Race the Flames WIP2

Figured I'd post this guy, just to show I still have some art time, limited thought it may be. I have been working on this in class. Since it's a personal piece, I don't have to worry about having references ready or anything, so in some ways, it's easier and actually helps me to concentrate better. At least, for now. (Future classes might be quite different.)

So, I fixed some anatomy flaws from the original sketch. Thanks for the help and tips and advice, guys! It was a huge help and saved this piece from disappearing in a past sketch book. I tried for a different coat color than I've ever done, plus two-toned lighting (which I don't think really came out). And the fiery lighting tones was very tricky! I've never done so much of it before. It look good? Not that I can really fix anything at this point . . . The hooves will be done when I do the grass, just so everything's the same color tones. Mane and tail will be touched up when I do the sky behind him. And, in case it isn't painfully obvious, the bird is definitely a phoenix. I'm coloring him now. Oh, yeah, and I tried something new with coloring. Normally I will use one color for the final blending, but I didn't this time. What do you think of it?

So, enjoy the teaser picture! Who knows when this thing will be finished.