i decided after making a baby portrait of Dante that i needed to make a baby portrait of Gaframor - my muse/spirit guide/best friend/whatever she wants to be.

i think she's very cute, with that baby-pudge and all!!!

baby Gaddala (my version of dragons) when they are born have very different markings than when they are adults. the markings on male Gaddala cubs generally remain the same throughout their life - so Dante will end up keeping those cute freckles on his chin. however, their dark colors tend to get darker, and their light colors tend to get lighter.

female Gaddala cubs' markings are totally different than their adult forms. their markings start out spotty and splotchy like a males', but over time "smooth out" until they are generally smooth gradients. as well, females develop bright markings that are different colors from their main coloration during puberty.

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a note to those who would scream "art theft" - at times my art can be heavily influenced by other artists. it's one of the ways i learn. i always try to imitate their style without stealing from them - you know, the way babies imitate their parents to learn.

for that reason, i've been accused of art theft from an artist when in reality, i was just trying to learn from them in a roundabout way. they did help me out of my funk, and for that i thank them greatly.

however, i'm still having a hard time pulling my character - Gaframor - away from their personal character. for that reason, i've decided to give credit where credit is due and say that Gaframor's paw-pads in this piece are inspired by recent works by  ahkahna.

i thank her for her inspiration and her help along my rough path.

1/9/12 - put in scraps