Gruslen in the grass
If you were exploring the internet in the late 90s and early 2000s, Neopets was likely a massive part of your digital life. One of the most charming aspects of the world of Neopia was the "Petpets"-small companions for your main Neopet. Among the hundreds of species, the Gruslen always stood out as a favorite to me. The inspiration for this 2009 piece didn't come from a computer screen, however. It came from a physical McDonald's keychain I had acquired during one of their legendary Neopets Happy Meal promotions. There was something about the weight and the 3D form of that keychain that boasted the "beauty" of the Gruslen. It felt less like a simple toy and more like a miniature statue of a prehistoric beast. This little figure served as my primary reference, allowing me to see the creature from multiple angles as I translated it onto white printing paper.
What makes the Gruslen such a compelling subject for an artist is its bizarre yet adorable anatomy. It is essentially a hybrid of a saber-toothed tiger and a walrus. 1.The Tusks: The most "majestic" feature of a Gruslen is its pair of massive, downward-curving tusks. In this drawing, I focused on making them look sturdy and sharp, giving the creature a "prehistoric" feel. 2.The Stout Body: Unlike the lanky "Teenage Cheetah" I drew around the same time, the Gruslen is low to the ground and thick. Capturing that "sturdy" silhouette was key to making it look like a real beast sitting in a meadow. 3.The "O-O" Stare: In my original notes, I mentioned that this creature sits and stares at you with a deep, wide-eyed gaze. This "O-O" expression is a classic Neopets trait. It creates a sense of "deep contemplation," as if the Gruslen is pondering the very meaning of life-or perhaps just wondering when its next bowl of Kibble will arrive.
Using a #2 pencil and crayons was the perfect choice for this specific Neopian scene. Neopets art is known for its bold colors and clean outlines, and I tried to mimic that style as closely as possible. 1.The Field of Green: To create the "meadow" effect, I used various shades of green crayons. I learned that by using short, upward strokes, I could simulate the look of individual blades of grass around the Gruslen's paws, making him feel like he was actually in the environment rather than just floating on the paper. 2.Shading the Tusks: Since tusks are ivory/white, you can't just leave them blank paper. I used a very light touch with the #2 pencil to create "rim shadows" along the edges of the tusks. This gave them a 3D, rounded look that matched the keychain reference. 3.Likeness and Proportions: For the time, this was one of my most "accurate" drawings. Because I had the physical keychain to look at, I was able to get the "similar likeness" that I was striving for. It taught me the value of drawing from life (even if that "life" is a plastic toy) rather than just drawing from memory.
Petpets weren't just sidekicks; they were a way for Neopets players to express their personality. The Gruslen, hailing from the icy region of Terror Mountain, represented a "tough but cuddly" aesthetic. By choosing to draw the Gruslen "relaxing" in a grassy field rather than in its native snow, I was telling a small story. It's a "fish out of water" (or a walrus out of snow) moment that suggests this "beautiful beast" is enjoying a rare vacation in the warmer meadows of Neopia.
Looking back at this piece, I still feel that same affection I had for that McDonald's keychain. The Gruslen represents a time when inspiration could come from anywhere-even a fast-food toy. It reminds me that "majestic" creatures don't always have to be giant dragons or lions; sometimes, they are small, tusked companions sitting quietly in the grass, staring back at us with wide, thoughtful eyes. Whether you are a long-time Neopets fan or just someone who appreciates prehistoric-style character designs, I hope this Gruslen brings a bit of "Neopian nostalgia" to your day. Just remember: if you stare back long enough, you might start contemplating the meaning of life, too!
Date: 2009
Medium: white printing paper with #2 pencil and crayons