Sketching Daily: Day 12 "Ani-Morphs, Part 2'

Yesterday, I did a challenge that involved taking two animals and morphing them together. I created Cheeratah (a rat-cheetah hybrid). I was trying to explain how it's skeletal and muscular system worked and well I didn't do a very good job explaining it. So I decided that for today's challenge, I would show you how Cheeratah moves. On the right, is a picture of Cheeratah's Skeletal System while he is sitting down. I had way to much fun with this drawing! I modeled the body off of the skeleton of a cat and the head is similar to a rats head but more elongated. I never realized that the vertebra on a cat was so spiky! It gave the skeleton a very wicked look.You can also see how Cheeratah's back legs are slightly longer than its forearms while sitting. However when it stands not only does its shoulder blades roll forward but the weight keeping its forearms compressed relaxes and we see the long legged Cheeratah we saw in my very first drawing of him. 

The major difference in the skeleton is the legs and feet of the creature. You can see how (as I was explaining yesterday) the bone structure in its front forearm looks very similar to a shock absorber (image below) you would see on a car. The metal part of the absorber is the bone system and spring (orange) wrapping around it is similar to how the muscle system will look. 

Now, on to how Cheeratah moves. Take off is the most strenuous task for the Cheeratah, and this is one of the few times it's back legs actually come into play. It launches itself into the air using its back legs for take of then lands on its front legs. The force used to jump as well as gravity compress the spring like muscle in its forelegs. Once set, the Cheeratah simply rocks forward and relaxes its legs which release the spring shooting it forward. Each step is almost effortless because of the design of its bones. Once at full speed it can soar great distances from the built up energy. The only real effort is when it has to clench its arms and legs while soaring. The sketch below will give you a better idea of how it moves. From here it can change direction using his rear legs or its tail. It is also really good at flipping in the air which allows it to jump great heights. If it needs to stop it simply redirects its momentum using the springs in its forearms or flipping and landing on its back legs. I will have to say I would love to see a baby Cheeratah learn how to walk and run. Can you imagine how many times it will spring onto its face before it masters the technique?!?!