I have been really into skulls as of late so that was the inspiration behind the drawing initially. As I worked it made me think of all the animals that don't survive through winters....something that come up a lot in late winter and early spring in photography being as I live so very close to Yellowstone. So this guy evolved into something like a collective spirit or guardian for all the forest creatures that find the winter months to harsh and unforgiving.
Which in the end really inspired the cold color palette and the rather desolate setting.

PS CS3