Edit 2: Hurrah! Finally some new interest in my contest(s)!!

EDIT: Still haven't decided a deadline, but it hangs more on the number of submissions I get than any actual length of time.

Okay it's been awhile and I've been toying with the idea for some time, so here goes.

The Gryphonic Descent

<img src="http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c156/sabelfukaimori/phorusrhacuscheetahgriffcopy.png"

I've noticed a growing trend in fantasy art for recombining mythical creatures. Most notably I cite the majestic Griffin. (also spelt Griffon, Gryphon, Gryffin etc etc) Originially this beast is said to be the mythical cross between an Eagle and a Lion. They were said to be defenders of treasure, and creatures of Truth and Justice. And now for the recombinant part. It began I believe simple enough with Mercedes Lackey's presentation of a griffon who'd had falcon instead of eagle principles. And of course the Hippogriff was a genuine creation of old (said to be the offspring of a griffon and a horse, significant as the two races were rumored to be enemies) recently made popular in the Harry Potter continuity. I have seen several recombined griffons, some so simple as a golden eagle and leopard as in *k1sch's Tanacor, to *hibbary's Winter an owl/fox or ~riosaris's KiwiGryphon

The object of this contest will be to invent a similarly original and strange cross of Bird and big cat (or other creature I suppose). Whoever has best captured that concept will win. It is not as much about the art itself (though it sure wouldn't hurt) as the concept, so get thinking. You can make as many contributions to the contest as you'd like, though you can only place once. I'm entering the contest myself (though naturally I'm disqualified from placing lol) with a phorusrhacos-cheetah cross. Prizes will be as follows

First Place- Fully colored and rendered picture of your choice, placed as my featured Deviation.

Second Place- Simple flat colored picture

Third Place- Pencil sketch


Contestants:
*PoldalleLovesnare :thumb73463025: [link]

*Drakague :thumb74366568: [link]

~adameia :thumb75894877: [link]

*squanpie :thumb76980045: [link]

*Blue-Uncia :thumb104270986:
[link]