, 8 months ago

Awesome.
Tom Godfrey in reply to Brian Towers’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks Brian. Loved the nuances – nothin laak a bit a posh, what? :) To get comments like this I will slave away to produce as fast as I can :).
Freda Surgenor, 8 months ago

Your a clever bloke Tom
Tom Godfrey in reply to Firedrake’s comment, 8 months ago

thanks Firedrake – they do give extra buoyancy. In times of danger the bubbles contain a contact poison, but it is really only a last resort. By popping out the blisters, with their lighter than air, gas, they are whizzed to the surface where they break through and hover some 4-5 metres above the water until the danger has passed, they then deflate and return to their usual foraging level. :)
Tom Godfrey in reply to Jack Fisher’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks everyone I’m glad you like my lil critters and “big brother” :) Yeh Jack, those are supposed to be some sort of transparent windows and those are humanoids inside, observing.
termite, 8 months ago

awesome love it
Gary Grant, 8 months ago

this is what makes coming (RB) here so inspiring on so many levels
eponavisions, 8 months ago

tom i believe this is my new most favorites of your sight wonderful and inspiring to us all who follow you
bites, 8 months ago

Fabulous work love everything about it!
pinkyjain, 8 months ago

Fantastic & fabulous, art & writing, Wonderful
YourSuccess, 8 months ago

Brilliant!!!
Cliff Vestergaard, 8 months ago

WAY Cool Tom ! Magic work as all ways
paul boast, 8 months ago

excellent tom , love this , great creation
Tom Godfrey in reply to Gary Grant’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks EZ – much appreciated
Tom Godfrey in reply to Anne van Alkemade’s comment, 8 months ago

thanks Anne -coming from a respected writer I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the story as well.
Mary Helen McB..., 8 months ago

You are very talented. The expressions are quite humorous
Marlin, 8 months ago

Tom, this is absolutely wonderful work. I love the characters
kipishiux, 8 months ago

Amazing work! It’s realy fantastic!
spiffing, 8 months ago

absolutely gorgeous.
josiejo83, 8 months ago

what a awsome picture! really lovely!
jean-michel ma..., 8 months ago

j”adoooooooooore….superbe …!!!! beautifulll work…!!!!!
Tom Godfrey in reply to Cliff Vestergaard’s comment, 8 months ago

Cheers Cliff -much appreciated buddy
Tom Godfrey in reply to eponavisions’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks Janet. You are very kind. I do believe though that we all inspire each other in different ways here on RB. That’s the magic of this site.
Tom Godfrey in reply to Freda Surgenor’s comment, 8 months ago

thanks Freda – not half as clever as you though, Mrs photo- realistic magician :)
Tom Godfrey in reply to pinkyjain’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks for all your great comments and support, pinkyjain
Tom Godfrey in reply to Marlin’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks Marlin -they were fun to create.
Tom Godfrey in reply to kipishiux’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks kipishiux. I’m glad you like it.
Tom Godfrey in reply to jean-michel macias’s comment, 8 months ago

Praise in French :) -thanks jean-michel
Rose Moxon, 8 months ago

wonderful work tom, i particularly loved seeing the sketch.
Tom Godfrey in reply to Rose Moxon’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks Rose. I added it as an after thought. I often find the before/after comparisions quite interesting. Actually, looking back, there are aspects of the concept sketch that I wish I had kept more closely to in the final pic. We are never satisfied are we? :) Artists :)
eponavisions in reply to Tom Godfrey’s comment, 8 months ago

tom you have been one those greatest, to awsome this is
tukara, 8 months ago

i like it. varry cuit.
phil1950, 8 months ago

Excellent image, shows good talent, well done
marijkasworld, 8 months ago

beautifully whimsical
kcranmer, 8 months ago

Oh this is so amazing, fabulous work!
Tom Godfrey in reply to kcranmer’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks kc. I’m glad you like it.
Tom Godfrey in reply to tukara’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks tukara.
Elizabeth Buckley, 8 months ago

Beautiful work
Tom Godfrey in reply to Elizabeth Buckley’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks Elizabeth – love your wasp cast for Socrates by the way
AlienVisitor, 8 months ago

Nice Tom,is this your sea creature entry?

AV
Tom Godfrey in reply to AlienVisitor’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks AV. Yes, this is my entry for the sea creature comp on Gnomon. There are some fantastic works there, but you never know. All good for sharpening the skills. Have you entered?
lacitrouille, 8 months ago

That’s quite wonderful…I love those whimsical critters and the fabulous colours. It’s exceptional.
Tom Godfrey in reply to lacitrouille’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks lacitrouille. I’m glad you like my wacky whimsical world :)
Lucindawind, 8 months ago

wow fantastic work Tom !
nesi, 8 months ago

this piece makes me want to rediscover the wonderful wonder and dreams of childhood…love the overall composition and especially the eyes. absolutely brilliant!!!
Tom Godfrey in reply to Lucindawind’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks lucindawind
Tom Godfrey in reply to nesi’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks Nesi. What more could an artist ask for than a comment like that. I’m glad it moved you so much.
cheska, 8 months ago

you are trully one talented man. i envy your style my friend its just amazingly ace :) !!!
Basia McAuley, 8 months ago

Excellent work!
Cherie Dirksen, 8 months ago

Gorgeous…great colours!
Jacky, 8 months ago

You are so good at this, with the beautiful images and stories you should publish a book..or maybe you did already?:)
Tom Godfrey in reply to cheska’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks cheska, that’s high praise
Tom Godfrey in reply to Basia McAuley’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks Basia
Tom Godfrey in reply to Cherie Dirksen’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks Cherie. How are you guys coping with “load shedding” ?
Tom Godfrey in reply to Jacky’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks Jacky. I haven’t yet, but I am warming to the idea :)
Lumineux, 8 months ago

A creation to completely lose yourself in…and a fabulous narrative to boot.
Tom Godfrey, 8 months ago

Thanks Lumineux. What a lovely response to the pic. I know I lost a good few hours in the creation of it :)
Rayven, 8 months ago

Heh, I like the story with the art work. I’m guessing this is a digitalized image. Very well done. The colors are beautiful.
Tom Godfrey in reply to Rayven’s comment, 8 months ago

thanks Rayven
It was painted with a plastic brush on a plastic tablet, if that’s what you mean by digitalised :) No photo manipulation. Thanks for your kind words.
Linda Sannuti, 8 months ago

this could be the next Disney movie!! I love it! You are amazing!!
clarkey, 8 months ago

Beautifully executed. So much detail, beautiful colours so true to under-sea settings and your story telling is wonderful.
Rayven, 8 months ago

yeh, that’s what I meant, computer art. :) Great respect for artists who can do that. I’m horrible even with a tablet. Iol.
Tom Godfrey in reply to Linda Sannuti’s comment, 8 months ago

wow, thanks Linda -you don’t have any Hollywood connections by any chance do you? :)
Tom Godfrey in reply to clarkey’s comment, 8 months ago

thanks Clarkey a real warm glow comment – much appreciated
Rhonda Fulks, 8 months ago

Very creative work!
Tom Godfrey in reply to Rayven’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks Rayven. I tried drawing with a mouse but it was like drawing with a block of cheese. The tablet took a little getting used to but it is amazing how our minds adapt. Cheers
Rebecca Barker, 8 months ago

EXCELLENT WORK MAY I ASK HOW LONG IT TAKES YOU?
Tom Godfrey in reply to Rebecca Barker’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks hollys. Between 20 -30 hours, for the major epic ones like this. I don’t really count though, nor do I watch much TV :)
Rebecca Barker, 8 months ago

GOOD WORK THE TV IS MIND NUMBING ANYWAY SAME SAME. LOVE YOUR WORK
sweetscent62, 8 months ago

Wow… beautiful work… : ) I think I’m your newest fan Tom!! Wendy
Tom Godfrey in reply to sweetscent62’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks Wendy. I am honoured. I’m glad you like my gentle sea creature.
Jennifer Woodward, 8 months ago

Wow! How creative and talented you are… Very imaginative… I wonder if you’ve thought about writing and illustrating a book?
Tom Godfrey in reply to Jennifer Woodward’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks for the postive vibes Jennifer. I have considered it and I have started one. I might try a few children’s books – just need to work out a few processes.
edlogsdon, 8 months ago

awesome creative work. the details are amazing. great work.
Tom Godfrey in reply to edlogsdon’s comment, 8 months ago

thanks edlogsdon. I’m glad you like it.
Terry Best, 8 months ago

Tom, This is supurb.
Tom Godfrey in reply to Terry Best’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks Terry. I admire you 3D artists -something I still have to get my teeth into. I have Blender, but have not spent much time with it. I love the speed of 2D I guess.
Perla, 8 months ago

It’s magical! Simply fantastic!
Cheers!
Tom Godfrey in reply to Perla’s comment, 8 months ago

Thanks Perla.
mandreasen, 7 months ago

I love mystical creatures. every since i was little… i love the pencil draeing just as much as the other
Tom Godfrey, 7 months ago

Thanks Mandi – double praise :) Cheers.
Carrie Glenn, 7 months ago

Awesome work tom, I truly love this!
Tom Godfrey, 7 months ago

Thanks Carrie
Carlos Teófilo, 7 months ago

Fabulous. You are the master.
ROACHes ROACHes, 7 months ago

nice composition and COLORS !
Tom Godfrey in reply to Carlos Teófilo’s comment, 7 months ago

Thanks Carlos – don’t know about the master bit :) Like most of us artists, I keep noticing how much I still have to learn, when I see the inspirational work of so many here on rb and other sites, but I do thank you for your very kind comment.
Tom Godfrey in reply to ROACHes ROACHes’s comment, 7 months ago

thanks Marisol
Karin Taylor, 7 months ago

wow!
Tom Godfrey in reply to Karin Taylor’s comment, 7 months ago

Thanks Karin
midnightdreamer, 7 months ago

wow…what a fantastic creation!!!!
Rachel Leigh, 7 months ago

so cute! reminds me of my husband’s art… such a fabulous imagination!
Deborah Holman, 7 months ago

Wonderful image, beautiful colours very well done
Tom Godfrey in reply to midnightdreamer’s comment, 7 months ago

Thanks midnight. I’m glad you like it
Tom Godfrey in reply to Rachel Leigh’s comment, 7 months ago

Cheers RachelJayne – I’d love to see some of your hubby’s art -you’ve got me intruiged – website??? :)
Tom Godfrey in reply to Deborah Holman’s comment, 7 months ago

Thanks Deborah. Very kind of you
Shanina Conway, 7 months ago

I missed this one Tom…what fantastic creatures and I just love the eyes so soulful;)
Tom Godfrey in reply to Shanina Conway’s comment, 7 months ago

Thanks Shanina -on advice from my wife and daughters I am trying something a little less scary :) I think they have a point.
Stephen Mitchell, 7 months ago

Somehow I missed this when it was first uploaded. Great work! I love the amazing attention to detail and the interesting story. I bet your kids were read interesting stories and went to sleeping dreaming of distant lands.

PS. The pencil sketch shows what looks like a flying-ship to the top right. What happened to it? And is that the remains of a submarine between the sea-creatures ‘leg’?
ssalt, 7 months ago

Beautiful! I love the finished piece but I simply adore the conept drawing, perhaps it might be a good idea to make that a seperate item for sale? If you haven’t already done so?
Tom Godfrey in reply to ssalt’s comment, 7 months ago

Thanks ssalt, I haven’t actually thought of that, so I may give it a whirl. Cheers for the idea.
Tom Godfrey in reply to Stephen Mitchell’s comment, 7 months ago

Hi Stephen. Thanks for your thoughtful and generous comments. I used to make up a lot of stoires for them -normally because I couldn’t remember the details of the traditional fairy stories :) I ran out of time to add the small flying craft because the pic was for the gnomom workshop competition. I too keep wondering if I should upgrade and add it -might add another point of interest. Submarine, but with a hint of being “other-worldly” :)
Jewd, 7 months ago

So brilliant Tom, love all the textures in this the water is so…wet…lol…
Care, 7 months ago

Hi Tom!!....love what you’ve been up to!!
Per Einar Gunn..., 7 months ago

WoW….this is brilliant, love it!
Tom Godfrey in reply to Jewd’s comment, 7 months ago

Thanks Jewd -be careful not to touch your screen, it could break the thin skin protecting you from trillions of litres of water and a rather large sea creature :)
Tom Godfrey in reply to Care’s comment, 7 months ago

Thanks Care. Have you been reading my mail? :)
Tom Godfrey in reply to Per Einar Gunnarsen IPA’s comment, 7 months ago

Thanks Per. Glad you like it.
Luckyvegetable, 6 months ago

this is so wonderful. What an amazing creation. This reminds me of storybooks I love, where I would keep looking and looking at the image, and find something new each time. Thanks for putting it up =)
Tom Godfrey in reply to Luckyvegetable’s comment, 6 months ago

Thanks Lucky. What a great compliment and I’m happy that you were so moved by the pic.
gerilou, 6 months ago

great cartoon- image amazing
Tom Godfrey in reply to gerilou’s comment, 6 months ago

Thanks gerilou
mealiex, 6 months ago

Wow, your so talented, great work :O) Love the squidggies!
TeriLee, 6 months ago

I love your work…this is amazing!!!
Tom Godfrey in reply to TeriLee’s comment, 6 months ago

Thank you kind lady. It is one of my personal favs.
Nikki Mulkern, 4 months ago

Wow!!!! This is just brilliant, your work is amazing!!!!! =)
Tom Godfrey in reply to Nikki Mulkern’s comment, 4 months ago

Thanks again kind lady
Woodie, 3 months ago

I can see why Brian Towers choose this one! The artwork is brilliant and the writing even better.
Well, the complement each other!!
Cheers Neil
Morgan5, 2 months ago

I love it :)
Tom Godfrey in reply to Woodie’s comment, 2 months ago

thanks Woodie. I’m glad you like the writing as well. It is something I keep promising myself I will get more serious with :)
Tom Godfrey in reply to Morgan5’s comment, 2 months ago

thanks Morgan. It is one of the great joys of art, that we can create any world any way we like. :)
Van Cordle, 2 months ago

Your work is so creative and humorus – it is fantastic!!!
Tom Godfrey in reply to Van Cordle’s comment, 2 months ago

High praise from a respected peer, many thanks Van
navybrat, 2 months ago

amazing!!! reminds me of the story books read to my son at night…both my son and my wife loves this piece too!!! now he wants me to draw him some sea creatures!!! hahaha…i’m on it now!!!
Tom Godfrey in reply to navybrat’s comment, 2 months ago

Hi Navybrat. That’s really cool. To have inspired you guys like that feels fantastic. Many thanks.
Gili Orr, 2 months ago

Great! but you don’t really need ME to tell you that, do you ;-)
Tom Godfrey in reply to Gili Orr’s comment, 2 months ago

:) I’m glad you did though.
Holly Werner, about 1 month ago

Love it! This is so cool.
Tom Godfrey in reply to Holly Werner’s comment, about 1 month ago

Thanks Holly. It is one of my personal favs
Carole Felmy, about 1 month ago

a great piece, beautifully done, love it
Tom Godfrey in reply to Carole Felmy’s comment, about 1 month ago

Thank you Carole
Rachel Orrick, about 1 month ago

I love the detail of the observers being there. Really great work!
Tom Godfrey in reply to Rachel Orrick’s comment, about 1 month ago

thanks Rachel – yeh I drew them in to give a sense of scale and also to add to the story. thanks for the comment.
rightasrain, 25 days ago

Hahahaha now that’s flirting if ever I saw it lol :-)
sunrender, 14 days ago

amaising work! big compliment!
Tom Godfrey in reply to rightasrain’s comment, 14 days ago

:) Even Sea Creatures get romantic -where do you think Tsunamis really come from :)
Tom Godfrey in reply to sunrender’s comment, 14 days ago

Thanks sunrender, much appreciated
rightasrain, 11 days ago

Hahahaha oh well said Tom! Lol….....
Van Cordle, 10 days ago

This is soo cool and fun and fantastic!!
Van Cordle, 10 days ago

Love the drawing too!!
Tom Godfrey in reply to rightasrain’s comment, 10 days ago

;)
Tom Godfrey in reply to Van Cordle’s comment, 10 days ago

Thanks the Vanster. Cool comment
Colleen Battis..., 10 days ago

great work! You should do a Children’s Book, or have you already?
Tom Godfrey in reply to Colleen Battistoni’s comment, 10 days ago

Thanks :) I have got as far as joining SCBWI – lots of ground to cover, but it is definitely on my “Bucket List” :)
KCGraphics, 4 days ago

Love it!
Tom Godfrey in reply to KCGraphics’s comment, 4 days ago

Thanks KC