Teaching myself how to draw a chameleon, then painting one

1

The first attempt. Never really sketched a chameleon before. I studied a few examples of live chameleons. I decided it was important to have spikes on the back and chin, and blank stare-faces.

5

My fifth go was pretty good. I started thinking about the way stripes/colors would work. I added mouth scales. I thought about how many toes they have.

8

My second try at color didn't quite get it, but it was a start. I got the idea to use the eye as ridges for the accent colors. 

9

This one got the color right, but not quite the form. 
 

 I ended up using the form of number 5 and the color scheme of 9 to create this painting. I love how it came out. I gave it to my mom for Christmas.