The "Jersey Devil" as a realistic animal
Added 2025-09-25 21:53:17 +0000 UTCCreated for generous patron E. S. - a depiction of the famous "Jersey Devil" cryptid as a winged artiodactyl.
This was a very welcome commission - the original illustration depicting this beast was living rent-free in my brain since I first saw it in one of Karl Shuker's books as a child...
I used the classic image as the basis of my initial study. I imagined the Jersey Devil as a flying artiodactyl, with pterosaur-like wings supported by cartilaginous struts.
I referenced hammerhead bats - Hypsignathus monstrosus, and gerenuk antelope - Litocranius walleri, to create a detailed portrait of the creature.
I combined the portrait with a detailed drawing of the body to create my final rendition.
And another commission is complete! Thank you all for your support on Patreon, and beyond!
Comments
I've been to/through the Jersey Pine Barrens. Interesting region. Basically, it's an all-conifer forest in rather poor soil with trees between 3 and 7 meters, I'd estimate.
John Weiss
2025-09-30 22:26:19 +0000 UTCGlad you liked it!
C. M. Kosemen
2025-09-26 07:01:15 +0000 UTCAs someone from New Jersey, the original depiction and stories freaked me out as a child. Love your take on it!
Red Shark
2025-09-25 22:36:51 +0000 UTC
