2700 x 3600 x 300ppi
Photoshop 5

This was done entirely with layered "color to transparent" gradients. Constraints: As the phoenix rises out of the flames, it will transform from a plasma state to a solid avian form; at the same time the colors must imply the transition of fire and increasing heat from the ground flames to it's white-hot breast.

I'm still not too fond of the left wing/tail solution.

First posted as a linked image to CG Talk in mid 2003.