Artist Reply: Hello Sir!! :c) well I appreciated your critic comments. Its how we get better right? I am self taught.. and I had not drawn ANYTHING in many many years. This was a commissioned project a friend asked me to do for her to give as a gift to her father for christmas. First of all the reason you dont see any Elk muscles tone is because those are not elk first of all (LOL) those are caribou. Caribou tend to look 'soft' .. unless its in full shed and very short coat you will see muscle tone and ribs... but when they are getting their winter coats as these prime bulls have..you dont see the muscle tone as much. Keep in mind also that this was my 3rd picture since starting to draw again. I am rusty and learning to get better as I go. Some might feel they are too fat for wild animals. I agree.. however..again..some bulls in rut often have a very filled out body. The trees ... are not pine but Spruce. Thanks for the kind and educational comment about my pictures. I am working hard to perfect my talent as the Lord gives me. My best picture waits to be shown yet..that I will share next month. smiles.. have a great day!!! Kath